Introduction
The goal of any install/upgrade regardless of the software used should be a smooth experience from start to finish. It should not matter if the work takes place on a weekday or a weekend. This process should include clear messages on what is happening, a solid next step should any problems occur, and the capability of a complete backup and transparent restoration of the pre-installation implementation environment.
Install/Uprade/Migration Streamline Focus Project
To help APM continue to make great strides in this crucial area, I am focusing for six months on various tasks to improve the APM installation/upgrade/migration process.
This includes but is not limited to
* Having Support and Sustaining Engineers create or provide input for knowledge documents in this area. Then measure the number of accesses of these documents.
* Work with various APM Development Teams to provide input on improvements to the install/upgrade software steps such as the APM Database area.
* Create an APM/MTP Cookbook with step by step on what to do for installs/upgrades. This was completed and is in the process of being incorporated into the official APM documentation.
* Actively partnering with Technical Documentation staff to revise the official documentation as an ongoing task. For example, I talked previously about the new APM Install/Upgrade Checklists that is part now of APM 10.5.2. Also track number of accesses for the checklists and other new documentation links,
* Track the number of support cases before and after this effort to understand the impact of the above improvements.
Your Turn
I expect this to continue past the six months. So would like to know your suggestions on how this effort should proceed.
I value your opinion and hope to hear from you soon on other things that we should be doing in this area.