It/205 Hardware Replacement Project

Jameel Leslie

IT/205

Hardware Replacement Project

Week 8

April 13, 2014

The IT department is implementing a new CRM solution in its corporate offices. The hardware currently in use is out of date and will not support the CRM application. The hardware must be replaced prior to deployment.

Implementing a CRM solution to any department is a very beneficial step in establishing, improving and maintaining a positive relationship between the corporation and its customers. Such an undertaking would no doubt come with a lot of excitement, high expectations as well as risks attributed with integrating legacy systems into the newer incoming CRM systems. The same can be said when incorporating new Software and Hardware in an IT department.

Project planning and management comes with several considerations that need to be taken into account when launching new projects and developments; each having their own major benefits and possible pitfalls to consider throughout the duration of the project. For a technical operation such as a CRM implantation in the IT department to be successful, the following variables should be carefully evaluated:

* Scope – Evaluating how much work will or will not be needed; to what extent certain parts of the implementation needs to go. The IT department is unique in its needs for a CRM system, therefore insight is needed as to what specifics with regards to both hardware and software compatibility, as well as how well the systems collaborate with different departments and on what level.

* Time – The timeframe for completing this kind of software system implementation is a crucial element that needs to be taken into careful consideration. The IT department, due to the nature of its responsibilities, cannot afford to be hit with time constraints and setbacks from the project. Adequate time allotment is necessary if we are to achieve a smooth transition from legacy system to this new CRM.

* Cost – Cost may be one of the...