Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
A list of third-party tools used in the source system, such as report
writers, visual components, import-export tools that might be
different at the destination
A good plan for cutting over the migrated system
A strategy for using the new system effectively — including changes
to any business processes required
Extensive training on the new system, because the users must
overcome the years of familiarity with using the earlier system
Resistance to Migration
Migrations are often resisted internally, with great effectiveness. Some of
the resistance is based on genuine doubts about being able to accomplish
a successful migration, or doubts regarding the suitability of the “new”
technology recommended. Appreciating this resistance is important.
The cost factor involved in a migration is quite important. Although
the enhancements do play a role, essentially one is spending considerable
resources to go from Point A to Point A. Is it really called for? Is it worth
it? Is this the right time? These are some of the questions to answer before
undertaking the job.
Migrations have two ends: (1) the source and (2) the target. In the
case of legacy systems in particular, there is often a lack of sufficient
knowledge of the source system, although it is successfully in operation.
It is possible that the documentation is outdated, or else the original
developers have since retired. Some might say that this is an argument
in favor of migration. However, one can understand how such a situation
increases the risk that what one gets will not be what one started with.
In fact, in such situations, one may not even know what one has lost in
the transition. This can also become a reason for the staff to resist the
migration. Sometimes there may be resistance because they are afraid in
revealing what they do not know about the systems they were operating.
It is also natural that there are legitimate concerns in the minds of staff
members about their roles in the new systems (Figure 11.2). A migration
Migration
Source
Target
Migration has two ends
Figure 11.2
Resistance to migration.
