Topic 1.1

• What stakeholder should be considered when planning a new system?


  Client or end-users
• A consequence of not including all the stakeholders in the design of the system

  The system won't reflect a comprehensive input in the design specification
• Why should testing be carried out at every stage of the development process?

  To look for bugs before the entire program is finished
• Parallel Changeover


  Outputs of both systems can be compared to ensure that the new system is functioning properly. If the new system fails, the company can revert or return to the old system otherwise the old system can be terminated.

  
  

  Running two different systems simultaneously means extra costs and workload because it requires that the two systems run parallel for a certain period of time.
• Big Bang/Direct


  Very risky since the company plugs in the new system and unplugs the old one at the same time.

  
  

  There are dangers associated with this method if the new system does not function as expected. This method is preferred when the system is not critical. With this approach, all users need to be trained appropriately before the switch takes place,
• The need for accurate user documentation


  Ensures user satisfaction; accuracy allows for less confusion
• Compatibility issues


  Time zine differences

  Language and cultural differences

  Software incompatibility
• Causes of data loss

  Viruses: malicious malware that steals data

  Incomplete data transfer: loss of data from interrupted data transfer
• Backup strategies


  Failover system: switches to a 2nd database, if a system fails

  Offsite storage: if something goes wrong at one location there is another
• Why use beta testing?

  Done at client's location so it can be adapted to theirs

  Fair feedback as not done by organisation's employees