What I do ...
What I do ...
I am experienced in overseeing application upgrades in a mixed technology multi-platform environment typically composed of a core legacy system supported by a number of satellite systems using newer technologies and methodologies.
Not all systems can change at the same time; often some are supported by external vendors working to their unique cadance. Release management must ensure that these system interactions are not disrupted by a system upgrade.
Each system increment will likely be composed of system enhancments and maintenance adjustements
Corporate and regulatory governance considerations must be observed and evidenced
The objective is to monitor the release as a whole for emerging risks and respond to mitigate these risks before they materialze
AT EACH STAGE OF THE RELEASE LIFECYCLE
Initiation - candidates for inclusion in the release are ready to start
Projects have defined (authorized) scope
Upstream constraints / prerequisites are identified
Downstream impacts - dependent developments are identified and planned for
Confirmed technical solution
Funding has been secured
Available human / technical resources have been identified and allocated
Projects can meet delivery schedule for inclusion in the product deployment
Build - monitoring the design and development of participant projects to ensure that they are on track for inclusion in the release
Project adherence to authorized scope (backlog grooming)
Solutions adherence to architecture guidance
Projects remain within cost constraints or obtain approval for more funding
Resources are available if scope creep / project slippage
Preparation of Documentation / planning for operational impact of the solution
Downstream system impacts are recognized and accounted for
Validation - ensuring that participant projects and changes in the release fulfill expectations
Functional testing
Non functional / performance testing
Regression testing (existing functionality - system interfaces)
Operational impact / readiness testing
Defect management (tracking, volume and resolution turnaround)
Client acceptance
Production Ready - ensuring that the combined release is ready for production and can be deployed without undue outages or service disruption
Certified Production ready code
Identification and mitigation for any unresolved defects moving into production
Technical readiness (servers / networks etc.)
Ensuring downstream systems readiness
Operational rollout plans / readiness
Change Management approvals
Deployment schedule
Deployment / Rollback testing
Deploment & Warranty - monitoring the deployment process and ensuring that any issues encountered are resolved or mitigated promptly
Deployment and post deployment validation
Post deployment support
Incident management (Rollback vs. fix forward)