Plan the Technical Evolution

Develop the overarching plan to manage the IT evolution, keeping the IT planning consistent with the IT Strategic Plan, the Technical Architecture, and the HS Agencies Program needs.

Overview

The initial planning of the IT evolution starts when the HS IT organization has completed the strategic planning process, described in the Strategic IT Planning and Management Guide. This initial planning process is generally executed once, and the resultant plan is used and adjusted over time. This level of planning needs to be performed only if the IT Evolution takes a significantly new direction. This may happen if there is a major change in strategic direction (e.g., reversal on implementing client services via the Web) or a significant change in the architectural vision (e.g., adopting an emerging technology for the development and deployment of applications). These changes are communicated through major releases of the HS IT Strategic Plan and the A-TARS.

The planning activities are based on the strategic direction and Technical Architecture information, as well as the specific needs of HS programs (e.g., HS Agency mandates) to develop the evolutionary path. The evolutionary path is described in a series of Plateaus. The near-term Plateaus are described in detail. Plateaus defined further into the future should have less detail to address any uncertainty inherent in long-range planning.

The planning activities define work to be done for each Plateau, estimate the cost for each Plateau, and develop an overall schedule. A cost/benefit analysis is prepared and used to guide planning and implementation choices. When necessary, planning information may be compiled and used to submit APDs to the appropriate sponsoring HS Agencies.

This activity is concluded when the stakeholders have committed to the IT Evolution Plan. Once the initial plan is developed, it is kept up to date as a part of the Manage The Technical Evolution activities.

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Activities

Developing the IT Evolution Plan involves the following key activities:

1. Define Context. Set up the IT Evolution Management Team, identify stakeholders, prioritize evolution goals, identify alternative ways to achieve goals, and note significant constraints.
2. Analyze Risks. Identify and analyze the risks to achieving the goals, developing a plan to manage the risks.
3. Plan Development of the IT Evolution Plan. Plan the activities to create the IT Evolution Plan.
4. Develop the IT Evolution Plan. Produce and commit to the initial version of the IT Evolution Plan, detailing the near-term Plateaus and characterizing the long-term Plateaus.