Conversion Strategy

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• Conversion Strategy
• Session I

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With Your Host
Yosemite Sam
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Session I

• Hardware Platform
• Licensing
• Resources (Staffing)
• Skill set needed
• Training
• Cost estimates
• Timeframe

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Session II

• Today 315 PM in Gwynn
• Unique ProSAM modules
• Common Pitfalls
• Audience Experience
• Questions/Answers

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Do Not

• Do not go charging in without a plan
• Do not underestimate the project hours cost

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Hardware Platform

• Select Desired Platform
• Unix - most typical platforms
• AIX
• Solaris
• HP-UX
• Linux
• RedHat
• SuSe
• Windows Server 200x
• z/OS SUSE Linux partition
• Only available option for mainframe
• Requires ACUCOBOL

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Hardware Platform Continued

• Multiple Regions Required
• Dev, QA, Production
• Relational Database
• Separate or existing server
• An instance needed for each region
• Client runs on Windows OS
• Thin client
• Windows XP or 2000
• Minimum 128 MB RAM
• Minimum 20 MB Hard Drive Space
• Minimum 800 x 600 resolution

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ProSAM and Application Server
Application Server
Database
SOCKET
Request
Response
Socket Descriptor
Authentication
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Licensing

• Base Installation
• No re-licensing fees from Sigma
• ANSI-compliant C compiler
• GNU C Compiler may be used in some cases. Verify
  with Sigma FIRST.
• Some may come with Operating System

• COBOL Compilers
• Microfocus
• Net Express IDE Runtime (contact Microfocus rep
  for price)
• Windows Server 200x
• Server Express Runtime
• UNIX
• AcuCorp (pricing varies due to platform)
• ACUCOBOL-GT Compiler Runtime
• Available for UNIX, Linux and z/OS SUSE Linux

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Licensing - Continued

• Open Source Tools (Free!)
• XSLT transformation engine, Xalan
• Available at http//www.apache.org
• Java SE
• Available at http//java.sun.com

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Licensing - Continued
Baseline Installation Including Web Services and
Integration

• All requirements of Baseline Installation
• XML Exchange Service (provided by Sigma)
• Web Service and Integration Servlets
• Open Source Tools (Free!)
• Xerces, Tomcat, SOAP
• Available at http//www.apache.org
• Java EE
• Available at http//java.sun.com
• JDOM
• Available at http//www.jdom.org

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Resources Needed

• Overall Project Manager
• IT Resources
• 1 FTE programmer/analyst
• .5 FTE programmer/analyst
• FA Resources
• 1.5 FTE Process design/ testing
• .75 FTE Revise existing procedures / train staff
• Sporadic involvement
• Process specialists (loan, etc.)
• Policy decision authority

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Skill Set Needed

• Unix/Linux Expertise
• File permissions/Security
• Create/Execute Korn Shell Scripts
• Basic Linux/Unix commands
• Create/Modify user .profiles
• Use of make utility
• Process scheduling and execution
• Navigation / copying / moving files within Unix
• More on Recommended List

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Skill Set Needed

• Windows Server Expertise
• File Permissions/Security
• Create/Execute Shell Scripts
• DOS
• Windows Scripting
• Basic DOS commands
• Basic Administrator tasks such as
• Launching Services
• Setting environment variables
• Create Users/Groups
• Creating Logon scripts
• Comfort level using IDE environments
• Process scheduling and execution
• Navigation / copying / moving files within
  Windows
• More on Recommended List

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Skill Set Needed

• Database expertise
• Installation of DB software
• Applying patches / upgrades
• Defining / Altering DB tables
• Growth monitoring
• Name space and region management
• Creation of backup / restore procedures
• Effective structured queries / multi-table joins
• More on Recommended List

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Skill Set Needed

• Project Management
• Coordinate with
• Sigma
• IT Resources
• FA Resources
• Statement of Work

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Statement of Work
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Conversions/Interfaces

• Requirements Gathering
• Convert SAM data Utility transaction programs
• Unload, unpack, transfer, pack, load
• Clean up data if necessary
• Bursar Interface for disbursement
• Ad-hoc reporting requirements (new environment)

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Conversions/Interfaces
Java Service
Application Server
Business Process Engine
SOCKET
SOCKET
Request
Request
Response
Socket Descriptor
Response
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Conversions/Interfaces
User Interface
ProSAM Client Applications
Browser
ProSAM Application Services
Web Application Services
Portal/Web Services
ProSAM Application Server
Authentication
Java Service
Financial Aid Database
ERP/SIS System Interface
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Training

• Executive Training Seminar
• SAM to ProSAM Training Guides
• Webex training sessions
• http//sigmasys.webex.com
• Train the trainers
• Typically train the implementation team and they
  train everyone else

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Cost Estimate

• No need to re-license software
• ProSAM treated as upgrade
• No increase in annual maintenance costs
• 2500 software delivery fee
• Six months dual environmental maintenance
  (included)

• Additional optional modules, available only in
  ProSAM
• Installation costs
• Remote access lower cost
• Training costs
• Ballpark 20K - 50K

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Timeframe

• Bare minimum of three months
• Typical timeframe is six months
• Run SAM/ProSAM concurrently for a month
• Dont bring up ProSAM under two years at once
• Sigma availability limited from Oct - Feb

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Success!
Throw a parade!
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Questions?
Yee Haa! prosam_at_sigmasys.com