IBM FILENET P8 PREPARING FOR A SUCCESSFUL UPGRADE January
2007
www.filenet.com page 3
Introduction
Upgrading software is not a simple task. It requires careful
consideration and a good business justification. Once youve made
your decision to upgrade, it also requires a strong planning
process.
This article poses five questions that you will need to answer
prior to your upgrade. While not intended to address details
specific to a particular version of FileNet P8, the article
presents you with high level considerations that will guide your
upgrade planning process.
1) Are you going to add new hardware or software?
Often, the decision to upgrade is based on the desire to enhance
and/or expand the current system. New functionality provides you
with the ability to solve additional business problems and to
address technical requirements.
Solving additional business problems typically means new users
are added, new processes are developed, and increased transaction
volumes are anticipated. Addressing technical requirements, like
corporate standards, may result in database and operating system
conversions. In both cases, you may need to source new hardware or
software, which needs to be budgeted and accounted for in the
project plan.
2) Do you have a development system? Is it up-to-date?
Prior to deploying your upgraded system, you will need to test
your applications in a non-production environment. If you dont have
a development system or if its not up-to-date with the latest
configuration, versions, and patches, you will need to make
provisions to ensure that your applications are compliant with the
new system and ready for your users.
3) Do you have an HA/DR plan in place?
If you dont currently have an HA/DR plan, consider developing
one as part of your upgrade process. Server farms and data
replication have come a long way and represent an excellent way to
ensure that your systems are reliable and accessible. FileNet can
help you with architectural recommendations and disaster recovery
plan development.
4) What is your timeframe?
Establishing a realistic timeframe is a critical first step. As
we noted, upgrading is not a simple process. FileNets open
standards and multi-vendor support provides you with increased
flexibility but also results in greater complexity due to the
myriad of configuration options.
Your FileNet system will interact with many other facets of the
business. Therefore, planning and managing your upgrade requires
coordination across your enterprise. Your upgrade process will
probably require you to involve:
System architects OS and database staff Security specialists
Application developers Business managers
Ultimately, the timeframe for your project will be determined by
the complexity of your system. However, its not uncommon for the
upgrade process to take six to twelve months from the beginning of
the discovery phase to signing the contract, sourcing hardware and
software, scheduling, testing, and final deployment.
IBM FILENET P8 PREPARING FOR A SUCCESSFUL UPGRADE January
2007
www.filenet.com page 4
5) Do you have an accurate budget?
Depending on your answers to the preceding questions, your
budget may need to be updated. New hardware and software may need
to be sourced to meet technical requirements, standards, or
enhancements.
The need for training is also commonly forgotten. To fully
utilize FileNet P8, your staff needs to understand not only FileNet
software but also software from other vendors which make up your
total solution. This is true not only for system administrators but
developers and support personnel as well.
FileNet Can Help
By no means are these questions the only ones youll face during
your planning process. You will need to address many more specific
questions as you progress through the planning process and
ultimately perform the upgrade. However, these five questions will
help guide you through the initial macro issues that need to be
addressed to ensure a successful upgrade.
You have a number of resources available to help you with the
specifics. As always, feel free to contact FileNet for help.
FileNet experts can direct you to technical information
including:
Worksheets Checklists Product documentation Technical bulletins
Release notes
Additionally, upon request, FileNet can produce customized
documentation that details the upgrade process specific for your
enterprise including a project plan and an estimate of the hours
involved.
Finally, the FileNet CSS website (www.css.filenet.com) has an
entire section devoted to upgrades and installations. This site is
restricted to current customers with valid support agreements and
requires an account. Please contact the Client Relations Group
([email protected]) if you do not have an account.
For More Information
If you would like more information on how to plan your upgrade
please contact your Account Executive, CSS District Manager, or
Implementation Project Manager. Additionally, you can email our
Install/Upgrade team directly at [email protected].
