Answer to Question #203570 in Management for Nablis

Question

After a new business information system is developed, there are different conversion strategies that an Information System analyst team follows to switch from old system to the newly developed system. Discuss these conversion strategies briefly and suggest one which you think most risky in terms of information loss (assuming other things constant) 

Answer 1

Business Information system conversion strategies

Conversion is the process of switching from the old system to the new system. The four primary conversion strategies are:

Parallel method

The two systems work alongside each other for a given period. Upon completion of the specified time, the organization compares the results and decides.

Direct Cut Over

This involves switching from the old system to the new system immediately. This reduces the cost. However, the risk is very high if the new system fails since it would affect the entire company. This would mean that the company would lose all the information.

Pilot method

This involves introducing the system in one department and implementing it in the entire company upon satisfaction of key requirements.

Phased Method

This strategy involves replacing the old system in phases. The system is introduced in the company a department at a time, unlike the pilot method in which the system is tested in one department and implemented in the entire company.