Management application projects can be categorised according to different criteria. Depending on whether your problem area is, for example, the rebuilding of a complete information system or the rapid evolution of an autonomous application (e.g. sales room), the techniques used, the development methodology and the methods of conducing the project are likely to be radically different.

For example, you could use the more advanced technologies and the more "agile" methods (such as eXtreme Programming) in the second case, whereas as much more structured methodology (such as the component approach) and well-proven techniques (which doesn't necessarily mean less up-to-date) would be preferable in the rebuilding of the system.

Another fundamental point in the choices to make upstream will be the development strategy used in a rebuild, e.g.:

• Will it be good enough to evolve a mainframe type system using the technologies of revamping and web-to-host ?
• Must we envisage a complete rewrite of the system using only the new technologies (J2EE, .Net, Web services, ...) ?
• Or should we implement a progressive integration of new technologies into the old systems by introducing EAI tools, for example?

The answer to this type of question isn't always obvious and a certain number of criteria have to be taken into account before making a decision. For example:

• Is the enterprise for which the system is being rebuilt a large company with branches and offices throughout the world?
• Should we put in place B2B type business processes or will the processes be purely internal?
• Is the B2C (direct access supplied to clients) aspect of the project fundamental or should we concentrate rather on the contents (changing nature of the products, the services, ..., maintenance costs) ?

Depending on the strategic choices and the budget, it may or may not be possible to attain all of these objectives.

Finally, a fundamental point in rebuilding of a management system is putting in place an organisation that is adapted to all levels. It must particularly take into account in the makeup of this organisation all the aspects of the relationship end-user/provider that are so often underestimated.

SOFTEAM, with its wide experience in the profession, can help you solve these problems through its Consulting, Training, Development and Products Services.