This phase involves three major efforts: testing your installation procedures for MSMQ and your MSMQ-based application, documenting the logistics of the pilot installation, and preparing the user training plan. These efforts are a combination of planning and lab-testing work that involves:
The first steps in developing a training plan are to acquire a training lab, set up computers in the lab, and appoint a team member as instructor. If in-house resources are not available, use a vendor to develop and conduct the training. The instructor will be responsible for creating and testing the training program.
Developing an administrator training plan is similar to developing a user training plan. Even if the deployment team members will be doing all the MSMQ related administration, you will likely need to have an administrator training plan for backup administrators, and to train replacements as the MSMQ administrators move on to other jobs.
Similar to the training plan, the support plan must be ready to go online the first day you begin installing MSMQ and your MSMQ-based application. Because the quality of support that's available during the pilot rollout will be seen as an indicator of the quality of the rollout as a whole, it is important that you plan carefully to make sure effective support is available.
Developing the administrative plan is similar to developing the support plan. Your MSMQ and MSMQ-based application administrators must be trained, and understand their rolls and responsibilities the first day you begin installing MSMQ and your MSMQ-based application. Because the quality of administrative support that's available during the pilot rollout will be seen as an indicator of the quality of the rollout as a whole, it is important that you plan carefully to make sure the MSMQ infrastructure and MSMQ-based application are administered effectively.
Another step at this stage is informing users about the pilot rollout plan. You can use a videotape presentation, an interoffice memo, or a company meeting as the means for communicating with user about the rollout. Regardless of the form used, the message must explain to users the benefits of moving to your new MSMQ-based application and describe the overall plan and process by which each group or department will make the move. This makes it easier for you users to plan for and accept the migration to your new MSMQ-based application as part of their schedules.