• Required Product Functionality
• Required Technical Standards
• Quality of Product / Service
• Cost of Product / Service
• Vendor Record of Support for Product / Service
• Experience / Reliability of the Product / Service Provider
• Other Relevant Criteria

Technology Planning

Developing a Technology Master Plan is the essential first step. Among other issues, a comprehensive plan will address the following:

• Creation of a Unified Technology Use Vision
• Curriculum-Technology Integration Goals-Objectives-Strategies
• Mission Critical Support Services Goals-Objectives-Strategies
• Network Operating System Selection / Management Tools
• Standard Teacher-Student Classroom Application Software Tools
• Standard Support Personnel Application Software Tools
• Mission Critical Services Personnel Application Software
• Staff Development / Training Requirements
• Project Cost Analysis / Funding Options
• Project Implementation Strategies: Implementation Stages Financially Manageable and Functionally Effective
• Implementation Time Lines / Milestones / Critical Dates
• Just-In-Time Resourcing Schedules
• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
• Long Term Support Costs of Installed Technologies

Technology planning is a cyclical process that includes a needs assessment, multiple planning and implementation stages, and a continuous process of reevaluation and refinement. The implementation process typically requires consideration of the following as well:

• Technology Master Plan Updates
• Network Transition Planning
• Operations / Disaster Recovery Planning
• Staff Development / Training Requirements
• Technology Life Cycle Analysis
• Feasibility Studies
• Detailed Cost Analysis
• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
• Just-In-Time Resourcing Schedules
• E-Rate and Other Technology Discounts or Funding Options

Technology Design

Once planning is complete, WTA will create the necessary technology design documents and implementation schedule for each site.

Each design is created in cooperation with District Staff. The Technology Committee, District Architect, and others may also be involved. The design is completed in a two-step process and typically addresses the following elements

• Network Operating System / Management Applications
• User Hardware Devices / Mission Critical Application Software
• Staff Development / Training Requirements
• Advanced Technology Classrooms / Facilities
• Applied Technology Centers
• Video Broadcast / Production Facilities
• Data / Tele-Communications Services
• Remote Access Service
• Video Conferencing Systems

Step One: Conceptual-Functional Design (CFD)

The CFD is function driven, includes a narrative description of the implementation, and a relevant set of design illustrations. The CFD is prepared for both a technical and non-technical audience. This permits simultaneous review of the functional and conceptual aspects of the proposed design by both lay and other decision makers.

Step Two: Detailed Technical Design (DTD)

The DTD is standards driven, includes an expanded narrative description of the implementation, and an extensive set of design illustrations. The DTD is prepared for the technology vendors bidding on the project and the technical professionals having responsibility for post-installation system maintenance and support.

Technology Implementation

Implementation is also accomplished in two-steps. These activities are comprised of Bid Development / Coordination and Project Management

Step One: Bid Development / Coordination (BDC)

BDC includes production of Bid Set Documents. In addition to creation of design and other bid documents, WTA typically coordinates the bid process, analyzes submitted bids, makes award recommendations, prepares alternative recommendations, and oversees vendor submission of executed contract documents.

The set of bid documents addresses at least the following implementation elements / issues:

• Notice to Contractors
• Technical Design Specifications
• Infrastructure / Hardware / Software Resource Allocation Matrices
• Implementation Schedule (Time Lines / Milestones / Critical Dates / Just-In-Time Resources)
• Component Functional / Technical Standards List
• Network Design Illustrations
• Miscellaneous Design Illustrations
• Facility Construction / Modification Specifications

Step Two: Project Management (PM)

PM includes a combination of on-site / off-site coordination and oversight of the installation and testing of project components. As the implementation process proceeds, WTA reviews the essential aspects at every step of the way, assuring that the project is on time and that installed components meet specifications as described in the various bid documents.

WTA's ability to effectively manage and coordinate the activities of the contractor and other vendors relieves district personnel of this specialized and frequently arduous task. Project Management activities include:

• Pre-Implementation Site Inspections
• Logistics / Pre-Implementation Task Scheduling
• Final Implementation Schedule (Time Lines / Milestones / Critical Dates / Just-In-Time Resources)
• On-Site / Off-Site Project Management
• In-Progress Project Modifications
• Periodic Project Updates
• Post-Implementation Review / Testing
• Post-Implementation Documentation

Post-Implementation Support

Many organizations approach technology implementation with the attitude that once the cables are in and terminated, servers and computer workstations are up and running, the job is done. In reality, the job has just begun. Generally, there are three areas of concern and activity. First is the process of Curriculum-Technology Integration. Occurring almost simultaneously will be expansion of the initial implementation. And finally, maintenance and support (including modification, upgrade, and replacement) of all installed technology components.

Because of the tremendous demands that are placed on support staff during the first few years of technology use, continuation of expert guidance is crucial. Therefore, WTA provides post- implementation support relating to all aspects of the Technology Life Cycle.