What did you like about the project's implementation?
The NT architecture team designed the system's architecture independently of
applications that needed to run on it. In other words, the domain and security
architecture and the tools for systems management were independent of any
applications. As a result, MCI was able to replace hundreds of character-based
terminals with NT workstations in a matter of days. In addition, once the team
deployed the basic NT and domain structure, it completed the remaining system
configurations with SMS, eliminating countless hours of sneakernet
installations.
What didn't you like about the project's implementation?
Getting people and teams to think globally instead of locally. Systems
architecture from an enterprise perspective is a different beast from designing
single-site architecture. With NT, you can get from point A to point B by taking
many different routes. The difficult part is realizing and accepting that the
shortest route between the two points might not be the appropriate choice when
you're designing enterprise architecture. Because each call center is an
independent entity from the other centers, communicating the benefits of
enterprisewide manageability and standardization is extremely challenging.
What would you have done differently on the project?
I would have given the team additional resources, such as more employees and
time. With additional resources, the team could have better focused on
operations staff training and architecture documentation. I'm a big advocate of
documentation, so now the team is going back and documenting everything.
What advice can you give your peers?
Spend time on the basicsthen add the bells and whistles. Split the
architecture into functional components, such as domain structure and security,
systems management, and backup. Ensure that each function is in sync with the
overall system architecture. Be objective, and don't allow passion to enter into
the mix. And don't be afraid to swallow your pride and make changes to your
architecture once it's deployed.