The Basics of Release Management

You project managers, consultants, and IT support folks know what I'm talking about. How does one release a change to an environment. Currently, there are 2 schools of thought:

1. The "Big Bang" approach (and I'm not talking about Pam & Tommy, nudge nudge): Replace everything overnight
2. Phased approach: Run 2 systems in parallel, and gradually retire the old system.

Lets just say that after seeing 3 major IT rollouts, and managing 2, that I'm a big fan of the Phased approach.

Now why do I bring this up here? Its not to talk about IT/Software Engineering (or Softee as we used to call it in BITS). Before I elucidate further, let me make one thing very clear: the idiot who thought up the Release program for Atlanta's MARTA to switch over from the token system to the one-use card system should be flogged in public before being covered in honey and buried near an anthill. And that's if the jury decides on leniency.

Basically what they've done is to replace the old token machines with the new card machines, and corresponding gate turnstiles one station at a time. Which means, given on where one is travelling from/to, one has to carry a combination of tokens and cards. In fact, they've disabled and/or taped up token machines at stations with the new card machines. Which means that at an "old" station, one has to buy tokens, then at the new station, swap the token for a card. The "old" station won't let you in on cards, and the "new" stations won't let you in on tokens.

When one flies into Atlanta, you have to go to the manned counter at the airport, buy a load of tokens, then go to the card machine and one at a frigging time SWAP TOKENS FOR CARDS. WHAT THE FLYING F**K PEOPLE?!

Oh, and the cards are masterworks of genius too. You wave the cards in front of magnetic readers. After he gate lets you in, the card is essentially useless. I haven't seen any "old card" collection buckets anywhere, and none of the gates captures the card on the last use. DID ANYONE EXPLAIN THE CONCEPT OF RECYCLING TO MARTA?

Gah! I'm too pissed to write more.

Comments

[Valerie]

AxeAnd you used to complain about LT. At least we recycle where possible. Only problems are if you try to exit on the return ticket on the outward journey-not me honest!! it was Frances.How are your plants are they still alive or did they die months ago.