Find out the five activities for creating a successful proof of concept for software

1. www.etlsolutions.com
How to create a successful
proof of concept

2. An effective proof of concept (POC)
bridges the gap between expectations
and reality
• For software developers, it is not
only the best way of illustrating
features, functions and benefits,
but also ensures that the end
product matches the client’s
expectations.
• But how do you go about creating
one?

3. • Carefully scope the client company’s
requirements for the final product. Ensure that
the scope is accompanied by a clearly defined
way of measuring success.
• Also explore the business reason behind the
customer’s need for the software, and clarify how
the product will assist in overall business
improvement. A full view of the business’s needs
helps to identify any extra requirements
necessary to ensure a successful implementation.
• In addition, assess the customer’s systems to
understand the impact on them of the final
product.
1: Explore why the customer needs the software

4. • How long will it take to implement the
software?
• How will the product be structured?
• What will the interface be like?
• How much will the product cost?
• How will it be deployed within our
architecture?
2: Understand exactly what the customer is
looking for
Clarify all the outstanding questions that
the customer expects the POC to answer or
demonstrate. Some of these will be direct,
such as:
Also prepare for questions which are
indirect and wider in scope, which
may include:
• How will it fit with our current
products?
• How will it fit with our current
processes?
• Do our users believe in the product
and are they enthused by what they
see?
• How easy is the product to use?

5. 3: Clarify logistics
The customer’s data stores and offices may be
dispersed around the world. For each location,
consider how the product will be deployed on
the site’s servers.
• Based on when the customer requires the proof
of concept, ensure all deadlines are clearly listed
in advance to allow suitable time for follow-up
actions.
• Consider whether the execution of the POC
should be restricted to particular times or days.
• Ensure that the windows for execution are fully
communicated within the client company.
Locations
Timings

6. • It is usual for a wide range of
stakeholders to have an interest in a
POC. It is the first impression the
customer will have of the end
product, and first impressions last.
Often, more people are exposed to
the product in the short timeframe of
the POC than will have exposure to it
for a good while afterwards.
4: Clarify who the stakeholders are
• Typical stakeholders include mangers,
architects, security experts and users.
• A successful early introduction to the
project’s stakeholders will encourage
decision-makers to give go-ahead
quickly and cost effectively. This
means that it is crucial to understand
the requirements and expectations of
all these groups.

7. 5: Prepare for the practicalities
• Access to:
– Buildings (if you’re working onsite)
– Networks
– Datastores
– Live or sample data.
• Availability of key personnel such as
domain experts and systems experts.
There are many useful ways to ensure
that the POC progresses without issues.
In addition to being fully prepared from
your own standpoint it is important,
where possible, to ensure the customer
has carried out any preparation that
they are required to do.
A key item is availability and access to all
the components required for the POC.
From the customer you will need:

8. 5: Prepare for the practicalities (continued)
• Ensure that any customised components are complete
• Where possible, review sample data sets and data schemas
• Confirm that success measurement criteria are clearly defined and agreed
• Expect users to highlight particular issues they are experiencing
• Ensure the POC shows what happens when things go wrong and how mishaps are
handled.
From your own viewpoint:

9. • Learn how to minimise
project risk with our data
migration planning eGuide.
Visit
http://www.etlsolutions.co
m/free-eguide-preparing-a-
data-migration-plan/ to
download your copy.
Download our free data migration eGuide
About us
At ETL Solutions, we tackle difficult data transformations. We deliver expert
data integration services and software for some of the world’s leading
organisations. Visit www.etlsolutions.com to find out more.