The Systems Development Life Cycle: Implementation

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The next phase is to actually create the components of the system and to convert from the old system to the new system The implementation phase consists of the following steps:

• Acquire the appropriate hardware and software
• Develop software
• Test the system — Testing should be an integral part of this phase, ensuring that each component works as it should and that the design plan is being followed.
• Write documentation
• Training
• Conversion — When development is complete, it's time to put the system in place. There are four main conversion methods — parallel, pilot, phased, and plunge.

	Some authors refer to phased conversion as piecemeal conversion.
	Although this topic discusses the implementation phase as part of the general systems development life cycle, this phase can be applied to developing an e-business solution for an organization.

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Four types of conversion:

1. Parallel conversion: Both the old and new system are used, while the new system is being tested. When the new system is working, the organization stops using the old system.
2. Pilot conversion: A small group of people uses the new system while the rest of the organization continues to use the old system. When the new system is working, the entire organization switches over.
3. Phased conversion: Switching from the old system to the new system one component at a time.
4. Plunge conversion: Switching the entire organization from the old system to the new system at one time. The organization stops using the old system and starts using the new one.