ITGSS Certified Technology Specialist

What does an effective system migration plan include regarding existing systems?

1. A full upgrade plan for all legacy systems

2. Documentation of all system failures in the old system

3. Plans for parallel operation of old and new systems

4. A contingency plan for user support

The correct answer is: Plans for parallel operation of old and new systems

An effective system migration plan indeed focuses on the plans for parallel operation of old and new systems. This strategy allows for the gradual transition from the existing system to the new system, ensuring that both systems can run simultaneously for a certain period. This approach is crucial as it minimizes the risk of downtime and allows users to become familiar with the new system while still having access to the old system to carry out their tasks. It also provides a safety net, enabling easy fallback to the previous system if any significant issues arise during the migration process. In a well-executed migration, this parallel operation can help identify any discrepancies between the two systems, allowing for necessary adjustments to be made before the old system is entirely decommissioned. This proactive approach reinforces user confidence and ensures business continuity throughout the transition. In contrast, while documentation of system failures, full upgrades of legacy systems, and contingency plans for user support are all important components of a comprehensive strategy, they do not directly address the immediate need for operational continuity during the migration process. Documenting failures can help with troubleshooting, and contingency plans support user operators in scenarios where issues may arise. However, they do not negate the necessity of running both systems concurrently to ensure a smooth transition.