INTRo Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is INTRo?
How was INTRo developed?
How is INTRo different from other IT selection/deployment
methods?
How do I know when INTRo is going to spawn a new window
versus using the window
I am currently working in to display the content I have selected?
How do I navigate quickly through INTRo? How can I see the structure?
How do I search for a particular item in INTRo?
Can I get the INTRo Work Breakdown Structure as an MS
Project file?
How can I combine INTRo information with my local
information that I already use
as a part of an IT package selection/deployment project?
Why are there active deliverables for some work
products and not for others?
How do I tailor an active deliverable with my own
information?
What is the ADDK macro? How do I install it? Why would I
want or not want it installed?
As a project consultant, may I train others to use INTRo?
Can I become an authorized (or trained) INTRo
user/instructor?
For More Information
What is INTRo?
The IDEALSM-Based New Technology Rollout (INTRo) is a Web-based resource that can be used by software professionals involved in IT selection and deployment projects. INTRo is a guide to organizational and technological assessments, proven practices, and methodologies that foster learning.
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How was INTRo developed?
Work on INTRo was initiated by the SEI and LBMS Inc. LBMS was soon after acquired by Platinum technology Inc, and then in 1999, Platinum Technology Inc. was acquired by Computer Associates (CA). The original objectives were to identify specific technical issues in IT selection and deployment efforts, and to identify collaboration processes and technology to support distributed work.
The contributing organizations had performed work in software process improvement and technology adoption and wished to integrate the strengths of their independent process models into a single approach. The INTRo process co-developed by the SEI and Computer Associates is based on SEI's extensive research activities and Platinum technologies Inc. experience drawn from over 1,000 implementations of their Rollout process (helping customers rollout the Process Engineer tool set and Best Practices library). The new process is component-based and some components will be reused in other SEI assets and CA templates.
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How is INTRo different from other IT selection/deployment methods?
INTRo emphasizes sharing information and disseminating knowledge practices throughout an organization to develop more lasting and complete business solutions. Learning plays a significant role in INTRo by incorporating tasks that facilitate knowledge integration. Learning is built into the process, not simply accounted for at the end in "lessons learned." This occurs in three ways:
- analysis and validation
- process threads
- continuous improvement
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How do I know when INTRo is going to "spawn" a new window vs. using the window I am currently working in to display the content I have selected?
INTRo opens a new window when you move from the Process Libraries page (Figure 1) to the INTRo WBS, and when you use the Navigation Bar icons, such as the glossary and shortcut icons, to move to a new page.
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How do I navigate quickly through INTRo? How can I see the structure?
Using the INTRo Navigation Bar, choose the "shortcut" icon.
This opens an outline (Figure 2) of the INTRo WBS, which contains active links.
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How do I search for a particular item in INTRo?
The shortcut icon (described above) provides users with an easy method for finding particular sections of the work breakdown structure.
In addition, users can search for specific work products in the Products section of the Process Library. From the Process Libraries page (Figure 3), select the Products icon (circled in red below) on the left side of the page. The Products library groups INTRo work products by theme, i.e. Architecture (Figure 4).
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Can I get the INTRo Work Breakdown Structure as an MS Project file?
Yes, we have generated an MS Project 2000 file of the INTRo Work Breakdown Structure that you can download. Note: you must have the MS Project 2000 application to open this file.
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How can I combine INTRo information with my local information that I already use as a part of an IT package selection/deployment project?
One possible method for combining portions of INTRo with portions of your own selection/deployment approach is to insert links in your current presentations or materials. Open the Shortcuts (described above). Choose the relevant links, copy the URLs, and paste them into your current Word, PowerPoint, etc. project files. This will allow you to quickly open INTRo assets from within your own project materials.
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Why are there active deliverables for some work products and not for others?
Some activities, usually at the task level, do not have active deliverables because the output or work product is entirely context dependent and unique to the organization, e.g., technical architecture, organizational chart. On occasion, the output from a task will not require significant refinement; in these cases the output is a direct input to the step-level deliverable. This saves the user from having to roll up exactly the same material from the task to the step levels.
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How do I tailor an active deliverable with my own information?
For smaller changes, note that the active deliverables open as Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files – users can simply cut, paste, and replace text within the active deliverable. Users who are interested in tailoring large sections of the active deliverables or creating their own deliverables should consider installing the ADDK macro described below.
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What is the ADDK macro? How do I install it? Why would I want or not want it installed?
The Active Deliverable Development Kit (ADDK) was originally developed by Computer Associates for use in their Process Continuum Suite. ADDK is being made available for INTRo users who would like access to the macros used to create the templates for all of INTRo's active deliverables.
To install the ADDK template on your machine, download the file to the C: drive on your computer. Note: There are two versions of ADDK, one version for Word 97 and one for Word 2000. It is important that you download the correct file.
- Word 97 ADDK template (Word dot file)
- Word 2000 ADDK template (Word dot file)
- Active Deliverable Help (PDF file)
Once the file is saved on your C: drive, open Microsoft® Word and choose: Tools -- Macro -- Security
Microsoft Office automatically sets your default security settings at high; however, the ADDK will not run on this setting. Change your settings to either Medium or Low in order to use the ADDK tools.
Exit Word and restart your computer to complete the installation. The tools in the ADDK template will now be available for your use.
The ADDK allows users to customize the active deliverables in INTRo, to open resources such as examples within an active deliverable, and to create new reports with identical templates.
For additional information regarding use of the ADDK, please open the following link to the Active Deliverable Help provided by Computer Associates.
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As a project consultant, may I train others to use INTRo?
INTRo is now freely accessible as a resource for anyone involved in technology selection and deployment. You are welcome to use INTRo and its resources when consulting on a project; however, please recognize that your use is subject to the terms and conditions of use described when you registered.
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Can I become an authorized (or trained) INTRo user/instructor?
At this time, the SEI does not offer user/instructor authorization (or training) for INTRo. Continue to monitor the announcements section of this Web site for availability of INTRo training.
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For More Information
If you have questions or comments, send e-mail to: intro-team@sei.cmu.edu
