Microsoft Solution Framework

Today's businesses require solutions that will make the them more efficient in delivering information technology solutions which will require lesser manpower, lesser risk while enabling and ensuring higher quality results. These business solutions should be within budget, on time and have an approach that is proven. Microsoft Solutions Framework (MSF) provides all these. MSF helps different teams to address the causes of project failures in technology causing businesses to improve their success rates, solution quality and their impact on the market. MSF is also dynamic in a way that it adapts to the continuous change that follows all technology projects and the environments. MSF is a framework that is providing flexible and scalable ways to meet all project requirements for planning, building and deploying business technology solutions.

Overview of MSF

MSF is an interrelated series of models that is flexible and which can guide any business organization in assembling and organizing resources, people and techniques that are needed to make the technological infrastructure within the organization to become in line with its business objectives.
MSF helps business organizations to achieve a balance of flexibility and adaptability in meeting commitments in a more efficient manner while reducing the amount of risk. Microsoft Solutions Framework is a provider for proven practices in planning, building and deploying a variety of technological solutions while combining the different aspects of software development and design into a single project lifecycle.

Foundational Principles of MSF

Microsoft Solutions Framework is based on the following foundational principles: (1) Foster open communication; (2) Work toward a shared vision; (3) Empower team members; (4) Establish clear accountability and shared responsibility; (5) Focus on delivering business value; (6) Stay agile, expect change; (7) Invest in quality; and (8) Learn from all experiences.

Distinct Phases of the MSF Process Model

All projects go through a lifecycle. There are five distinct phases in the MSF process model namely; (1) Envisioning; (2) Planning; (3) Developing; (4) Stabilizing; and (5) Deploying.

In the envisioning phase, a project team is assembled with the primary task of defining the vision and the scope of the solution that will meet the goals and objectives of the business organization. This team will then organize the project and will deliver the approved vision and scope document. Usually, the Product Management and Program Management groups will become the lead groups during this phase of the MSF.

During this phase, the most fundamental requirements for the success of the project is being addressed which is to unify the project team to have a common vision. In order to become successful, the project team must have a clear vision on its accomplishments for the business organization and must be able to communicate it effectively to motivate the entire team and the business organization. Envisioning can serve as an early form of planning since it sets the stage for the more formal planning process that will take place during the project's Planning Phase.

The planning phase expands on the approved vision and scope of the project. The conceptual, logical, and physical design processes and the functional specifications are developed during the planning phase.

During the Planning Phase, the bulk of project planning is completed. The team prepares the functional specification, works through the design process, and prepares work plans, cost estimates, and schedules for the various deliverables. During this phase, three interim milestones must be completed, namely: (1) Conceptual Design; (2) Design Specification, and (3) Master Project Plan.

Summary

Microsoft Solutions Framework (MSF) is a useful tool that is designed to help businesses address the areas which are critical to have a successful integration of technology, people and processes and can be used as a guide for business solutions. This white paper has provided an introduction to and an overview on what MSF is all about and has provided the explanation for two of the distinct phases that the MSF process model has to undergo.

REFERENCES:

Microsoft Solutions Framework. White Paper. (June 2003)
http://download.microsoft.com/download/2/3/f/23f13f70-8e46-4f44-97f6-7dfb45010859/MSF_v3_Overview%20Whitepaper.pdf

Microsoft Solutions Framework. Microsoft TechNet.
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/guides/ExMgmtGuide/62fab0e2-a570-4921-a0f1-7fdc6ffff2a9.mspx?mfr=true