InCase - Whatever IT takes

Business Consulting Services

When the times come to implement your software project, InCase Professional Cognos Services offers three levels of service based on the requirements of your business. In each case, the Solutions Implementation Methodology (SIM) is used to manage the implementation.

Service

Application development

Application modernization

Complex systems integration

Enterprise architecture

Information management

Testing services

Project Service

Using the IBM Cognos SIM, we manage or co-manage with you the complete software development lifecycle. The comprehensive service can cover everything from analysis to deployment and operation. We become an integral part of your team, and share accountability for quality of the deliverables and project success — whether it's a single department project or a complex enterprise deployment. This can include first-time implementations of IBM Cognos solutions, or large report authoring or migration projects that take advantage of the latest InCase offerings.

Guardian Services

If you've chosen to do the majority of work yourself or if you've enlisted the services of a partner or other third party, our consulting team works alongside to proactively manage your implementation. Guardian Services provide a framework for a multi-party engagement, allowing you to leverage both partner and IBM Cognos expertise to maximize service value and project delivery. The IBM Cognos Guardian framework provides proactive assistance at critical checkpoints during an implementation, along with technology and application expertise.

Assist Services

You may want to own your software project for its entire lifecycle. In this case, InCase Professional Services can provide discrete service packages to assist you during the process (e.g., security review, capacity planning, performance tuning, model and report optimization). By bringing in additional InCase resources, you can leverage specific expertise at the right time to help augment your project team and to ensure your project success.

Performance Management Services

Based on your unique strategy and needs, and overlaying known areas of importance, we work with you to target potential areas of high return. For example, you can extend an application that delivers sales results to one that provides planning and variance analysis.

BICC Services

A key strategy for extending solutions is the development of a central competency area. Business intelligence competency centers (BICCs) have proven to be one of the best ways to drive the strategic rollout of BI across your organization. Using a combination of practice aids, methodologies, tools, and technology, IBM Cognos Professional Services guides you through the process of establishing a BICC in your organization.

InCase Performance Optimization Health Check

The IBM Cognos TM1 Performance Optimization Health Check enables you to get the most from your IBM Cognos TM1 implementation. The service provides a comprehensive post-implementation review of your IBM Cognos TM1 application. The service includes a detailed review of the application design as it relates to your proven practices, as well as new ones. The service also ensures the IBM Cognos TM1 application is optimized for current releases of complementary applications, and identifies opportunities to streamline the maintenance and optimize application performance.

Phases and Deliverables

The IBM Cognos SIM follows five fully defined phases. Each phase is overseen by a project management function that ensures consistent and coordinated communication and collaboration.

Analyze

Define what the solution needs to accomplish, both in terms of features and non-functional attributes (performance, usability, etc.) Obtain agreement between all parties about these requirements

Design

Define all solution components and their dependencies Identify resources
Install a development environment

Build

Iterative development cycle based on the V-Model Multi-environment testing and validation plan on the methodology

Deploy

Create a plan to run and maintain the solution Establish a support schedule
Migrate solution to production environment Configure as necessary for a successful deployment (security, scheduling, and third party applications) Communicate the deployment to the business user audience

Operate

Maintenance checkpoints after roll out to facilitate a successful use of the system Back up and data restoration Managing problems, performing periodic cleanup, performing fine tuning Monitoring redeploying systems as necessary

Project Planning

Before a project begins, InCase Professional Services works with you to explore and understand your business requirements and expectations. Through a number of initiatives, we partner with you to refine the planning process so you achieve the best results from your IBM Cognos solution.

Discovery and Validation Workshop

In this workshop, we help you document your business and technical goals and challenges, and chart a roadmap for project success. We also help to articulate and share your strategy with stakeholders to build support for your project.

Scoping and Planning Services

InCase Client Management, supported by expert architects and project managers, assist you in defining your projects. The Scoping and Planning Service provides you with project initiation deliverables, including the project charter, project success plan, timeline, and resource estimate. This enables a smooth transition to the design, build and deployment phases of your implementation.

Rapid Scorecarding Service

Transform your business strategy into action with this scorecarding workshop. Our consultants work with you to highlight your strategic objectives, identify key indicators and measures, and set up a pilot scorecard to monitor results.

BI Migration Rapid Assessment Service

InCase Professional Services helps you determine the requirements of your migration and conversion projects. We first conduct a rapid audit to assess your existing infrastructure, architecture, performance, and capacity. We then deliver a project plan for the migration or conversion process — to make the best use of existing resources, mitigate risk, and ensure successful results.