Abstract:
A system in which the implementation and integration of technology systems is facilitated, managed and supported regardless of the type of technology system being implemented. An implementation plan and strategy is developed that will ensure the highest probability of success and will be time and cost effective. The creation of implementation deliverables such as project schedules and plans is streamlined. Users are able to access, communicate with and share implementation and integration strategies with each other. An “implementation template” is created based upon specific implementation requirements. A common framework, marketplace and community is provided where businesses, vendors, consultants and other experts can communicate and share implementation information data in a useful and workable manner. A mechanism is provided for pricing and billing of implementation templates and tools. Expert analysis is provided surrounding a specific technology system implementation using historical “like kind” implementation data and knowledge bases.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    Businesses spend billions of dollars on year on software and hardware-based technology systems. Technology systems range from simple software packages such as Microsoft Word to sophisticated hardware and software systems that automate strategic business and manufacturing processes. Whether the technology system is purchased from one or more outside vendors or is developed “in-house” the challenge that businesses face is getting the technology system implemented and deployed (within a reasonable timeframe and budget) such that the system is being utilized within the business and a return on investment is being recognized.  
           [0002]    Unfortunately this challenge s not easily overcome by many businesses. As a result many technology systems that are purchased or developed are never implemented or are only partially implemented. Worse yet, most businesses grossly underestimate the implementation process which result in large schedule and budget overruns.  
           [0003]    Traditionally businesses have looked to external consulting and professional service organizations to assist with and support the implementation of technology systems. However, in many cases the implementation services provided by external consultants and service organizations has proven to be very expensive and inconsistent in quality. This has caused many businesses to attempt the implementation of technology systems using “in-house” resources. Unfortunately this approach has also proven to be ineffective as internal resources generally do not have the experience or expertise to manage the implementation of technology systems. As a result, traditional implementation approaches are generally ineffective, costly and do not yield successful results.  
           [0004]    Vendors of technology systems are also impacted by this problem as the long-term viability of a technology system vendor depends on the success of their customers and their ability to ensure that their technology systems are quickly and effectively implemented. The long-term viability of consulting and professional organizations also relies on the quality of the implementation services provided to their clients. Due to the shortage of qualified technical resources many consulting and professional services companies are having difficulty recruiting and retaining first class resources. This situation is forcing consulting and professional service organizations to hire less qualified and skilled resources while charging higher rates to their clients.  
           [0005]    In order to alleviate these problems vendors and implementation service providers have developed “implementation methodologies and processes” for implementing various technology systems. The purpose of these methodologies and processes is to attempt to ensure that the implementation process for a particular technology system or class of systems is repeatable from business to business and consultant to consultant. Many vendors and implementation service providers have made these methodologies and processes available to their customers and clients for their own internal use. Several vendors such as Computer Associates with their Process Continuum product have developed software to augment and support the use of these methodologies. Libraries of “online methodologies” have been developed and are being sold by third party companies such as James Martin that work as an input to the Process Continuum software. The Process Continuum software and related libraries are marketed directly to businesses with the goal of enabling businesses to take advantage of proven methodologies and best practices.  
           [0006]    Unfortunately, despite the number of methodologies and related products that are available on the market today, the technology system implementation and integration issues introduced previously are not being successfully addressed. This is because the methodologies that are available are developed to be “one size fits all” and, as a result, do not create an implementation plan and strategy which takes into consideration the specific technology system that is being implemented, the specific functionality of the system that will be implemented or the end user environment where the system will be implemented. They do not examine and take into consideration the specific cultural and “people” issues that impact technology system implementations. They do not enable users to draw upon encapsulations of implementation tools and historical “like kind” implementation data nor do they allow a user to encapsulate and share their own implementation data, tools and strategies with others. In today&#39;s business environment each technology system implementation is unique. As a result implementation plans, strategies and approaches must take into consideration the uniqueness of each individual implementation. The “one size fits all” methodology is limited in its usefulness in today&#39;s business environment.  
           [0007]    The bottom line is that neither the use of consultants nor the use of existing packaged libraries of implementation methodologies is a sufficient solution to the challenges associated with implementing and integrating varied technology systems. What is needed is a universally accessible system which is designed to facilitate and manage the implementation and integration of technology systems as opposed to simply providing a methodology. This system should be able to support an unlimited number of technology system implementations over time and be able to address and handle each implementation as a unique entity. It should allow businesses that are implementing technology systems to encapsulate the knowledge and techniques garnered in a technology system implementation and then draw on those encapsulations for formulating implementation strategies for similar implementations. It should allow businesses to build an “implementation template” and strategy based upon their unique implementation and integration requirements. The system should facilitate access by and communication with outside consultants, technology vendors and other implementation experts in an efficient and cost-effective manner. This new system should take full advantage of computers, databases, and the Internet and related on-line networks to allow for entirely new features and quality of service that were previously unavailable.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    To address the foregoing problems which exist in the prior art, the present invention provides a system in which the implementation and integration of technology systems is facilitated, managed and supported regardless of the type of technology system being implemented. An implementation plan and strategy is developed that will ensure the highest probability of success and will be time and cost effective. The creation of implementation deliverables such as project schedules and plans is streamlined. The invention allows users to access, communicate with and share implementation and integration strategies with each other. An “implementation template” is created based upon specific implementation requirements. A common framework, marketplace and community is provided where businesses, vendors, consultants and other experts can communicate and share implementation information data in a useful and workable manner. A mechanism is provided for pricing and billing of implementation templates and tools. The invention also provides expert analysis surrounding a specific technology system implementation using historical “like kind” implementation data and knowledge bases. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0009]    [0009]FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the Control Unit.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment in which the computing resources of the Control Unit are distributed over a number of servers.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an exemplary End-User interface.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an exemplary Administrator interface.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the Implementation Management System.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment in which the computing resources of the Implementation Management System are distributed over a number of servers.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the Implementation Data Capsule.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment showing how a Control Unit Transaction is processed by the Control Unit.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment showing how an IMS Transaction is processed by the Implementation Management System.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment showing how a Control Unit Administration Transaction is processed by the Control Unit.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment showing how an IMS Administration Transaction is processed by the Implementation Management System.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment showing how a template Implementation Data Capsule is created by the administrator.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment showing how a new implementation is created and registered by the Implementation Management System.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment showing how implementation data is input and updated by the Implementation Management System.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment showing the Implementation Planning process by the Implementation Management System.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment showing how an Implementation Data Capsule is created by the Implementation Management System.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment showing how an Implementation Data Capsule is transferred to the Control Unit.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment showing how the Control Unit analyzes an Implementation Data Capsule.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment showing the creation and updating of implementation deliverables.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary embodiment a billing system related to the present invention.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary embodiment for automatically calculating the price of an Implementation Data Capsule price. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0031]    System Architecture  
         [0032]    The system architecture of a first embodiment of the apparatus and method of the present invention is illustrated with reference to FIGS. 1 through 8. As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus of the present invention comprises End User Interface  400 , Control Unit  200 , Implementation Management System  600 , and Administration Interface  500  (collectively the “nodes”). Each node interacts with another through a public and/or private network  110 , provided by a local or regional telephone company or alternatively provided by an internal organization within a business entity. Connection may also be provided by dedicated data lines, cellular, Personal Communication Systems (“PCS”), microwave, wireless or satellite networks. In a preferred embodiment, the nodes are connected via the Internet. End User Interface  400  and Administration Interface  500  are the input and output gateways for communication with the Control Unit  200  and the Implementation Management System  600 .  
         [0033]    Implementation Data Capsule  800  is used to transfer implementation data between the Control Unit  200  and Implementation Management System  600  and end user interface  400  and administration interface  500 .  
         [0034]    Using the above components, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for a commercial network system designed to facilitate, manage, and support the implementation and integration of technology systems.  
         [0035]    Transactions fall into two categories: control unit transactions  120  and implementation management system transactions  130 . Each category of transaction occurs between the end user interface  400  or in the case of administrative transactions, the administration interface  500 , and the control unit  200  or the implementation management system  600 . Administrative transactions between the administration interface  500  and the control unit  200  or implementation management system  600  are managed by control unit administration transaction  150  and implementation management system administration transaction  140  respectively. Some transactions will utilize the implementation data capsule  800  to package together implementation data accessible to the control unit  200  and the implementation management system  600 . The implementation data capsule  800  can then be manipulated through various mechanisms by the end user. An example of this manipulation would be an end user identifying an implementation data capsule  800  located on the control unit  200  and wishing to transfer the implementation data capsule from the control unit to their end user interface  400 . This would be accomplished using a control unit transaction  120  initiated from end user interface  400 .  
         [0036]    As shown in FIG. 2, one preferred embodiment of the control unit  200  includes central processor (CPU)  205 , RAM  210 , ROM  215 , clock  220 , Operating System  225 , network interface  230 , analysis processor  235 , implementation data capsule (IDC) processor  240 , billing processor  245 , pricing processor  250 , and data storage device  260 .  
         [0037]    A conventional personal computer or computer workstation with sufficient memory and processing capability may be used as a control unit  200 . In the preferred embodiment it operates as a web server, both receiving and transmitting data inquires generated by end users. Control Unit  200  should generally be capable of high volume transaction processing, performing a significant number of mathematical calculations in processing communications and database searches. A Pentium processor such as the 400 MHz Pentium III, commonly manufactured by Intel Corp., may be used for CPU  205 . This processor employs a 32-bit architecture. Equivalent processors from such companies as Motorola Corp. and Sun Microsystems Inc. can be substituted.  
         [0038]    Referring again to FIG. 2, analysis processor  235 , IDC processor  240 , billing processor  245 , and pricing processor  250  comprise software subsystems that provide specialized functions for control unit  200 . These subsystems are invoked appropriately as determined by the transactions requested from control unit  200 .  
         [0039]    Analysis processor  235  provides the capability to search for and analyze information in data storage device  260  and return the information to the end user. End user requests involving queries can also be handled. Such requests are useful in determining if trends and patterns exist in the information stored in data storage device  260 . The results of these requests are then reported to the end user or administrator. Functions executed by analysis processor  235  may be supported by commercially available software, such as the Dimension Series Suite from Neo Vista Software, Inc. The Dimension Series Suite consists of data mining engines that organize the relationships between the information stored in data storage device  260 . An end user request, such as “Tell me all implementations that utilize Visual Basic in Microsoft Windows NT Environments”, would be interpreted and passed to the data mining engines which would in turn search the databases for relevant information. The results of the operation would be returned to the end user. Subsequent requests are re-submitted if the results returned did not match the users needs.  
         [0040]    Implementation data processor  240  provides the capability to create implementation data capsules  800  and extract objects contained within the capsules. Implementation data processor  240  interacts with data storage device  260  and the databases contained within it. For example, an end user locates the implementation data they want to include in an implementation data capsule after utilizing analysis processor  235 . The end user requests implementation data processor  240  to create an implementation data capsule including the selected objects. Implementation data processor  240  extracts the objects from implementation objects database  275  and meta-information from the implementation database  280  and creates an implementation data capsule  800 . Implementation data capsule  800  is then compressed to save space and aid in efficient transporting between nodes.  
         [0041]    Implementation data processor  240  also performs the reverse operation as described above. In this case, the objects contained in implementation data capsule  800  are examined by uncompressing and opening implementation data capsule. Implementation data processor  240  extracts the objects from implementation data capsule  800  whereby they are either updated or added to implementation objects database  275  and implementation database  280 .  
         [0042]    When an end user requests to create implementation data capsule  800 , implementation management system  600  uses the results from the analysis processor  235  to extract the correct implementation objects from implementation objects database  275  and implementation database  280 . The implementation management system  600  collects the objects associated with the implementation key and the end user criteria and adds them to implementation data capsule  800 . Based on the objects selected, control files  825  are created and added to implementation data capsule  800 . Control files  825  contain information which indexes the contents of implementation data capsule  800  and is used when control unit  200  and implementation management system  600  open implementation data capsule  800 . If they exist and the user selects to include them in implementation data capsule  800 , implementation deliverables associated with the implementation objects, are stored in implementation deliverables storage  830 . The compression algorithm employed to reduce the size of implementation data capsule  800  may be supported by commercially available software such as DynaZip-AX manufactured by Inner Media, Inc.  
         [0043]    The transfer and exchange of payments, charges, or debits, attendant to the method of the apparatus are supported by the billing processor  245 . Processing of credit card transactions by this processor may be supported with commercially available software such as Open Market Transact manufactured by Open Market, Inc. The billing processor  245  provides commerce functions that may include online account statements, order-taking and credit card payment authorization, credit card settlement, automated sales tax calculations, digital receipt generation, account-based purchase tracking, and payment aggregation for low priced services.  
         [0044]    Pricing processor  250  calculates the price for an implementation data capsule  800 . This price maybe determined by a number of factors which may include the implementation objects, stored in implementation objects database  275 , the end user wishes to include in the IDC. The end user does not have to accept the price for the IDC and can remove some of the implementation objects included in the IDC. Pricing processor  250  will then re-calculate the price for the IDC based on the new configuration of the IDC. In another embodiment pricing may be determined or influenced based upon a “fixed price” or a “subscription” arrangement with the end user.  
         [0045]    Data storage device  260  may include hard disk magnetic or optical storage units, as well as CD-ROM drives or flash memory. Data storage device  260  contains databases used in the processing of transactions in the present invention, including admin database  265 , end user database  270 , implementation objects database  275 , implementation database  280 , billing database  285 , audit database  290 , and IDC storage  295 . In a preferred embodiment database software such as SQL Server, manufactured by Microsoft Corporation, is used to create and manage these databases.  
         [0046]    Admin database  265  maintains information on the administrators which may include name, company, address, phone number, ID number, passwords, active role in the projects, email addresses, voice mail addresses, and security access levels. Security access levels comprise the amount of control the administrator has over examining and updating information contained in the databases on the data storage device  260 .  
         [0047]    End user database  270  maintains data on end userswhich may include name, company, address, phone number, ID number, passwords, email address, active role in the projects, billing preferences, past system usage, etc. End users can determine the amount of information they want to share with other users. End users are able to contact other users based on the information provided.  
         [0048]    Implementation objects database  275  maintains an inventory of implementation objects. End users collect implementation data with respect to the technology systems they are implementing. The implementation data is input into the database and organized into logical groupings based on the method of the apparatus. Some examples of the implementation objects are names of stakeholders and implementation team members, characteristics describing technology system being implemented, organizational areas where the technology system is to be used, and various sub-projects associated with the implementation.  
         [0049]    Implementation database  280  maintains an index of all implementations represented in control unit  200 . This database is indexed by the implementation key which is unique across all implementations.  
         [0050]    Billing database  285  tracks commercial transactions, as well as billing preferences. This database is valuable in the event of complaints by end users regarding billing and payment discrepancies.  
         [0051]    Audit database  290  records transactional information about all requests initiated between each node which can be retrieved for later analysis. This database may also log transaction traffic rates, login/logout attempts, and success/failure status of transactions.  
         [0052]    Implementation data capsule (IDC) storage  295  acts as a storage area for implementation data capsules  800 . In one embodiment IDC storage  295  represents a hierarchical file system on control unit  200 .  
         [0053]    Network interface  230  is the gateway to communicate with end users and administrators through respective end user interface  400  and administration interface  500 . Conventional leg internal or external modems or wireless network connection devices may serve as network interface  230 . Network interface  230  supports a various range of baud rates from  1200  upward, but may also be combined into such inputs as a T1 or T3 line if more bandwidth is required. In a preferred embodiment, network interface  230  is connected with the Internet to allow for the largest audience of end users to have access to the control unit  200 . Along similar lines, network interface  230  may also be connected to a private Intranet or other network to allow end users within a particular organization to access the control unit  200 .  
         [0054]    While the above embodiment describes a single computer acting as the control unit, those skilled in the art will realize that the functionality can be distributed over a plurality of computers. In another embodiment, control unit  200  may be configured in a distributed architecture, as shown in FIG. 3, wherein the databases and processors are housed in separate units or locations. Control unit(s)  200  perform the primary processing functions and contain at a minimum RAM, ROM, and a general processor. Each of these control units is attached to WAN hub  300  which acts as the primary communications link with the other processors. WAN hub  300  itself may contain minimal processing capability with its primary function of acting as a passive device facilitating communications and routing. Although only three control units are shown in this embodiment, those skilled in the art will appreciate that an almost unlimited number of control units may be supported. In such a configuration, each control unit is in communication with its processors as well as other control units. Analysis processor  235 , IDC processor  240 , billing processor  245 , and pricing processor  250  all communicate through WAN hub  300  with control units  200 . Data storage device  260  is available to each control unit and processor through WAN hub  300 . This arrangement makes for a highly flexible and dynamic system, less prone to catastrophic hardware failures and bottlenecks. Those skilled in the art will also realize that the processors may also be combined and/or distributed over a plurality of computers. In addition those skilled in the art will recognize that the database entities contained in the data storage device  260  may also be distributed and/or implemented as entities of one database or multiple databases.  
         [0055]    [0055]FIGS. 4 and 5 describe end user interface  400  and administrator interface  500  respectively. In an exemplary embodiment they are both conventional personal computers having an input device, such as a keyboard and mouse, or conventional voice recognition software package; a display device, such as a video monitor; a processing device such as a CPU; and a network interface such as a modem or high speed network connection.  
         [0056]    Referring now to FIG. 4, there is described a preferred embodiment of an end user interface  400  which includes central processor (CPU)  405 , RAM  410 , ROM  415 , clock  420 , video driver  425 , video monitor  430 , input device  435 , network interface  440 , and data storage device  450 .  
         [0057]    A Pentium processor such as the 400 MHz Pentium III described above may be used for the CPU  405 . Clock  420  is a standard chip-based clock which can serve to timestamp control unit transactions  120  and implementation management system transactions  130 . Network interface  440  is the gateway between end user interface  400  and a network such as the Internet. In a preferred embodiment, users interact with control unit  200  using end user interface  400  and administrator interface  500  through a Web Browser such as Internet Explorer manufactured by Microsoft Corporation or Netscape Communicator manufactured by Netscape Corporation.  
         [0058]    Data storage device  450  is a conventional magnetic based hard disk storage unit. Information storage  460  may be used to store implementation data capsules  800  and other information while audit database  470  may be used for recording communications with the control unit  200  and implementation management system  600  as well as payment records. In one embodiment information storage  460  represents a hierarchical file system on end user interface  400 .  
         [0059]    Referring now to FIG. 5, there is described a preferred embodiment of the administrator interface  500  which includes central processor (CPU)  505 , RAM  510 , ROM  515 , clock  520 , video driver  525 , video monitor  530 , input device  535 , network interface  540 , and data storage device  550 . Clock  520  is a standard chip-based clock which can serve to timestamp control unit administration transactions  150  and implementation management system administration transactions  140 .All of these components including data storage device  550 , information storage  560 , and audit database  570  may be identical to those described in FIG. 4.  
         [0060]    End user interface  400  and administrator interface  500  interact with implementation management system  600  using custom built applications programs appropriate to the respective operating system of the interface. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any number of commercially available programming environments, plug-ins, executables, DLL&#39;s, applets or objects can be employed to design and build the applications programs. In addition those skilled in the art will appreciate that the end user interface  400  and the administrator interface  500  can utilize any number of commercially available operating systems such as Unix, Linux, Windows and Windows NT, Macintosh, Windows CE or Palm OS.  
         [0061]    Referring to FIG. 6, the implementation management system  600  is described as comprising a central processor (CPU)  605 , RAM  610 , ROM  615 , clock  620 , Operating System  625 , network interface  630 , analysis processor  235 , implementation data capsule (IDC) processor  240 , implementation deliverable processor  640 , implementation planning processor  645 , and data storage device  660 .  
         [0062]    A conventional personal computer, computer workstation or hand held, wireless personal digital assistant (PDA) with sufficient memory and processing capability may be used as implementation management system  600 . End users and administrators use their respective applications program to access implementation management system  600 . The implementation management system serves a different purpose than control unit  200  in the apparatus and method of the invention. It is a system used to collect and manage implementation data. It has the capability to share that implementation data with control unit  200 . Control unit  200  also has the capability to share information with implementation management system  600 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the implementation management system  600  may employ either the same or separate physical hardware as control unit  200  and that software components of the implementation management system  600  may either share code with or be entirely separate from the software components of control unit  200 . In addition those skilled in the art will appreciate that the databases and processors associated utilized by the implementation management system  600  and the control unit  200  may overlap or be consolidated in another embodiment of the invention.  
         [0063]    Referring again to FIG. 6, analysis processor  235 , IDC processor  240 , implementation deliverable processor  640 , and implementation planning processor  645  comprise software subsystems that provide specialized functions for implementation management system  600 . These subsystems are invoked appropriately as determined by the transactions requested from implementation management system  600 .  
         [0064]    Analysis processor  235  performs in the same way and includes the same capabilities as described above for control unit  200 .  
         [0065]    Implementation management system  600  utilizes IDC processor  240  in the same manner as control unit  200 .  
         [0066]    Implementation deliverable processor  640  is used to create various documents and output files based on the information stored in data storage device  660 . This processor may be supported by commercially available software such as Office 2000 and Microsoft Project 98 manufactured by Microsoft Corporation. In one embodiment, implementation management system  600  utilizes to the instantiated objects in Office 2000 and Microsoft Project 98 to create Microsoft Word documents and Microsoft Project schedules. The data used to generate these documents is taken from implementation objects database  675  and implementation database  680 .  
         [0067]    Implementation planning processor  645  creates an implementation plan using a proprietary and unique implementation planning method and process. The method and process first divides the implementation project into incremental sub-projects based upon the features and functions of the technology system that will be implemented and the locations and environments where the technology system will be implemented. The method and process then generates ratings for sub-projects depending upon numerical or other measures of the technical complexities, risk, priority, visibility, cultural complexities and resource complexities of each sub-project. Ratings may be provided by the end user or may be calculated automatically by the implementation planning processor  645 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that a large number of techniques may be used to automatically generate ratings, such as generating ratings using a weighted average of all characteristics of a sub-project or generating ratings using a weighting of some subset of all characteristics of a sub-project. Based upon the ratings associated with each sub-project the implementation planning processor creates an implementation plan that provides a preferred ordering and strategy for completing the sub-projects. As new relevant data is provided to the implementation management system  600  (such as additional features and functions of the technology system, environmental data or updates to ratings) the implementation processor automatically re-creates a revised implementation plan.  
         [0068]    Data storage device  660  may include hard disk magnetic or optical storage units, as well as CD-ROM drives or flash memory. Data storage device  660  contains databases used in the processing of transactions in the present invention, including admin database  665 , end user database  670 , implementation objects database  675 , implementation database  680 , implementation deliverable storage  685 , audit database  690 , and IDC storage  695 . In a preferred embodiment database software such as Microsoft Access or SQL Server, both manufactured by Microsoft Corporation, is used to create and manage these databases.  
         [0069]    Admin database  665  maintains information on the administrators which may include name, company, address, phone number, ID number, passwords, active role in the projects, email addresses, voice mail addresses, and security access levels. Security access levels comprise the amount of control the administrator has over examining and updating information contained in the databases on the data storage device  660 .  
         [0070]    End user database  670  maintains data on end users, which may include name, company, address, phone number, ID number, passwords, email address, active role in the projects, billing preferences, past system usage, etc.  
         [0071]    Implementation objects database  675  maintains an inventory of implementation objects. End users collect implementation data with respect to the technology systems they are implementing. The implementation data input into the database are organized into logical groupings based on the method of the apparatus. Some examples of the implementation objects are names of stakeholders and implementation team members, characteristics describing the technology system being implemented, organizational areas where the technology system is to be used, and various sub-projects associated with the implementation.  
         [0072]    Implementation database  680  maintains an index of all implementations represented in implementation management system  600 . This database is indexed by the implementation key which is unique across all implementations.  
         [0073]    Implementation delivery storage  685  stores output generated by the implementation deliverable processor  640 . In one embodiment implementation delivery storage represents a hierarchical file system on implementation management system  600 .  
         [0074]    Audit database  690  stores transactional information about past communications which can be retrieved for later analysis. This database may also logs transaction traffic rates, login/logout attempts, and success/failure status of transactions.  
         [0075]    Implementation data capsule (IDC) storage  695  acts as a storage area for implementation data capsules  800 . In one embodiment IDC storage  695  represents a hierarchical file system on implementation management system  600 .  
         [0076]    Network interface  230  is utilized in the same way as described above with reference to FIG. 2.  
         [0077]    While the above embodiment describes a single computer acting as the implementation management system, those skilled in the art will realize that the functionality can be distributed over a plurality of computers. In another embodiment, implementation management system  600  may be configured in a distributed architecture, as shown in FIG. 7, wherein the databases and processors are housed in separate units or locations. Implementation management systems  600  perform the primary processing functions and contain at a minimum RAM, ROM, and a general processor. Each of these implementation management systems is attached to WAN hub  700  which acts as the primary communications link with the other processors. WAN hub  700  itself may contain minimal processing capability with its primary function of acting as a passive device facilitating communications and routing. Although only three implementation management systems are shown in this embodiment, those skilled in the art will appreciate that an almost unlimited number of implementation management systems may be supported. In such a configuration, each implementation management system is in communication with its processors as well as other implementation management systems. Analysis processor  235 , IDC processor  240 , implementation deliverable processor  640 , and implementation planning processor  645  all communicate through WAN hub  700  with implementation management systems  600 . Data storage device  660  is available to each implementation management system and processor through WAN hub  700 . This arrangement makes for a highly flexible and dynamic system, less prone to catastrophic hardware failures and bottlenecks. Those skilled in the art will also realize that the processors may also be combined and/or distributed over a plurality of computers. In addition those skilled in the art will recognize that the database entities contained in the data storage device  660  may also be distributed and/or implemented as entities of one database or multiple databases.  
         [0078]    Referring to FIG. 8, there is described a preferred embodiment of implementation data capsule  800 , which includes digital package  810 , implementation objects database  815 , implementation database  820 , control files  825 , and implementation deliverables storage  830 . Implementation objects database  815 , implementation database  820 , and implementation deliverables storage  830  represent a subset of all implementation objects and implementation data available in control unit  200  and implementation management system  600 . Control files  825  act as an index and inventory of the implementation objects and data contained in digital package  810 . IDC processor  240  utilizes control files  825  to update implementation objects database  275  and  675  and implementation database  280  and  680  and implementation deliverables storage  695 .  
         [0079]    Digital package  810  acts as a container for the implementation objects and databases. Those skilled in the art will realize that digital package  810  can be gathered together with other digital packages and each reside in a single implementation data capsule  800 . In this embodiment, implementation data capsule  800  is used to transport multiple digital packages using a single control unit transaction  120  or implementation management system transaction  130 .  
         [0080]    Two exemplary embodiments describe the versatility in using implementation data capsule  800 . In one embodiment, an end user wishes to take a “snapshot” of a technology system implementation which includes all implementation data, tools and strategies that have been entered to date. The end user then wishes to transfer the snapshot to their technology system vendor for review and expert advice. This is accomplished by requesting IDC processor  240  to create an implementation data capsule  800  and transfer it to control unit  200 . The vendor then submits a control unit transaction  120  to access and transfer the end users implementation data capsule for review.  
         [0081]    In another embodiment, an end user is beginning the process of implementing a technology system. The end user has identified a set of implementation objects that can be used as a template and staring point for their implementation. The end user creates an implementation data capsule  800  which contains the implementation objects and transfers the implementation data capsule from control unit  200  to implementation management system  600  The end user utilizes IDC processor  240  in implementation management system  600  to create their working implementation environment using implementation data capsule  800  as a template.  
         [0082]    Transaction Overview  
         [0083]    The End User initiates a series of IMS transactions  150  to the Implementation Management System  600  and Control Unit transactions  120  to the Control Unit  200 . IMS transactions  150  will initiate transactions such as creating a new implementation, managing the implementation workflow, managing the implementation planning process and creating an Implementation Data Capsule  800 . Control Unit transactions  120  will initiate transactions such as searching for and locating an IDC  800  to be used as an implementation template, creating a custom IDC, providing implementation analysis and handling commerce items.  
         [0084]    With reference to FIG. 9, there is described a process by which the end user initiates and completes a control unit transaction  120 . The end user creates a transaction request at step  900 . A transaction request may contain a specific request and any necessary parameters and criteria. For example an end user may initiate a control unit request to create a new IDC which contains specific implementation objects. Multiple requests may be bundled into a single transaction. The transaction is submitted to the control unit  200  at step  910 . At step  920  the control unit  200  then evaluates the request to determine the transaction type based upon the request, the parameters and criteria. An unlimited number of transaction types may be processed by the control unit and multiple transactions can be initiated and processed together. Common transaction types include analysis, IDC transfer, IDC creation, billing and payment. At step  930  the request is processed accordingly by the control unit  200  depending on the type of transaction requested. At step  940  the results of the control unit transaction  120  are returned to the end user completing the transaction.  
         [0085]    With reference to FIG. 10, there is described a process by which the end user initiates and completes an IMS transaction  150 . The end user creates a transaction request at step  1000 . A transaction request may contain a specific request and any necessary parameters and criteria. For example an end user may initiate an IMS request to create a new implementation deliverable such as a project plan or schedule. Multiple requests may be bundled into a single transaction. The transaction is submitted to the IMS  600  at step  1010 . At step  1020  the IMS  600  then evaluates the request to determine the transaction type based upon the request, the parameters and criteria. An unlimited number of transaction types may be processed by the IMS and multiple transactions can be initiated and processed together. Common transaction types include implementation data input, implementation planning, deliverable creation, IDC creation, implementation setup and implementation data management. At step  1030  the request is processed accordingly by the IMS  600  depending on the type of transaction requested. At step  1040  the results of the IMS transaction  150  are returned to the end user completing the transaction.  
         [0086]    The administrator initiates a series of IMS administration transactions  140  to the Implementation Management System  600  and Control Unit administration transactions  150  to the Control Unit  200 . IMS administration transactions  140  will initiate transactions such as creating a new implementation, managing the implementation workflow, managing the implementation planning process and creating an Implementation Data Capsule  800 . Control Unit administration transactions  150  will initiate transactions such as searching for and locating an IDC  800  to be used as an implementation template, creating a custom IDC, providing implementation analysis and handling commerce items.  
         [0087]    With reference to FIG. 11, there a described the process by which the administrator initiates and completes a control unit administration transaction  150 . The administrator creates an administration transaction request at step  1100 . A transaction request may contain a specific request and any necessary parameters and criteria. For example an administrator may initiate a control unit administration request to release an IDC to the end user community. Multiple requests may be bundled into a single transaction. The transaction is submitted to the Control Unit  200  at step  1110 . At step  1120  the Control Unit  200  then evaluates the request to determine the transaction type based upon the request, the parameters and criteria. An unlimited number of transaction types may be processed by the Control Unit and multiple transactions can be initiated and processed together. Common transaction types include reviewing and releasing an IDC to an end user and general maintenance of the control unit environment. At step  1130  the request is processed accordingly by the control unit  200  depending on the type of transaction requested. At step  1140  the results of the control unit administration transaction  150  are returned to the administrator completing the transaction.  
         [0088]    With reference to FIG. 12, there is described a process by which the administrator initiates and completes an IMS administration transaction  140 . The administrator creates a transaction request at step  1200 . A transaction request may contain a specific request and any necessary parameters and criteria. For example an administrator may initiate an IMS administration request add a new authorized user to the IMS. Multiple requests may be bundled into a single transaction. The transaction is submitted to the IMS  600  at step  1210 . At step  1220  the IMS  600  then evaluates the request to determine the transaction type based upon the request, the parameters and criteria. An unlimited number of transaction types may be processed by the IMS and multiple transactions can be initiated and processed together. Common transaction types would include setup of the IMS environment and maintenance of the IMS environment. At step  1230  the request is processed accordingly by the IMS  600  depending on the type of transaction requested. At step  1240  the results of the IMS transaction  140  are returned to the administrator completing the transaction.  
         [0089]    Implementation Management Embodiment  
         [0090]    In one embodiment the present invention is used by the end user to facilitate, manage and support the implementation of a technology system through a series of transactions with the IMS  600  and control unit  200 .  
         [0091]    1. The end user creates one or more Implementation Data Capsules which will act as “implementation templates” through a combination of IMS transactions  130  and control unit transactions  120  (FIG. 13).  
         [0092]    2. The end user then initiates an IMS transaction  130  for starting a new implementation (based upon the appropriate implementation template) and registers the implementation with the control unit  200 . (FIG. 14)  
         [0093]    3. The end user then initiates a series of IMS transactions  130  for inputting implementation data into the IMS  600 . (FIG.  
         [0094]    4. The end user then initiates a series of IMS transactions  130  to the implementation planning facility with the goal of creating an implementation plan and strategy. (FIG. 16)  
         [0095]    5. The end user then initiates an IMS transaction  130  to create an IDC  800  that contains implementation data and planning information. (FIG. 17)  
         [0096]    6. The end user then initiates control unit transactions  120  that transfer the IDC  800  to the control unit  200 . (FIG. 18)  
         [0097]    7. The end user then initiates control unit transactions  120  that will analyze the IDC  800  for issues or problems that will impact the end user&#39;s implementation. (FIG. 19)  
         [0098]    8. The end user then initiates a series of IMS transactions  130  for creating implementation deliverables such as implementation schedules, reports and project plans. (FIG.  
         [0099]    9. The end user then continues with the implementation process and continues to initiate IMS transactions  130  to update and manage the data and information associated with the implementation. (FIG. 15)  
         [0100]    10. When the implementation process is complete the end user initiates an IMS transaction  130  to create an updated IDC  800 . (FIG. 17)  
         [0101]    11. The end user then initiates a control unit transaction  120  to transfer the IDC  800  to the control unit  200 . (FIG. 18)  
         [0102]    12. The administrator then initiates a combination of IMS administration transactions  140  and control unit administration transactions  150  to release and make available the IDC and the contents of the IDC to other end users. (FIG. 13)  
         [0103]    [0103]FIG. 13 describes the process of creating an IDC that can be used as an “implementation template” by the IMS. At step  1300  the administrator initiates a request to create a new IDC. At step  1305  the administrator enters specific criteria which will be used to locate implementation objects that will be used as the basis for the new IDC. For example the administrator may specify criteria surrounding the implementation of Microsoft Excel in the Apple Macintosh environment. At step  1310  the IDC processor returns a list of implementation objects matching the criteria based upon data within the implementation objects database. The administrator selects specific objects from this list at step  1320  to be included in the new IDC and the IDC processor builds the new IDC at step  1325  and adds to the IDC to the IDC storage area within the Control Unit. In another embodiment the process of selecting specific implementation objects is bypassed and the IDC processor automatically builds the IDC based upon the criteria provided at step  1305  without specific criteria selected. Optionally various commercially available compression and encryption algorithms  1330  may be employed during the building of the IDC. At step  1335  the new IDC is reviewed and tuned by the administrator using the IMS. At step  1340  the administrator releases the new IDC so that it can be accessed and utilized by end users.  
         [0104]    [0104]FIG. 14 describes the process of an end user creating a new implementation within the IMS based upon an “implementation template” IDC and registering the implementation with the control unit. At step  1400  the end user initiates a request to create a new implementation. An implementation refers to the project of implementing a particular technology in a specific area within the end user&#39;s organization. At step  1405  the end user provides selection criteria to the IDC to locate a list of IDC&#39;s that could be used as a template for the new implementation. At step  1410  a list of IDC which match the criteria specified is provided and at step  1415  the end user selects the IDC which will be used as template for the new implementation. At step  1420  the IDC processor analyzes the IDC selected and computes any fees or charges that will need to be paid to utilize the IDC as a template. If a fee is required the control unit handles and processes the payment at step  1425 . At step  1430  the IDC is transferred to the IMS and a new implementation is created within the IMS at step  1435 . In another embodiment the end user creates a new implementation without utilizing an IDC as a template. At step  1440  the end user registers the new implementation with the control unit completing the process.  
         [0105]    [0105]FIG. 15 describes the process of an end user inputting and updating implementation information into the IMS. At step  1500  a data input request is initiated by the end user. At step  1505  the end user selects which implementation object type the implementation information will be associated with. For example the end user may be entering information about “stakeholders” in the IMS. In this case the end user would select the Stakeholder implementation object type. At step  1510  the end user determines whether a new implementation object will be added or an existing implementation object will be updated. At step  1515  an existing implementation object is updated while at step  1520  a new implementation object is added. At step  1525  all implementation information added or updated is recorded in the IMS.  
         [0106]    [0106]FIG. 16 describes the process of an end user using the IMS implementation planning facility to create an implementation plan and strategy. At step  1600  an implementation planning request is initiated by the end user. At step  1605  the end user enters or updates planning information and criteria. At step  1610  the IMS implementation planning processor analyzes the criteria and implementation data from the IMS. At step  1615  an implementation plan and framework is automatically created by the implementation planning processor.  
         [0107]    [0107]FIG. 17 describes the process of completing a transaction related to the creation of an IDC. At step  1700  an IDC creation request is initiated by the end user. At step  1705  the process of creating an IDC commences by creating a control file. The control file contains information about the implementation and the IDC that will be utilized by the Control Unit. For example the control file could contain an index and keywords of all the items in the IDC. At step  1710  the IDC processor determines the inventory of all objects and information that will be included in the IDC. In one embodiment the end user may include all implementation objects and information in the IDC while in another embodiment the user may select which implementation objects will be included through selection parameters  1715 . In step  1720  the IDC digital archive  810  is created which includes all selected implementation information and objects. In one embodiment the IDC can optionally be encrypted and compressed  1725  using commercially available compression and encryption utilities. At step  1730  the IDC is saved to the IMS storage device  697 . Once this transaction is complete the IDC can be transferred to the control unit or other end users.  
         [0108]    [0108]FIG. 18 describes the process of completing a transaction related to the transfer of an IDC to the control unit. At step  1800  an IDC transfer is initiated by the end user. At step  1805  the transfer request is created which includes the specific IDC to be transferred and information related to the transfer such as end users name and contact information. At step  1810  the IDC transfer request is transferred to the control unit. At step  1815  the control unit verifies that the implementation associated with the IDC is registered with the control unit. The control unit at step  1820  then processes the IDC transfer request with implementation information added and updated to the implementation and end user databases. At step  1825  the implementation object database is updated. At step  1830  the IDC is moved to the IDC storage area in the control unit. At step  1835  the transaction is recorded in the audit database and the end user is notified that the transaction was successful  1840 .  
         [0109]    [0109]FIG. 19 describes the process of the control unit analyzing an IDC for issues or problems related to the implementation. For example an end user may want to know if the implementation plan and strategy that has been created is realistic based upon other similar implementations. In another embodiment the end user may want the implementation to be audited to ensure that the implementation data entered is accurate. At step  1900  a request to analyze an IDC is made to the control unit. At step  1905  the end user selects the IDC(s) that will be analyzed and in step  1910  specified the type of analysis that will be done. Based upon the type of analysis selected specific analysis criteria may be provided by the end user. At step  1915  the analysis is done using the analysis processor within the control unit. At step  1920  the results of the analysis are returned to the end user by the control unit.  
         [0110]    [0110]FIG. 20 describes the process of completing a transaction relating to the creation of implementation deliverables from the IMS. At step  2000  a request to create implementation deliverables such as a project schedule, plan or report is initiated by the end user. At step  2005  the end user optionally selects which implementation objects are to be included in the deliverable. For example the end user may decide only to include information about the implementation team in a report. At step  2010  the end user selects the deliverables to be created. Based upon this selection the implementation deliverables processor generates the requested deliverables in step  2015 .  
         [0111]    Implementation Data Exchange Embodiment  
         [0112]    In one embodiment the present invention is used by the end user to facilitate the exchange of implementation data with another end user through a series of transactions with the IMS  600  and control unit  200 . The purpose of this exchange is to enable other end users (such as a vendor, consultant or industry expert) to review and possibly update the end user&#39;s implementation data. When the review is complete the implementation data will be returned the end user.  
         [0113]    1. The end user initiates an IMS transaction  150  to create an IDC  800  that contains implementation data (FIG. 17).  
         [0114]    2. The end user then initiates control unit transactions  120  that transfers the IDC  800  to the control unit  200 . Included in the transaction request is the identifications) of the other end user(s) where the IDC should be routed. (FIG. 18)  
         [0115]    3. The control unit  200  then routes the IDC  800  to the IMS  600  and notifies the appropriate end users.  
         [0116]    4. The receiving end user initiates a series of IMS transactions  150  to review (and possibly update) the implementation data.  
         [0117]    5. When the review is complete the receiving end user initiates an IMS transaction  150  to create an IDC  800  that contains implementation data (FIG. 17).  
         [0118]    6. The receiving end user initiates control unit transactions  120  that transfers the IDC  800  to the control unit  200 . (FIG. 18)  
         [0119]    7. The control unit  200  then routes the IDC  800  to the IMS  600  and notifies the sending end user that the transaction is complete.  
         [0120]    Billing Embodiment  
         [0121]    [0121]FIG. 21 describes an exemplary billing system of the present invention. End users may be billed and make payments for executing various control unit transactions  120  and IMS transactions  130  such as implementation analysis and review. In addition end users may be billed and make payments for the license and use of various IDC&#39;s  800  that are used as templates with the IMS  600 . End user invoicing and payments are described using conventional credit card electronic charges, checks, Electronic Funds Transfer (“EFT”), or digital cash. These payment methods are meant to be merely illustrative, as there are many equivalent payment methods commonly known in the art which may be used.  
         [0122]    The billing process is initiated at step  2100  when the end user initiates a control unit transaction  120  or IMS transaction  170  which is deemed to be billable. Once the billing process is started the price and tracking number of the control unit transaction  120  or the IMS transaction  170  is processed and sent to the billing database  290  at step  2105 . At step  2110  there are a number of billing protocols that can be used. For example, one protocal, cash on delivery (“COD”), requires that the end user pay before completing a control unit transaction  120  or an IMS transaction  170 . Another protocol is a credit system in which the end user pays at the end of the billing period.  
         [0123]    At step  2115  the end users preferred billing method is retrieved from the control unit  120 . In the COD protocol the billing processor  245  generates a bill prior to completing the control unit transaction  120  or the IMS transaction  170 . In a credit protocol the billing processor  245  searches the billing database  290  at the end of each billing period and totals the amount owed by each end user. At step  2120  the appropriate billing module (credit card, EFT, check, electronic cash) is initiated.  
         [0124]    Implementation Data Capsule Pricing Embodiment  
         [0125]    [0125]FIG. 22 describes an exemplary IDC pricing system of the present invention. End users may be billed and make payments for the license and use of various IDC&#39;s  800 . The price of an IDC may be determined based upon the objects that are included in the IDC from the implementation object database  275  and the IDC&#39;s stored in IDC storage  297 . The pricing method described is meant to be merely illustrative, as there are other many pricing methods which may be employed.  
         [0126]    The IDC pricing process is initiated at step  2200  when the end user initiates a request to create an IDC. At step  2205  the end user enters criteria in order to identify potential implementation objects to be included in the IDC. At step  2210  the IDC processor  240  identifies a list of implementation objects which match the criteria provided in step  2205 . At step  2215  the end user selects implementation objects to be included in the new IDC  800 . As the user selects specific implementation objects the pricing processor  250  automatically calculates the price of the implementation object using data from the implementation object database  275  (see step  2220 ). A total price of all implementation objects selected is maintained throughout the selection process. The pricing processor  250  automatically calculates discounts and other pricing incentives as objects from the implementation object database  275  are selected.  
         [0127]    At step  2225  the IDC processor builds the IDC based upon the implementation objects selected. At step  2230  the billing database is updated with the price of the IDC  800  and the billing process (as described in FIG. 21) is initiated at step  2235 .  
         [0128]    Implementation Marketplace and Community Embodiment  
         [0129]    Another embodiment of the present invention revolves around the creation of an implementation marketplace and community. In one embodiment an end user develops an IDC  800  that could contain valuable implementation data, tools and strategies for a specific type of technology system implementation. The end user can transfer the IDC  800  to the control unit  200  and request that the IDC  800  may be made available to be sold or licensed to other end users. A number of pricing strategies could be selected by the end user such as a fixed price or a bid approach. Other end users could then access, review and purchase the IDC by initiating a series of control unit transactions  120  with the control unit  200 .  
         [0130]    In another embodiment end users could procure the services of an implementation expert or consultant of a specific type of technology system implementation using the present invention. Through a control unit transaction  120  end users can contact and establish a dialog with one or more experts for a specific technology system. Implementation Data Capsules  800  can be exchanged between the end user and the expert as described in the Implementation Data Exchange Embodiment.  
         [0131]    In another embodiment an end user can establish dialogs with other end users that are involved in similar technology system implementations. Implementation Data Capsules  800  can be exchanged between the end users as described in the Implementation Data Exchange Embodiment.