The system champion contributes a big part toward getting the project off the ground and into the planning phase. This is especially true if he or she is someone who carries a great deal of respect and credibility within the business organization. An advocate tends to be a supporter of the project champion, but not someone who is an active campaigner for the new system itself. Advocates tend to be confirmers of the reasoning of the champion, and they may contribute concrete benefits in support of the development effort. Unless they are very high in the organization, champions have a hard time selling a new system by themselves.
Advocates provide additional needed political support and backing to the overall approval effort.
This support is especially effective if the advocates represent a sizable group of related business functions and interests. The project sponsors, more often than not, end up being the executive management of the business area which will be footing the bill for the project. Sponsors may or may not have been involved as champions or advocates of the new system, but if the project is to succeed, they must be active supporters. The earlier in the approval process the project sponsors can be identified and actively involved, the more likely the project will become a reality. This involvement allows these critical sponsors to develop their own personal stake in the project outcome.