Module 1: Introduction

to the Microsoft
Solutions Framework
Contents
Module Overview

Lesson: Introduction to the Microsoft

Solutions Framework

Module Review

14

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Introduction

Objectives

Module Overview
Module Overview

Introduction to the Microsoft Solutions

Framework

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Module 1

This module sets the business context for and gives some background on MSF.
After completing this module, you will be able to:

Describe the origin of MSF.

List the MSF models and disciplines.

Define key MSF terminology.

Describe some of the obstacles to successful projects that MSF helps IT

organizations to overcome.
Explain the purpose of MSF.

Introduction
Note

Lesson objectives

Module 1: Introduction to the Microsoft Solutions Framework

Lesson: Introduction to the Microsoft Solutions

Framework Lesson: Introduction to the Microsoft Solutions Framework
After completing this lesson, you will be able to:
Describe the origin of MSF
List the MSF models and disciplines
Define key MSF terminology
Describe some of the obstacles to successful projects that
MSF helps IT organizations to overcome
Explain the purpose of MSF

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Module 1

This module sets the business context for and gives some background on MSF.
This module contains only one lesson.
After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

Describe the origin of MSF.

List the MSF models and disciplines.

Define key MSF terminology.

Describe some of the obstacles to successful projects that MSF helps IT

organizations to overcome.
Explain the purpose of MSF.

Module 1: Introduction to the Microsoft Solutions Framework

The Business
The
BusinessEnvironment
Environment

Accelerating rates of change in business and technology

Shorter product cycles

Increasingly diverse and complex products and services
Evolving business models

Rapidly changing requirements: regulations, legislation,

growing consumer demands
Rising competitive pressures
Globalization

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It is well known that todays business environment is characterized by

complexity, global interconnectedness, and acceleration of everything from
communication to production methods to change itself. These conditions
represent both challenges and opportunities for business.
It is also not news that technology in general has been one of the major drivers
of complexity, change, and acceleration. Within IT organizations, however, it is
the job of IT first to understand the goals and plans of the business that it is part
of and then work to enable it to meet its challenges and capitalize on its
opportunities.

How IT
Business
to Achieve
Its Goals
How
ITCan
CanEnable
Enable
Business
to Achieve
Its Goals

Streamline business processes

Help people to be more efficient and effective in their work

Shorten supply chains

Eliminate burdensome tasks
Make information available
Enable real-time processing of information

Enable businesses to grow

Generate new business models

Foster new business opportunities
Make new markets accessible

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Module 1: Introduction to the Microsoft Solutions Framework

The applications of information technology in the service of business seem

nearly limitless. Productivity can be improved through streamlining of
processes made possible by technology. The efficiency and effectiveness of
individual workers as well as groups can be enhanced through the enhanced
connectivity that technology offers. Growth opportunities are multiplied by
access to new markets, new partners, and new business models that technology
makes possible.

Success Hasnt
Come
Easily
Success
Hasnt
Come
Easily

2000
1998

Failed

Challenged

Succeeded

23%

49%

28%

28%

1995
1994

46%
40%

31%

26%
33%

53%

27%
16%

This chart depicts the outcome of the 30,000 application projects in large, medium,
and small cross-industry U.S. companies tested by The Standish Group since 1994.
Source: The Standish Group International, Extreme Chaos, The Standish Group
International, Inc., 2000

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Given the seemingly limitless capabilities of information technology, it can be

discouraging to see the limited success that has been achieved in applying it
within real-world settings. Studies continually indicate that U.S. companies
have difficulty with IT projects. One commonly cited example is the Standish
Groups study of 30,000 IT application projects in large, medium, and small
cross-industry U.S. companies. The data on project outcomes is shown on the
chart in the slide.
The category definitions for the research are as follows:

Failed projects were cancelled before completion or never implemented.

Challenged projects were completed and are operational, but exceeded
budgets and time estimates, and have fewer features and functions than were
initially specified.
Projects that succeeded were completed on time and on budget, with all the
features and functions initially specified.

Although failure rates decreased and success rates increased during the six
years of the study, the numbers indicate the need for significant improvement.

Module 1: Introduction to the Microsoft Solutions Framework

What Are
What
Arethe
theObstacles?
Obstacles?

Separation of goal and function

Separation of business and technology
Lack of common language and process

Unclear goals
Unmanaged scope changes

Failure to communicate and act as a team

Processes that are inflexible to change

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The obvious question when confronted with data such as the Standish data is to
ask whywhat is preventing IT from developing solutions that answer to
business needs? What is breaking down?
The slide gives a high level overview of the barriers to successful collaboration
between IT and the business, and to problem-solving within IT. Although
technology may increase the complexity of projects, dealing with that
complexity successfully is related more to the people and processes working
with the technology than to the technology itself. Technology alone can be a
factor in project failures, but it is not at the top of the list.
In combination, these obstacles translate into such specific problems as the
following:

Lists of requirements that dont address the real customer problems, with
important features omitted and unsubstantiated features included.
Specifications that are so long and detailed that users cannot grasp the main
issues.
Specifications that more closely reflect wish lists than prioritized lists of
features.
Sub-optimized functions that are not identified and changed, and therefore
become automated.

Irregular, random, or insufficient input into the process.

Solutions that are provided to solve one problem but introduce new ones.

Module 1: Introduction to the Microsoft Solutions Framework

How Can
the the
Obstacles?
How
CanITITOvercome
Overcome
Obstacles?

By understanding business directions, goals, and

opportunities
By ensuring that IT goals support business goals
By communicating with the business in an ongoing
dialogue
By fostering a proactive organizational environment
By organizing teams to work efficiently and effectively
ITs primary need is not for more technology
it is to combine its chief strength
enormous technological knowledge
with people and processes in ways that serve the organization

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Links need to be forged between IT and the businesslinks of understanding,

accountability, and communications. Organizational resistance to change and
other barriers to progress need to be broken down. IT can take a leadership role
in doing this by organizing its processes and teams to change the factors that
have limited the success of its projects.

Microsoft Solutions
Framework
Microsoft
Solutions
Framework

MSF offers guidance in how to organize

people and projects to plan, build, and
deploy successful IT solutions

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The Microsoft Solutions Framework (MSF) is a collection of guidance for

successfully delivering information technology solutions faster and with fewer
people and less risk, while enabling higher quality results.

Module 1: Introduction to the Microsoft Solutions Framework

MSF is called a framework for specific reasons. The MSF philosophy holds that
there is no single structure or process that applies to all requirements and
environments, and recognizes that, nonetheless, the need for guidance still
exists. As a framework, MSF provides this guidance without imposing so much
prescriptive detail that it becomes impossible to comprehend, or useful only
within a narrow band of scenarios.
MSF has the following characteristics which make it applicable in a broad
range of IT organizations and scenarios.

Adaptable. MSF is more like a compass, usable anywhere, than a map, the
usefulness of which is limited to a specific place.
Flexible. MSF applied to a specific customers environment and technology
scenario can become more methodological for that customer. Certain MSF
concepts, for instance the MSF team model, can be applied within the
established hierarchy of an existing organization.
Scaleable. MSF can accommodate teams as small as three or four people
and projects that require 50 or more people.
Technology agnostic. MSF can be used to deliver solutions based on any
technology.

The result is improvements in efficiency, solution quality, and team

performance and morale.

Video: The
Gateway
Video:
TheGovernment
Government
Gateway
Video timing: seven minutes

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Your instructor will show a short video about an MSF case study.

Definition

Module 1: Introduction to the Microsoft Solutions Framework

The Origin
The
OriginofofMSF
MSF
Microsoft
Worldwide
Products
Groups

Microsoft
Consulting
Services

Microsoft
Information
Technology
Group

Microsoft
Partners

Proven
Practices

Results from project teams and product groups are analyzed

Analyzed results are contrasted with industry practices and methods
Combined results are then organized and consolidated into people
and process guidance

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MSF has been evolving since 1993 and is based on successful, real-world best
practices from Microsoft product groups, Microsoft Services, Microsoft
partners, Microsofts internal IT Group, and customers. Elements of MSF are
based on well-known industry best practicessupplemented by Microsofts
experience of 25 years in the high-tech industry. These elements are designed to
work together to help consultants and customers address many of the significant
challenges encountered throughout the IT life cycle.
Microsoft finds real-world best practices that workpractices that are proven
in the field, not theoretical ideas. They are simplified, consolidated, and verified
for easier understanding and adoption.
MSF is managed and developed by a team within Microsoft, with guidance and
review from an international advisory council of subject matter experts.
Microsoft also has a team that creates, finds, and shares best practices and tools
for Microsofts internal software and solution development efforts. Ideas and
resources are shared regularly between these teams.
Term

Definition

Solution

The coordinated delivery of the elements needed (including technologies,

documentation, training, and support, among others) to successfully
respond to a unique customers business problem or opportunity

Project

A temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique solution, service, or

result

Module 1: Introduction to the Microsoft Solutions Framework

MSF Models
Disciplines
MSF
Modelsand
and
Disciplines
Models
Team

Process

Model

Model

Disciplines
Project

Risk

Readiness

Management
Discipline

Management
Discipline

Management
Discipline

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MSF uses two models and three disciplines. They will be described in detail
during the course.
The MSF team model organizes people to do the work of the project and
ensures that all project goals are met by linking each team role with a major
project responsibility.
The MSF process model organizes the process needed to create and deliver a
solution by ordering it in time, dividing it into distinct phases marked by
milestones.
The MSF project management discipline ensures that project management
activities are streamlined, and that they help rather than hinder the success of
the team.
The MSF risk management discipline is used to minimize surprises, firefighting, and other expensive activities by proactively managing risk.
The MSF readiness management discipline is used to proactively identify the
skills required by the team for each project, and to use projects as learning
opportunities.

Module 1: Introduction to the Microsoft Solutions Framework

Additional MSF
Terminology
Additional
MSF
Terminology

Foundational Principles

Key Concepts

The core principles upon which the framework is based

Ideas that support MSF principles and disciplines

Proven Practices

Techniques, methods, or processes that have been demonstrated

to work under real-world conditions

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In addition to models and disciplines, the mental constructs upon which MSF is
based include foundational principles, key concepts, and proven practices.

Where MSF
in the
IT Life
CycleCycle
Where
MSFFits
Fits
in the
IT Life
Microsoft Solutions Framework

Microsoft Operations Framework

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MSF is closely related to the Microsoft Operations Framework (MOF), which is

Microsofts approach to achieving mission-critical production system reliability,
availability and manageability. MOF is based on an internationally accepted set
of best practices in IT service management set forth in the IT Infrastructure
Library (ITIL). MSF and MOF have been designed to work well together, as
well as independently.

.1
Module 1: Introduction to the Microsoft Solutions Framework

11

MSF is focused on building solutions (Build IT right), whereas MOF is

focused on running the IT infrastructure, which encompasses the solutions that
MSF builds (Run IT right). The slide shows that there are areas of overlap
where close coordination is required.

Module ReviewModule Review

Describe some obstacles that IT encounters in the

delivery of its solutions
How does MSF help IT to overcome these obstacles?
What are the sources of MSF expertise?
Name the two models and three disciplines that MSF
uses

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.1 Describe some obstacles that IT projects encounter in the delivery of

solutions.

.2 How does MSF help IT to overcome these obstacles?

.3 MSF originated from and continues to develop with input from what four
primary sources?

.4 What two models and three disciplines are basic to MSF?

Now is the time to ask any questions you may have about the topics presented
in this module.

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