IS Staff Migration to New Technology.

This paper provides guidance through the process of upgrading the skills of information systems staff to fit the implementation of new technology. Specific examples are provided for the technology implementation at Mott Community College (Michigan). As with many major transitions, the key to success is planning. It is important to completely and thoroughly analyze existing technology, the new technology being implemented, and the strengths and weaknesses of each individual on the Information Systems staff. To determine the makeup of the Information Staff of the future: evaluate the new technology and the organization's needs; determine the organization chart for the new technology; determine the generic skills needed for each position; develop a job description for each "new" position; and identify the specific technical skills needed for each position. After developing a general timeline, Mott Community College formed a migration team to help with the transition and to: help implement the new system; help determine the best set of procedures and policies; work with the existing staff to help them contribute to decisions; and train existing staff. The migration team was critically important to the success of Mott Community College's transition. The paper also provides guidance for selling the staff on the new technology; building the training plan (including an example training plan); and working with the transition. (SWC)