The objective of assessment is to provide an in-depth and definitive technical determination of the sources of unreliability and insecurity.

Assessment begins with interviews, and includes an up-close examination of the actual as-built design and implementataion of your systems. The examination usually includes review of source code, configuration files, trouble reports if any, and first-hand exposure to the operating applications. Followup interviews help to clarify issues and identify remaining artifacts that are required.

The end result is an analysis report (see sample) that uncovers the sources of actual or potential trouble. This report is not fluff: it is actionable and highly specific. As a side effect of this work, a logical and physical process model is also produced that shows what actually goes on within your applications. Assessment usually takes from six to twelve weeks, depending on the complexity of the environment.

Then What?

The analysis makes it possible to make high quality plans for corrective action. This planning typically is cross-organizational, but does not need to be, and results in the formation of one or more remediation projects to address the issues uncovered. These projects typically operate in parallel with existing work to minimize disruption of ongoing development efforts.

Remediation typically includes redesign of some applications, enhancement of software development processes, instruction and mentoring of staff, and enhancement of communication and control processes. We can help with remediation: this is where our High Assurance Application Design, Collaboration, and Instruction services can help you put your anxieties to rest. If the remediation is broad in scope and entails envisioning or large-scale integration, we can work with your integrator, or we have integrators who we routinely partner with (e.g. Digital Focus).