Contractor interviewing a contractor .... Win 7 migration

[TykeMerc]

Well well ... thanks for the quality tips. To my surprise the nominated lead architect from the faMSous vendor was totally out of his depth. Hadn't done anywhere near full lifecycle and technically wasn't at the races.

Wouldn't take him for 400 seat job, never mind 20,000 in financial services. The day rate made my eyes water especially on 18 months contract.

I've asked the septics to send another.

Fair enough and you did what the client needed, identified the candidates suitability; in this case not at all suitable; which is every bit as valid a result.

Having reviewed quite a lot of 3rd party contracts for clients I agree on the eyes water comment, some of the rates/quotes are downright scary with extensive tie in and penalty clauses that can be a real bugger to get removed.

[LegendsWear7]

Well well ... thanks for the quality tips. To my surprise the nominated lead architect from the faMSous vendor was totally out of his depth. Hadn't done anywhere near full lifecycle and technically wasn't at the races.

Wouldn't take him for 400 seat job, never mind 20,000 in financial services. The day rate made my eyes water especially on 18 months contract.

I've asked the septics to send another.

[yorkshireman]

First have a really clear Idea what your client is expecting from this guy.

Then probe him on exactly what his role has been on similar deployments. Also make sure he has been migrating off the same legacy operating system that your client has. IMHO the problems will come from the legacy end rather than the Win 7!!

Remember - If he has been in a big organisation there will probably be at least a dozen people that would claim to have been the lead techie on it.

[Sysman]

Incorrect questioning. Shows you can read a book.

Correct questioning. Shows he understands the requirements.

Another thumbs up.

Since the guy is from "a famous IT company":

• Do they propose to use their own in-house tools for the project. If so what?
• What sort of backup will he have available for technical support? Holiday/sickness cover etc.
• Will he be able to contact MS and other suppliers directly or have to go through internal channels?

[jaspr]

What to ask ?

We're going through it at the moment. A bit of a mare with a major IT company. no names obviously.

Questions I might ask ?

As previously mentioned

Have you done this before ? from what to what ?

What size was it ? I migrated at home LOL

If yes brief details about overall rollout plan ?

What were the major issues ? and how were they resolved ?

some techie questions and not name the FSMO roles

build methods ? patch distribution method ?

Jaspr

[Cliphead]

What went wrong on previous deployments (something always goes tits up).

[LegendsWear7]

Incorrect questioning. Shows you can read a book.



Correct questioning. Shows he understands the requirements.

There should be a Thumbs Up / Arrow Up for that. Agreed.

[MarillionFan]

Right, just been told that tomorrow I have to interview the lead techie from a famous IT company who will be on-site for 18 months to design and be the main expert on Windows 7.
Global rollout. 20,000 seats.

What to ask him ? I thought of things like . . .

How to use Sysprep ?
What is MDOP ?
What does 64 bit bring us ?
How to set file permissions at command line ?
Have you done this before ?


What to ask the guy ?

Incorrect questioning. Shows you can read a book.

How many similar deployments has he done?
What didn't go to plan and how did he overcome them?
What tools will he be using - MS & Non MS ones.

Correct questioning. Shows he understands the requirements.

[billybiro]

Right, just been told that tomorrow I have to interview the lead techie from a famous IT company who will be on-site for 18 months to design and be the main expert on Windows 7.
Global rollout. 20,000 seats.

What to ask him ? I thought of things like . . .

How to use Sysprep ?
What is MDOP ?
What does 64 bit bring us ?
How to set file permissions at command line ?
Have you done this before ?


What to ask the guy ?

Ask him: "I don't care about your skills. But if we contract your services, and you turn out to be sh!t, will you give me 50% of your rate to keep my mouth shut?"

That is all you need to know. Milk that client!

[Clippy]

How many similar deployments has he done?
What didn't go to plan and how did he overcome them?
What tools will he be using - MS & Non MS ones.

[LegendsWear7]

Right, just been told that tomorrow I have to interview the lead techie from a famous IT company who will be on-site for 18 months to design and be the main expert on Windows 7.
Global rollout. 20,000 seats.

What to ask him ? I thought of things like . . .

How to use Sysprep ?
What is MDOP ?
What does 64 bit bring us ?
How to set file permissions at command line ?
Have you done this before ?


What to ask the guy ?