SM2233 Multimedia Production Traditional Production Process.

SM2233 Multimedia Production Traditional Production Process

Introduction Traditional development process: Traditional development process: –Client based –Web site / CDROM Brief overview of the production process Brief overview of the production process Then go back and look at the details Then go back and look at the details Discuss important issues Discuss important issues

Production Process Client Requirements Proposal Content Collection Production Testing Delivery Maintenance Documentation

Client Requirements Find out what the client wants Find out what the client wants They may not know what they want, or may want something inappropriate They may not know what they want, or may want something inappropriate Need to determine the size of the project, how much work will be required, the content required Need to determine the size of the project, how much work will be required, the content required Usually an interview, can take several hours or longer Usually an interview, can take several hours or longer

Proposal What you will do and how much it will cost What you will do and how much it will cost Several companies may be bidding for the project, so need to think carefully about costs and features Several companies may be bidding for the project, so need to think carefully about costs and features Proposal will contain a description of what you will produce, some sample screens, outline of the project Proposal will contain a description of what you will produce, some sample screens, outline of the project Don’t need a lot of detail Don’t need a lot of detail

Proposal Need to determine how much to charge, develop a realistic budget for the project Need to determine how much to charge, develop a realistic budget for the project Need to estimate time for each part of project, costs of labour and supplies Need to estimate time for each part of project, costs of labour and supplies Clearly define what will be delivered and for what price Clearly define what will be delivered and for what price Provide some options for further development Provide some options for further development

Content Collection Usually the client will be responsible for content, or suggesting the things that should be included Usually the client will be responsible for content, or suggesting the things that should be included May need to find original sources, get permission to use May need to find original sources, get permission to use May need to convert client content into format required for project, usually not in digital form May need to convert client content into format required for project, usually not in digital form

Production Produce the final product, usually the most time consuming step Produce the final product, usually the most time consuming step By this point the project is well defined, individual team members can work on different parts By this point the project is well defined, individual team members can work on different parts Usually divided into several phases, try to get the skeleton done as soon as possible, see where the parts fit Usually divided into several phases, try to get the skeleton done as soon as possible, see where the parts fit

Production View individual parts as they are produced View individual parts as they are produced Add them to skeleton, test the integration of the media Add them to skeleton, test the integration of the media Try to maintain as complete a product as possible during development, can detect when parts don’t fit together Try to maintain as complete a product as possible during development, can detect when parts don’t fit together Something to show the client Something to show the client

Testing More important than most people think More important than most people think Testing should start as soon as possible and continue through the project Testing should start as soon as possible and continue through the project Budget at least 30% of the production time for testing, depends on complexity Budget at least 30% of the production time for testing, depends on complexity Your reputation (and payment) depends upon quality, so make sure everything works Your reputation (and payment) depends upon quality, so make sure everything works

Delivery Hand over project to client Hand over project to client –Install web site on server –Produce master CDROM Make sure client agrees with final product, bill him for services Make sure client agrees with final product, bill him for services Client will do their own testing, be prepared for requests: changes and new features Client will do their own testing, be prepared for requests: changes and new features

Documentation Make sure everything is well documented Make sure everything is well documented –Sources of materials –Steps in production process –Software used –Archive all materials, record where stored If client wants changes, must be able to rebuild the product If client wants changes, must be able to rebuild the product

Documentation Is there anything in this project that can be reused? Is there anything in this project that can be reused? –Content: graphics, animations, video, etc –Techniques and software: special effect that could be used in another project Save and catalogue so it can be used in a future project, saves time and money Save and catalogue so it can be used in a future project, saves time and money

Maintenance Will the client want future support? Will the client want future support? –Who will update web sites –Produce new CDROM with new material Could be covered in original proposal, or could be contracted later Could be covered in original proposal, or could be contracted later Good revenue stream if its not too much work Good revenue stream if its not too much work

Client Issues Many types of clients, no two the same Many types of clients, no two the same Some will have no idea what they want, need to show them previous work, examples that get them thinking Some will have no idea what they want, need to show them previous work, examples that get them thinking Others think they know what they want Others think they know what they want How do you deal with a client that wants the wrong thing? Sometimes better to walk away How do you deal with a client that wants the wrong thing? Sometimes better to walk away

Client Issues Want to get the most for the least money Want to get the most for the least money Be careful not to lose money, better not to take the job Be careful not to lose money, better not to take the job Explain where the costs come from, the costs of changes and extra features Explain where the costs come from, the costs of changes and extra features Sometimes a price list helps, gives them a better feel for their options Sometimes a price list helps, gives them a better feel for their options

Client Issues Some clients want to change things after the start of the project, make it clear that this will cost them Some clients want to change things after the start of the project, make it clear that this will cost them Changes mean extra work, some completed work may need to be redone Changes mean extra work, some completed work may need to be redone Avoid a constantly changing project, neither party will be happy Avoid a constantly changing project, neither party will be happy

Review Client Requirements Proposal Content Collection Production Testing Delivery Maintenance Documentation

Production Process New we will go through the production process in detail New we will go through the production process in detail look at each of the steps and discuss what happens look at each of the steps and discuss what happens keep the entire process in mind when looking at each step, need to keep the global view keep the entire process in mind when looking at each step, need to keep the global view

Client Requirements Main purpose: gather information required for proposal Main purpose: gather information required for proposal need accurate information so proposal and budget is reasonable need accurate information so proposal and budget is reasonable need an accurate estimate of the amount of work required, types of material required, client expectations need an accurate estimate of the amount of work required, types of material required, client expectations know whether you want to work with this client know whether you want to work with this client

Client Requirements Usually takes the form of one or more meetings, from several hours to 40 or 50 hours, depends upon size of project Usually takes the form of one or more meetings, from several hours to 40 or 50 hours, depends upon size of project can have group briefings for larger projects with several competing bids can have group briefings for larger projects with several competing bids for smaller projects takes the form of face to face meetings for smaller projects takes the form of face to face meetings

Client Requirements Some clients have vague ideas of what they want, be prepared to show them previous work, give them ideas Some clients have vague ideas of what they want, be prepared to show them previous work, give them ideas other clients may have clear ideas, check that their ideas are reasonable and realistic other clients may have clear ideas, check that their ideas are reasonable and realistic be prepared to give rough cost estimates, client has idea of what each feature will cost be prepared to give rough cost estimates, client has idea of what each feature will cost

Client Requirements What you need to determine: What you need to determine: –size of the project –amount of content the client already has –format of client content, work needed to get it into usable form –amount of content to be developed –amount of custom programming –need for continual support and training

Client Requirements First meeting: First meeting: –introduce yourself and your work –give client some ideas –determine basic direction Next meetings: Next meetings: –determine requirements –discuss costs, what can reasonably be done

Client Requirements Large projects, government, may not have meetings, no direct interaction Large projects, government, may not have meetings, no direct interaction instead have a “request for proposals”, RFP instead have a “request for proposals”, RFP document that outlines the requirements of the project and requests bids on it document that outlines the requirements of the project and requests bids on it very common for government projects, some large companies also work this way very common for government projects, some large companies also work this way

Client Requirements Some RFPs are quite good, can easily find the material you need Some RFPs are quite good, can easily find the material you need this can save a considerable amount of time this can save a considerable amount of time other RFPs are garbage, make no sense at all, do not bid on these!! other RFPs are garbage, make no sense at all, do not bid on these!! Depends upon knowledge and motive of RFP author Depends upon knowledge and motive of RFP author some companies specialize in government contracts, know the lingo some companies specialize in government contracts, know the lingo

Proposal Aims: Aims: –To give your client a clear understanding of how the project is done. If it’s offline line, what kind of platform you choice? What media you will used? DVD or VCD or CD ROM? If it’s online, what kind of browser will be used? any plug- ins? –To suggest a production schedule. –To give a budget of how much the project cost, according to clients requirements.

Proposal There may be some other companies submitting proposals for the same project. There may be some other companies submitting proposals for the same project. You need to complete proposal within certain timeframe. You need to complete proposal within certain timeframe. There are pressure to get a proposal done: There are pressure to get a proposal done: –Limited information from the client –Not enough time in research –Limited time to create a good sample –The battle between your profit and client’s “good deal”

Proposal You need to make your proposal very convincing to the client. Think about these: You need to make your proposal very convincing to the client. Think about these: Tips: Try to set up meetings with the client at the earliest stage as possible. Don’t just “guess” what the client wants. Tips: Try to set up meetings with the client at the earliest stage as possible. Don’t just “guess” what the client wants. –Your suggestion and approach are relevant to client’s needs. –Enough information lead to decisions –Clear explanation of your responsibility –Suggest alternatives and options to the clients for further consideration

Proposal A good proposal should be “Sharp and Sound” A good proposal should be “Sharp and Sound” Proposal need not to be long. Your potential client may have read a couple proposals from your competitors already, and you don’t want to test their patience. Proposal need not to be long. Your potential client may have read a couple proposals from your competitors already, and you don’t want to test their patience. A proposal needs to make its impact quickly and clearly. A proposal needs to make its impact quickly and clearly. Nowadays, proposal is sometimes a multimedia production itself. Nowadays, proposal is sometimes a multimedia production itself.

Proposal RULES: Never miss the deadline! Never miss the deadline! –Even you know the client well, still need to keep a good business standing. Make no false promises! Make no false promises! –Don’t propose something that you can’t do or out of your control. It may make you lose time and money, and very important, your client would lose confidence on your company.

Proposal What a proposal should contain: General introduction & executive summary General introduction & executive summary Statement of what the client wants Statement of what the client wants Description of the general treatment and reasons for choice Description of the general treatment and reasons for choice Possible variations on treatments (alternatives and options) Possible variations on treatments (alternatives and options) Outline of the proposed project structure Outline of the proposed project structure Description of human resource needed Description of human resource needed Production schedule and division of labor Production schedule and division of labor Budget breakdown Budget breakdown Company statement of the limitations of the proposal Company statement of the limitations of the proposal Reference: Ch.4, “Managing Multimedia” England & Finney

Proposal Multimedia production is still a new concept for some clients, we need to explain and clarify more details. This is a way to educate clients about the nature of new media development. Multimedia production is still a new concept for some clients, we need to explain and clarify more details. This is a way to educate clients about the nature of new media development. Sometimes we need to be patience in amending proposal in order to gain mutual-understanding. Sometimes we need to be patience in amending proposal in order to gain mutual-understanding.

Proposal to Contract Attach samples of media (video /sound clips, digital graphics, data output, etc.) usually a good way to demonstrate creative ideas and proposed use of technology to clients. Attach samples of media (video /sound clips, digital graphics, data output, etc.) usually a good way to demonstrate creative ideas and proposed use of technology to clients. Some clients will be convinced to pay more after they see certain media / platform has potential to meet their needs. Some clients will be convinced to pay more after they see certain media / platform has potential to meet their needs.

Proposal to Contract Legal agreement / contract should be reached before actual implementation of project. Legal agreement / contract should be reached before actual implementation of project.

Contract A contract is an agreement that defines benefits and responsibilities for those parties involved A contract is an agreement that defines benefits and responsibilities for those parties involved In multimedia development, there are contracts between: In multimedia development, there are contracts between: Client Production company Production company Subcontractors

Contract Clearly stated product specifications, schedule and costs need. Clearly stated product specifications, schedule and costs need. Important legal issues should be stated: Method of Payment, Ownership, Copyright, Liabilities, Confidentiality in production process Important legal issues should be stated: Method of Payment, Ownership, Copyright, Liabilities, Confidentiality in production process

Content Collection Legal issues: Clients may have ownership/copy right of the original purpose but not in multimedia use. Legal issues: Clients may have ownership/copy right of the original purpose but not in multimedia use. For example, a photograph published in a book may cause breach of agreement if reused on website, even may be an online version of the same book; For example, a photograph published in a book may cause breach of agreement if reused on website, even may be an online version of the same book; A film distributed in one country may not be able to produced as DVD in the same country until a new license is cleared. A film distributed in one country may not be able to produced as DVD in the same country until a new license is cleared.

Production Process Client Requirements Proposal Content Collection Production Testing Delivery Maintenance Documentation (Recap of the Big Picture:)

Production Analysis / Research Analysis / Research Scripting/storyboard Scripting/storyboard Identify platform usage Identify platform usage Interface design Interface design Media production Media production Integration Integration

Production Analysis / Research  What materials would the clients provide? Clients may not know what to provide to you. You need to take active role to find out what the clients have, don’t hesitate to ask.

Production Analysis / Research  Clients may not know what media/platform work well for the content. Your role is to explain and make suggestion for solution.  Are those materials “ready-to-use”? e.g., Do you need to digitalize images from print? Do you need to re-edit video clips?  Make sure copyrights of materials are cleared.

Production Storyboard / Scripting Scripting is to form a structure for the content, to demonstrate how the content is being organized, in order to serve the purpose. Scripting is to form a structure for the content, to demonstrate how the content is being organized, in order to serve the purpose. Content :, the message or information contained in the product and the way they are arranged. Content :, the message or information contained in the product and the way they are arranged.

Production Storyboard / Scripting Scripting also aims to create a structure for production. Scripting also aims to create a structure for production. –Scripting multimedia may not be in traditional way, it may be non-linear or combination of linear / non-linear structure

Production Storyboard / Scripting Example of scripting linear media: Example of scripting linear media: Analysis/ research Storyline Write script Write section by section Complete

Production Storyboard / Scripting Example of scripting content in multimedia: Example of scripting content in multimedia: Analysis/ researchStorylineWrite ScriptStrand 1Strand 2Strand 3Strand 4 Video, text, graphics Text, graphics, audio Video, Animation Audio, text,

Production Identify platform usage: Identify platform usage: –“Platform”, can be refer to hardware and software, delivers the final application, or the final outcome. –For hardware, e.g., computer types (Mac, PC), operating system (windows, unix), browser (IE, Netscape), hardware specifications (graphic card, sound card, hard disk performance)

Production Identify platform usage: Identify platform usage: –Application format, e.g., video (mpeg, windows media, quicktime movie), sound (midi, mpeg, windows media), text (word doc., txt),

Production  Platform usage: Cross-platform applications –Such as director / flash have the ability to run the content on both Windows and Mac. –Also, programming language like C, C++

Production Choice of delivery platform: Choice of delivery platform: –“Platform”, can be refer to hardware and software, delivers the final application, or the final outcome. –e.g., computer types (Mac, PC), operating system (windows, unix), browser (IE, Netscape), hardware specifications (graphic card, sound card, hard disk performance)

Production Interface Design Interface Design The role of interface is like a navigator The role of interface is like a navigator An multimedia presentation, both online and offline, have an infrastructure. It links the elements together and functions for users to “navigate” (control) the route to understand the content by themselves. An multimedia presentation, both online and offline, have an infrastructure. It links the elements together and functions for users to “navigate” (control) the route to understand the content by themselves.

Production Interface Design Interface Design In interface design, we usually use “icon” to organize the content. In interface design, we usually use “icon” to organize the content. Icons can be either text or graphic, or both. Icons can be either text or graphic, or both. A common arrangement of interface design is to create “Menu” from a set of icons. A common arrangement of interface design is to create “Menu” from a set of icons.

Production Interface Design Interface Design In website design, you usually see a set of menu locate on the left, or on the top. There are practical / technical reasons: resize of browser window In website design, you usually see a set of menu locate on the left, or on the top. There are practical / technical reasons: resize of browser window

Production Media production (usually simultaneously): Media production (usually simultaneously):  Stills: Image digitalizing / processing;  Video  Animation  Computer graphics  Voiceover  Sound Mix / Music composition  Text & Typology

Production Multimedia Product / Outcome Information, Message, Ideas Content Structure Media Selection Interactive Structure Content Treatment Content and treatment should have equal contribution to final product

Production Integration Integration –The very important part in multimedia production –Program media formats into one platform for delivery –Need to consider timing issue: “Expect the unexpected”. Allow time for failure, redo, alternatives

Production Integration Integration –Need to consider quality issue: “Garbage In – Garbage Out”. Quality may be lost during process. Make sure to gain the best quality in original source –In managing multimedia production, important to know the industry standard. What is the best, what is acceptable, what is unacceptable.

Production Integration Integration –Decision Making: TASK Budget Technical Issues Quality, Integrity Time

Testing Our product must work, our reputation (and money) are one the line Our product must work, our reputation (and money) are one the line you should be continually testing, start early and test often you should be continually testing, start early and test often Why? Why not just wait until the end and do all the testing at once, won’t this be quicker? Why? Why not just wait until the end and do all the testing at once, won’t this be quicker?

Testing The sooner you find a problem the easier it is to fix: The sooner you find a problem the easier it is to fix: –you remember what you did, easy to determine what you need to do, weeks later you may not even know where to start –fixing the problem may require redoing a lot of work, fix it now so no other work depends on your mistake!

Testing Every time you add or change something do some quick tests: Every time you add or change something do some quick tests: –does what you added or changed work –did it break something else sometime when we change one part of a project we break something else, in a large project this can be hard to keep track of sometime when we change one part of a project we break something else, in a large project this can be hard to keep track of

Testing Many types of tests: Many types of tests: –unit: test one part of the project –integration: do all the parts work together –regression: check all bugs that occurred in the past, have they appeared again –standards: does the project meet standards specified in contract (style, speed, size, performance, equipment, etc)

Testing Who does the testing? Do you do it yourself, or have another person test your work? Who does the testing? Do you do it yourself, or have another person test your work? Depends on your personality, some people can’t test their own work - only try what they know works, avoid where the problems are Depends on your personality, some people can’t test their own work - only try what they know works, avoid where the problems are too much ego?? too much ego??

Testing Testers must try everything: Testers must try everything: –every possible correct interaction –at least obvious incorrect interactions, things that users might do products will almost always work with correct input, it’s the incorrect stuff that causes the problems products will almost always work with correct input, it’s the incorrect stuff that causes the problems must insure the product doesn’t crash must insure the product doesn’t crash

Testing Good idea to have someone not directly related to project do the testing Good idea to have someone not directly related to project do the testing they don’t know the “right” things to do they don’t know the “right” things to do they also don’t have any ego associated with the project, they are more willing to try to break things they also don’t have any ego associated with the project, they are more willing to try to break things

Testing - Platforms Don’t test on the development machine! Don’t test on the development machine! Do a clean install on a clean machine: Do a clean install on a clean machine: –ensures that all of the files are in the install package –ensures that required system files and programs are on non-development machines –product doesn’t rely on file structure of the development machine

Testing - Platforms Test on all supported platforms: Test on all supported platforms: –test on minimum configuration, does it work on the low end platform –test on PC and Mac –test with different web browsers –test with different networks, low speed modem through DSL and cable

Testing - Budget Make sure there is enough budget for testing: Make sure there is enough budget for testing: –people –computers for testing make sure there is enough time for testing make sure there is enough time for testing for large projects may have 20 - 30% of budget devoted to testing for large projects may have 20 - 30% of budget devoted to testing

Delivery Now that we’ve finished the project we need to get it to the customer Now that we’ve finished the project we need to get it to the customer For web projects this can be easy, just load it on the server For web projects this can be easy, just load it on the server But, do we have access to the server? But, do we have access to the server? If we are hosting it ourselves we definitely do, but this raises a lot of issues If we are hosting it ourselves we definitely do, but this raises a lot of issues

Web Hosting Local hosting can make delivery and maintenance easy, but there can be problems Local hosting can make delivery and maintenance easy, but there can be problems Need to have hosting agreement in place: Need to have hosting agreement in place: –Size of web site –Amount of traffic –Domain name ownership –costs

Web Hosting Potential problems: Potential problems: –What happens if they stop paying for hosting? –What happens if the want to switch to another service provides, what it you own the domain name? –What if they hire another company to maintain their web site or add to it, what if they are incompetent, are you going to be blamed?

Delivery Unless you are a large company it is probably a good idea to not host their web site Unless you are a large company it is probably a good idea to not host their web site Give them a CD with the web site, or deal directly with their service provider to install the web site Give them a CD with the web site, or deal directly with their service provider to install the web site

Delivery For a CD there are basically two options: For a CD there are basically two options: –Deliver a master that they can duplicate –Do the duplication for them The first option is the easiest, you don’t need to worry about duplication, reprinting, delivery, etc The first option is the easiest, you don’t need to worry about duplication, reprinting, delivery, etc

What else do they need? Depending upon the contract: Depending upon the contract: –Originals of all the art work –All materials required to reconstruct the product –Copies of licenses, rights, etc for content taken from other sources –Project documentation

Documentation Too often overlooked, but can be very important Too often overlooked, but can be very important Why bother? Why bother? –Future work on the project: upgrades, maintenance, etc –Re-use components in other projects –Training for new employees

Documentation Divided into two parts: Divided into two parts: –Written documentation –Assets Should have a paper file for each project, hard copies of important documents: proposal, contract, documentation delivered to customer, location of soft documentation Should have a paper file for each project, hard copies of important documents: proposal, contract, documentation delivered to customer, location of soft documentation

Written Documentation What needs to be included: What needs to be included: –Short description of the project –Procedures used, both manual and computer based –Versions of software used –Reasons for key decisions –Problems encountered and their solutions

Written Documentation Doesn’t need to be fancy, point form and short sentences are okay Doesn’t need to be fancy, point form and short sentences are okay Accuracy and completeness are the most important things Accuracy and completeness are the most important things New employee should be able to read documentation and then regenerate the project and add to it New employee should be able to read documentation and then regenerate the project and add to it

Assets Everything used to make the project must be saved: Everything used to make the project must be saved: –Original art work –Programs developed for the project –Programs used in developing the project –Partial work at key points in the process

Assets Always save the highest resolution of the art work, not just the one used in the final project Always save the highest resolution of the art work, not just the one used in the final project For video save the original footage before it was edited For video save the original footage before it was edited May need to rework part of the project, produce higher resolution version, may need to go back to originals May need to rework part of the project, produce higher resolution version, may need to go back to originals

Assets Save the software used to produce the project, don’t throw out when the new version arrives Save the software used to produce the project, don’t throw out when the new version arrives New version may not be compatible with existing project material, may need to convert most of it New version may not be compatible with existing project material, may need to convert most of it May need to rewrite scripts, a lot of work for a minor change or update May need to rewrite scripts, a lot of work for a minor change or update

Assets Saving work at key points in the production process can save a lot of work Saving work at key points in the production process can save a lot of work Don’t need to go back to the originals to make minor modifications Don’t need to go back to the originals to make minor modifications Just need to repeat the last few steps in the production process, can be automated to save time and mistakes Just need to repeat the last few steps in the production process, can be automated to save time and mistakes

Asset Management Media can take up a lot of space, and there can be a large number of pieces in a project Media can take up a lot of space, and there can be a large number of pieces in a project This raises two issues: This raises two issues: –Where to I store it? –How do I find it again? These are related issues, and there are multiple solutions These are related issues, and there are multiple solutions

Storage Lots of choices, which is the best approach? Lots of choices, which is the best approach? Need to consider: Need to consider: –Cost –Reliability –Size –Access time –lifetime

Storage Tape used to be the media of choice, largely due to cost Tape used to be the media of choice, largely due to cost Tape is not the most reliable, and it is very hard to search Tape is not the most reliable, and it is very hard to search Tape can also break Tape can also break Now not as popular as it once was Now not as popular as it once was

Storage CD and DVD are now more popular CD and DVD are now more popular Use CD-R instead of CD-RW: Use CD-R instead of CD-RW: –CD-R can’t be erased –CD-R is more compatible with CD readers, CD-RW pushes the limits of the technology No single standard for write-able DVDs, so this is an area to stay away from No single standard for write-able DVDs, so this is an area to stay away from

Storage USB and Firewire disks are becoming affordable USB and Firewire disks are becoming affordable Can store several projects on a disk drive Can store several projects on a disk drive When the disk is full, put it in storage and buy another one When the disk is full, put it in storage and buy another one Best solution: combine USB/Firewire disks with CDs, two copies are better than one Best solution: combine USB/Firewire disks with CDs, two copies are better than one

Asset Management Now that we have it stored how do we find it again? Now that we have it stored how do we find it again? After doing a few projects can easily end up with a lot of media After doing a few projects can easily end up with a lot of media If you want a particular clip, script or program that you used in a previous project how do you find it again If you want a particular clip, script or program that you used in a previous project how do you find it again Don’t want to look through everything Don’t want to look through everything

Asset Management There are asset management programs, but don’t need anything fancy unless you are a large company There are asset management programs, but don’t need anything fancy unless you are a large company Just need a simple database that keeps track of where things are stored Just need a simple database that keeps track of where things are stored For small companies could use Excel, just a spread sheet with project, asset name, and location For small companies could use Excel, just a spread sheet with project, asset name, and location

Asset Management For a larger company may want to go to a simple database, like Access or MySQL For a larger company may want to go to a simple database, like Access or MySQL Easier to update and maintain for large projects Easier to update and maintain for large projects Add at least of written description of each asset, even better if there was a small picture Add at least of written description of each asset, even better if there was a small picture

Maintenance If everything else was done right this should be easy If everything else was done right this should be easy At least three types: At least three types: –Fix bugs or mistakes –Add features –Update information

Bug Fixes Usually done for free, if they are your fault Usually done for free, if they are your fault May specify period of free bug fixes in the contract, after that period you charge to fix problems May specify period of free bug fixes in the contract, after that period you charge to fix problems Contract may also specify time frame for bug fixes, could depend upon the type of bug Contract may also specify time frame for bug fixes, could depend upon the type of bug

Features Usually charge for adding features Usually charge for adding features Cost of some features may be included in the contract, in other cases may need to negotiate another contract Cost of some features may be included in the contract, in other cases may need to negotiate another contract Can be disagreement over bug or feature, may not be clear in some cases, particularly when software is upgraded Can be disagreement over bug or feature, may not be clear in some cases, particularly when software is upgraded

Information Updates One of the main problems with web sites One of the main problems with web sites How often is information updated, who can do it, who has responsibility for accuracy? How often is information updated, who can do it, who has responsibility for accuracy? Frequency of update depends upon nature of web site Frequency of update depends upon nature of web site –Some can be updated once a month –Some may be updated in real time

Information Updates For infrequent updates can have a maintenance agreement with client For infrequent updates can have a maintenance agreement with client Arrange a formal update schedule, they provide the information Arrange a formal update schedule, they provide the information If information is updated frequently you may not want to do it If information is updated frequently you may not want to do it Don’t want to get involved with daily updates Don’t want to get involved with daily updates

Information Updates For frequent updates generate web pages from a database, now becomes a database update problem For frequent updates generate web pages from a database, now becomes a database update problem Can use client’s existing database, or provide a database system and train their employees to use it Can use client’s existing database, or provide a database system and train their employees to use it This is usually part of the original contract This is usually part of the original contract

SM2233 Multimedia Production Traditional Production Process.

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