Mister Cee's Master Plan

It is not enough to decide that you are going to do something to make your systems HIPAA compliant--- too often I see systems which would have worked just fine, if there had been some kind of overview planning before I was called in to fix them.
Here, from LocalTechWire are some steps to help you optimize the results of your planning for technology implementations. Some of the highlights:

• Create a vision that considers both the short- and long-term implications, defines success criteria, and identifies risks.
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  Have an independent technology consultant perform a technology assessment. Evaluate several approaches and solutions.
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  Focus on total cost of ownership, not just the initial cost. Consider operational and productivity benefits as well on-going support costs in order to determine your best option.