Technology Preview Process

A Technology Preview is a mechanism for vetting new and potentially disruptive technologies. The preview provides a stand-alone, candidate implementation that allows developers to "kick the tires". At the end of the preview process, feedback is collected from participants which determines:

• If the candidate is ready for release
• If the candidate needs re-factoring, which may lead to another Technology Preview

Once the candidate is finalized (possibly over several iterations), impact to service developers will be determined and announced in the deprecation plan.

Two Technology Preview Tracks

Each Technology Preview has a defined start and end date. When a Technology Preview is announced, volunteers can choose one of two tracks: Direct Engagement (caGrid-Directed) or Open Participation (self-directed).

Track 1: Direct Engagement with Stakeholders

At the outset:

• Stakeholders are identified and engaged
• Time commitments, schedules, and deadlines are discussed and agreed upon
• The caGrid team works with participants to ensure their candidate is installed and working on day one
• Participants have a direct point of contact for technical support

Track 2: Open, Community Participation

Community participants may choose to download, install, and test the candidate on their own during the Technology Preview.

• Support is provided through the caBIG caGrid Knowledge Center.

Survey

All participants (Engaged Stakeholders and Open Community) are asked to complete a survey at the end of the Technology Preview. Objective and subjective feedback is used to determine the outcome of the Technology Preview.

Employment

CQL 2.0

The Technology Preview Process was piloted for CQL 2.0