For many of the team members, this project was their first exposure to any form of software development. Many had not used a prototype previously. CTG’s prototypes are systems that are meant for learning by simulating a real system. They have a very short development cycle, that identifies only enough of the business requirements necessary to build a limited system to support the evaluation of an idea. The selection of software and system architecture is based on available resources and their ability to produce fast results. Usually, the software from these prototypes is not further developed into complete systems; rather it is used as a practice system to inform the possible future development of a production system.

Some participants in the project initially found it difficult to accept that a prototype itself would not expand into a full system. However, after becoming more familiar with the software development process, terminology, and prototype concept, they understood the value of this approach and were able to participate fully in the development process. When the prototype development process was completed, the teams were quite excited to see the system they helped design operating with data they knew and understood.

The users also saw considerable benefit in using real data in the Prototype. Even though it makes prototype development more complex and time consuming, using real data is worth the extra effort. It gives the participants a familiar and specific perspective on the data issues that need to be addressed when planning for the design, development, and deployment of a production system.

Using real data also made it easier to train field test users on the use of the Prototype. There was less to learn from their perspective. They knew the business process. They understood the data. The field test was therefore a matter of understanding how the Prototype supported the business process. Identifying errors (which resulted from the data migration or integration) was quick and easy for those familiar with the data.

The willingness of the team members to participate in the development of the Prototype demonstrates that state and local governments are open to new relationships and new software systems that would enable the sharing of data even if the result would mean less individual control over business applications, as long as the development process considers all aspects of the process and the roles that various organizations and users play.