Getting started with Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step

Sherryl Gibbs, 20 May 2015

This week I've started learning about Microsoft's Sure Step methodology. Coming from an end-user environment, the first time I've heard of this is through the Microsoft technology partners I dealt with as a Business Analyst. Admittedly, I can't say I know much about it so I couldn't quite relate it yet to my existing experience of other project methodologies and standards.

Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step Methodology phases

Now, coming on-board with Magnetism and taking on a consultant perspective, I've decided to grab this opportunity to delve deeper into Microsoft's Sure Step methodology as I try to see for myself how this will help our team at Magnetism attain our vision of Zero-Failed Implementations (ZFI).

So, what is Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step Methodology?

Sure Step claims to be a full customer lifecycle methodology provided as a tool for Microsoft partners to use in all phases of a customer engagement. The terminologies they use, as can be seen in the image above, differs somewhat from those of SDLC as can be seen in the image below…

Software Development Lifecycle phases

Both do have similarities, but it does seem that Sure Step is much more comprehensive at first glance.

How can one access resources relating to Sure Step?

Basic information on Sure Step is available through Customer Source, Partner Source and the MSDN library. But ultimately, the tool itself is only available for Microsoft Partners, either through its online platform accessible through Partner Source, or through a local install, the installer for which can be downloaded here.

Why is it worth-while looking into Sure Step?

True to its claim, Sure Step is a one-stop shop for everything a consultant needs to ensure a smooth solution delivery. It offers a treasure trove of references, pro-forma documents and templates, and project management tools.

Sure Step local install

I like that it's very interactive and quite easy to understand. Also, it allows projects to be created and related documents managed through its rather colourful interface.

Managing projects within Sure Step

I'm sure there's more to discover about Sure Step, and will definitely keep writing about my progress. But so far, I'm liking what I'm seeing.