Go Live is Tough Enough but did it have to snow

For the record my client is based in Raleigh, NC so snow ,sleet, or ice can be a disaster here. 9 days before go live and we are expecting all of the above starting this afternoon! So to make sure we stay on track we are already invoking contingency options for training, travel etc. Our vendor is based in SC which already has been hit so we are communicating with them and coming up with optional plans to deal with this weather event. This illustrates a very important part of go live planning, cancellation due to weather. No matter where you are at you can be faced with a weather issue or other calamity that may delay go live. For any go live plan you should include:

•  Always have an alternative date established in advance so people know what the contingency is.
• Criteria by which a go live would be cancelled defined
• Cut off times and dates to make decisions
• Communication plan