IT Automation: The Quest for Lights Out

The Gap Model

The gap analysis consists of the following simple steps:

1. Document the Before picture—a description of current data center automation and the problems or opportunities associated with it.

2. Document the After picture—a description of the desired level of automation.

3. Document the Gap between Before and After.

The inputs and outputs of the gap analysis are summarized in Table 2-1. Tips for completing your gap analysis are contained in the sections that follow.

Table 2-1. Gap Analysis Steps

Step	Inputs	Activities or Process	Outputs
The "Before" Picture	List of current technical and administrative process components Automation expectations developed in Chapter 1 exercises	Inventory: Describe the current level of automation for each technical and ...