Which statement best describes parallel installation in system deployment?

Which statement best describes parallel installation in system deployment?

• A. It involves running the old and new systems simultaneously.
• B. It is a one-step immediate go-live.
• C. It is a full system replacement with no downtime.
• D. It refers to a parallel track in project planning.

Answer: (B)

Parallel installation means running the old and new systems at the same time during the transition. This setup lets you validate data migration, compare outputs, test real workflows, and monitor performance in a live environment while the current system still operates. If issues appear in the new system, you have a safety net to switch back with minimal disruption, and you gain time to fix problems before fully going live. A one-step immediate go-live skips this validation window and can lead to undetected issues causing downtime. A full replacement with no downtime is rarely feasible because some downtime or contingency is usually needed for data reconciliation and final cutover. A parallel track in project planning describes coordinating different work streams, not the method of bringing the system online.

Parallel installation means running the old and new systems at the same time during the transition. This setup lets you validate data migration, compare outputs, test real workflows, and monitor performance in a live environment while the current system still operates. If issues appear in the new system, you have a safety net to switch back with minimal disruption, and you gain time to fix problems before fully going live. A one-step immediate go-live skips this validation window and can lead to undetected issues causing downtime. A full replacement with no downtime is rarely feasible because some downtime or contingency is usually needed for data reconciliation and final cutover. A parallel track in project planning describes coordinating different work streams, not the method of bringing the system online.