Results of the alerting service ‘De Waarschuwingsdienst'

The timeline of the Alerting Service
When we built the Alerting Service, many things had to be done at the same time. Below is the outline of our timeline, with references to the most important topics that we dealt with. Where possible, you can follow links to read about the topics.

• Month -4
  • Kick-off meeting
    All the people involved in the alerting service were present at the kick-off meeting. We discussed the project plan and the way forward.
  • Definition of the alerting service
    We created a formal definition of the alerting service. This definition included information such as our target audience, the channels to use and the types of information we would work with.
  • Meeting with external parties
    We arranged meetings with various external parties (such as the UK's NISCC and Belgium's BIPT) to discuss possibilities for cooperation.
  • Investigation of website
    This was the start of a formalised plan for our website, which included a draft layout and organisation and thoughts on a content management system.
  • Registration of domain name

• Month -3
  • Definition of target audience
  • After some initial debate, we decided on the target audience [home users and small businesses].
  • Plan for website almost complete
  • Looking into a content management system
  • Ordering hardware and software
  • Hiring external staff
  • During this phase we hired external specialists who would help us run the project, assist with communication and technical    implementation.
  • Definition of the matrix
    During this phase we worked on improving and formalising the matrix.
  • Setting up Questions and Answers for use during the launch of the Alerting Service
  • Design of logos, letterheads etc.
  • Development of:
    • terms and conditions
    • privacy policy
    • privacy statement
    • disclaimer (ready from our side)
    • definition of Alerting Service to sponsor

• Month -2
  • Received hardware and software
  • Started building systems
  • Selected mailing list application
  • Decided on the Content Management System to use
  • Start the selection of an external web hoster
  • Decided on the firewall to use
  • Improved technical planning of the project plan
  • Logos, letterheads ready
  • Definition of information process
  • Definition of escalation process
  • Activation of new domains

• Month -1
  • Content Management System in use. Setting up content of website
  • Evaluation of existing advisories
  • Dry-run of Alerting Service over three weeks, with advisories from GOVCERT.NL
  • Legal documentation (disclaimer, terms and conditions, privacy policy) approved by sponsor

• Month -0
  • Launch of Alerting Service
  • Definition of phase two:
    • improving our service with SMS, Newsletter and a publicity campaign
    • improving the design of the website
    • replacing external consultants with internal staff for day-to-day operation

• Month 1
  • Run a complete check of the website for inconsistencies, spelling mistakes etc.
  • Initiate a feedback panel

• Month 2
  • Minor changes to website
  • Communication with the press on the number of subscriptions
  • Handover of knowledge from external to internal staff
  • Selection of SMS provider
  • Setting up the newsletter
  • Evaluation of existing alerts sent out during first two months
  • Plan for publicity campaign