PHASE I (Internal Testing). Initially two Click2Gov Web Applications will be set up on the client's web server.  No link to either of the Web Applications will be published on the client's website.

Only one of these Web Applications is set up to include the Payment Engine.  Only customers that are specifically given the address of the Web Applications will get to Click2Gov for test purposes.  If the client does not want to test Inquiry separately from Payment and does plans to go live with both Inquiry and Payment at the same time, the second Web Application need not be set up.  This is also the case if the client plans to use Inquiry only. 

When the Web Application that will be used for the Payment testing is first set up, the Digital Certificate can be ordered from Verisign. 

Note: Although both are technically exposed to the internet during the test period, the lack of a published address precludes users accessing the sites.  Furthermore, only customers with valid Account Number-PIN pairs will be able to proceed beyond the Login screen.

PHASE II (Inquiry Go-Live). When the client is satisfied with testing on the Inquiry segment of Click2Gov, a hyperlink can be setup on the client's existing website effectively making the application live.

Issues concerning the distribution of PINs should either be addressed via bill distribution or mass mailing before this takes place.  Alternatively, the introductory page could be used to distribute PINs on an individual basis (either a phone number can be presented which the user can call to get his Initial PIN or an email address to a client employee can be used).

The testing of Payment can continue independent of the Live status of Inquiry due to the second Web Application.

PHASE III (Payment Go-Live). Once Payment testing is complete, the primary server should have the Payment Engine activated and the secondary server removed.  The client is now considered Live.

OFF-LINE OPERATIONS STYLE A. An additional benefit of the intermediate Introductory page is that when Click2Gov is scheduled to go offline for backups or maintenance, an alternate page can be copied in it's place to announce this fact and prohibit access the Web Application.  The Introductory page can also be used to explain parts of Click2Gov that the individual client feels need addressing.

OFF-LINE OPERATIONS STYLE B. If the client feels, as we do, that no explanation of Click2Gov is necessary, the introductory page can be replaced with a redirect page.

These intermediate pages must be pure HTML and will be run by BEA.  Since they will change drastically from client to client, templates are included with Click2Gov, but their implementation is a client responsibility.