A standard Lithium launch takes from three to six weeks, depending on customizations. It begins with a kickoff meeting in which we review:

Work then proceeds along two tracks. In the Engineering Track, our engineers complete standard technical tasks like preparing header, footer, colors, and other design elements to match a reference site you provide, and also complete any custom elements like single-sign-on capability, search integration, CRM integration, or content migration. In the Management Track, we help you identify the elements of a good management plan; assist you in designing your community structure, roles, and ranks; and train your staff on our moderation tools and techniques.

The launch process typically includes three formal training or planning sessions in addition to the kickoff meeting. All sessions are conducted online and can be attended by anyone on the customer side

• Administrator Training (1.5 hours)
  This session covers all areas of the Lithium Administrator Console, from creating categories and forums to setting up ranks and roles. We conduct these sessions twice a month and you can send as many attendees, and attend as many sessions, as you wish.
• Community Management Planning (1 hour)
  In this session we ensure we confirm or help you define your goals, roles, guidelines, and procedures, as well as the tactics you will deploy to promote the community, manage the experience for the typical user, recognize valued contributors, and measure results.
• Moderator Training (1.5 hours)
  We recommend that anyone in your organization who will have moderator permissions receive moderator training. This session, which can be customized to reflect your policies, procedures, and configuration choices, addresses both moderation principles and the features and functions of our software.

A weekly conference call chaired by the Customer Success Manager keeps everything on track and flags any potentials issues before they affect the timing of your launch.