DHS Systems and IT Updates MnCHOICES

MnCHOICES Assessment (MnA) migration from Microsoft Silverlight to Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF)

Updated 1/27/2021

As part of the MnCHOICES revision process, the Department of Human Services (DHS) will migrate the MnCHOICES Assessment (MnA) application platform from Silverlight to Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF). Before we migrate to WPF, we will pilot the new platform. The following information provides additional details about the migration process.

Why migrate?

The migration from Silverlight to WPF is critical to reduce security risks and browser limitations but will allow a similar look and feel with increased stability. Microsoft is ending support for Silverlight on October 12, 2021, and will not provide quality or security updates past that date.

In addition to Microsoft ending support, users continue to have issues with Silverlight on a regular basis, such as:

• Causing MnA not to work properly, forcing users to uninstall and reinstall Silverlight to make MnA work again
• Difficulty uninstalling and reinstalling Silverlight, when needed, because of software restrictions for users within the lead agency
• Having to reinstall Silverlight multiple times to make MnA work properly
• Difficulty printing OBRA, LTC and DD screening documents because of blank printouts and sessions freezing causing users to reboot MnA

With the end of Silverlight support in October 2021 and the additional platform issues, we decided to migrate to WPF because users will benefit from a more stable and secure platform for the current application while we build the MnCHOICES revision.

What are the risks of not migrating?

After the MnCHOICES and MNIT team researched and discussed options, we learned that if we do not migrate to a new platform, we risk:

• New users being unable to access MnA because Microsoft is removing the Silverlight installer
• Quality and security issues without future updates from Microsoft
• Problems with MnA if something goes wrong with Internet Explorer because that is the only browser that supports Silverlight

Why did we choose WPF?

We researched eight different platforms and immediately eliminated five. Of the remaining three, we chose WPF because:

• This platform supports a broad set of application development features which allows us to closely match the look and feel of our current application
• Approximately 80% of the current code from MnA can be reused
• WPF is a desktop application instead of a browser-based application, so isn’t dependent on being compatible with Internet Explorer, Edge, or other browsers
• It is the visual framework that Microsoft uses in Windows 10

Updated answer - What are the benefits of migrating to WPF?

When we migrate to WPF, some benefits are:

• Having a broad set of development features to allow a very similar look and feel
• Compatibility with many of our current rules, reporting, eligibility criteria, web services and databases
• Easier deployments of content and code
• Reduced time between staggered all-clears
• A single application for both online and offline work
• One-time installation of the application for offline use
• An automatic check for a newer version of the application each time a user logs in
• Only loading new content with each release instead of reloading all content

Will MnA look different on the WPF platform?

Because WPF offers a broad set of development features, users should not see much difference between the Silverlight version of MnA and the WPF version of MnA. Review the following screen shots for current and new image comparisons from a few areas of MnA.

Note: We will make adjustments to fonts, spacing and heading colors as we build the new platform to get as close to the previous version as possible. We are providing the following comparisons as samples only. The final version may be slightly different.

Security and access

Assessment

Eligibility

Updated answer - Are there any functionality differences?

There are two key differences with the operation of MnA on the WPF platform:

• Simplified online and offline modes: moving from two different modes for online and offline to one mode for both
• Streamlined process for downloading content/code and receiving updates: reduced time between staggered all-clear messages

Updated answer - What about new technical specifications?

Yes, there are new technical specifications required. Each lead agency must upgrade software to Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7.2 or newer. See the MnCHOICES Assessment technical specifications document for updated information.

Updated answer - Is training needed?

No specific training is needed but resources are available on MnCHOICES CountyLink Help Desk page.

Updated answer - When is the WPF pilot?

The pilot dates are February 1st through the 19th. The lead agencies that participate in the pilot will provide valuable feedback about the workflow and functionality of the new WPF platform.

What is the purpose of pilot?

The Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) pilot is the final testing of the new MnCHOICES Assessment (MnA) application platform prior to the statewide release. The pilot group includes lead agencies who agree to work in the new version for a specified period of time (approx. 3 to 5 weeks).

Note: Lead agencies will have access to MnA on both Silverlight and WPF platforms during the pilot period.

Role of pilot agencies

Pilot agencies have the first opportunity to use and provide input on the new features of the WPF platform.

Note: Testers may encounter technical issues related to the new platform during the pilot period. The MnCHOICES team, Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) and help desk are available and ready to assist with any issues or concerns found during pilot.

Responsibilities of pilot agencies

• Understand the purpose of pilot and role of pilot agencies
• Allow some or all assessors to use MnA workflow on the new platform, e.g., intakes, assignments, assessments, determining eligibility, etc.
• Review and follow WPF pilot release notes to understand changes and test new functions
• Provide feedback about pilot release notes, e.g., understandability, accuracy, thoroughness, usefulness, etc.
• Ask MnA mentors to report issues and feedback to the help desk at dhs.mnhelp@state.mn.us or 651-431-4801
• Participate in daily and weekly pilot conference calls scheduled by the MnCHOICES team to:
• Discuss questions and issues
• Provide feedback including what works and what could be improved

Role of MnCHOICES & MNIT team

The MnCHOICES & MNIT team will invite lead agencies to test (pilot) the new release. We will provide support, instructions for participating, guidance and tools to the pilot lead agencies once a lead agency is confirmed for pilot.

Responsibilities of MnCHOICES & MNIT team

• Schedule and conduct daily and weekly conference calls to check in with lead agencies during pilot
• Be responsive and efficient in addressing issues and questions
• Provide new versions/updates of WPF during pilot, as needed
• Coordinate release start times with agencies
• Communicate the anticipated impact of the new version on users
• Provide updated pilot release notes with each new version to inform lead agencies of changes with the new version

Updated answer - When will migration occur?

The statewide launch for the WPF platform is set for Mon., Feb. 22 and this is when all lead agencies will receive the information to download the new WPF platform. This date is tentative and based on the success of the pilot.

When we launch the WPF platform statewide, we will allow a two week sun-setting time period. This sun-setting period is currently planned for Feb. 22 through Mar. 5. We will provide a WPF launch technical support plan to all non-pilot lead agencies as follows:

1. MnCHOICES CountyLink WPF resource documents on the Help Desk page (documents posted on Mon., Feb. 22)
2. Help desk support using DHS-6979 Help Desk Contact Form or 651-431-4801
3. MNIT consultation support facilitated by the help desk
4. One-to-one session with MNIT team, if needed (requested through the help desk)

Lead agencies having difficulty with the sun-setting end date should submit the DHS-6979 Help Desk Contact Form to request consideration for a modified launch plan.