OSU:Pro

Fisher Professional Services (FPS) has been contracted by the Ohio State University Office of Academic Affairs to assist in the strategic planning for a commercialization effort related to a software product known as OSU:pro. This product was developed internally at the College of Medicine, and OSU:pro has since been implemented University-wide as a solution to assist in tracking the publications, achievements, and other activities of faculty and staff that are relevant to the Promotion and Tenure (P&T) process.   FPS began this project by performing an in-depth study of the OSU:pro product and the current business processes utilized to support this application.  FPS then utilized the report produced by Navigator Management Partners LLC as well as documents supplied by the client.  The consultants then engaged the developers and support staff of OSU:pro through an interview process in order to gain an understanding of the current business and support model. Finally, the team of consultants also analyzed the potential market as well as potential competitors in order to understand the value proposition that OSU:pro offers.  From this research, the team has worked to develop a “Roadmap to Commercialization” by outlining the following items:  an initial timeline and scope for the commercialization project, software changes needed to bring this product to market, staffing requirements and a potential model needed to support external clients, key milestones along the project, a list of items that will need to be considered for commercialization, legal considerations and an estimated total cost for commercialization.