If you leave tomorrow...

I didn't begin this entry thinking of a way to link to Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird" or this version being played on a ukelele - suffice to say you can find anything on the Internet. I was actually thinking about the things you need to have available if you were to leave your technology position tomorrow. Too many of us get so caught up in our work that we haven't documented things in the event that someone else were to need to take over. What would be required?

* Passwords - Domain and/or local workstation and server admin passwords. Passwords for core network equipment, phone systems, security systems, web sites, third-party resources and the like. Think about the passwords you enter over the course of a month and make note of their purpose. Note the password and its purpose somewhere.

* Critical contacts - Who are your go-to people in terms of vendors and partners that you work with? Sure, you may leave your entire contact list behind, but who are you regularly working with to get your tasks accomplished? Who are your preferred vendors for various components that require service?

* Service contracts and agreements - What products and services are coming from your budget on a regular basis? When does the agree renew or need to be re-bid? If you left, would anyone else know about these arrangements?

* Management software - What products do you use to manage your environment? Do you have a list of basic processes along with instructions on how to perform basic tasks? We have much of that in our heads, but taking the time to document some of the basic steps might be helpful in the event that you leave on a temporary or permanent basis.

* Scripts and other automated processes - Will the next person know how to determine what you've automated? Does that script need to run for everyone or only certain users?

* Physical access - Do you have keys or codes to access data centers, outlying wiring closets, vehicles, buildings or other rooms that require restricted access?

* Access to critical files, both physical and electronic - I know that the federal E-Rate program requires documentation to be kept for several years. Is this somewhat organized and in a known location? If you're like me, you also have critical emails, documents and spreadsheets that your replacement might need. Are these organized and accessible?

I'm sure there are other items that I'm not mentioning. If you're fortunate enough to find a better opportunity, try to leave your position in a better place than you found it. Give your replacement more than you had on your first day.