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posted on 10.17.2013 posted by Charles Shaw

How to Successfully Use Agile Software Development with COTS

The move to Agile Software Development reaffirms the importance of collaboration with the client in the development of the right solution. This is the mark of a good IT solutions provider - one that provides an adaptable approach to solution development. Agile development involves a group of methods that are iterative and evolutionary, based on immediate feedback from the client. This results in a development focus on highest priority items identified by the client.

Agile projects typically include the following characteristics:

•  Consist of methods focused on iterative and incremental development. Unlike the traditional “waterfall” approach of sequential phases, Agile projects have multiple iterations.

•  Requirements are elaborated as they near the top of the priority. This avoids the need for clients to provide detailed information for implementation at the early stage of the project. It also increases client visibility and involvement with each iteration.

•  Any new requirements are prioritized for consideration in the next iteration.

•  High priority tasks get worked on first to ensure essential requirements are met before the deadline or funds run out.

Agility for COTS

Commercial Off-The Shelf (COTS) software, when used as part of a tailored IT solution, can also benefit significantly from an Agile development approach.

•  Agile meets the business goals of the client and may reduce development cost by focusing on the client’s most important functional requirements.

•  Frequent client interaction gathers business requirements and feedback.

•  Agile breaks down software development into small pieces to ensure high priority functions get done first.

•  Agile introduces the importance of communication. Work is collaborative and the entire team is aware of all discussions and decisions made  throughout each iteration.

Best Practices for Agile and WCMS

When applied to specific web content management systems (WCMS), it is easy to see how a COTS product can benefit from an Agile methodology. After all, no one solution fits each company’s specific needs. In a recent case study of how the Agile approach works, the following best practices were implemented:

•  Frequent joint application development sessions were used to define the business requirements and address assumptions with all working groups.

•  Presenting the development features and functions at the end of each iteration cycle demonstrated that the iteration met the requirements and gave the stakeholders the opportunity to make any adjustments, if needed.

•  In addition to the daily Scrum with the development team, a weekly status meeting with the stakeholders helped to keep the project on track and moving forward. A Scrum is a daily 15-minute meeting with the team focusing on the tasks completed the previous day, the tasks to be completed during the current day, and any roadblocks.

•  A centralized tracking system allowed for project transparency to the stakeholders. It also allowed the stakeholders to monitor progress for each iteration and provide comments for each task.

Agile and COTS – A Solution to Fit Your Needs

One size rarely fits all. By applying an Agile Software Development approach to a COTS implementation, customers can be assured they have a solution that meets their needs. Cost overruns are avoided because the highest priority stakeholder needs are addressed. This makes for a solid, long lasting return on investment.

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Prashant Chambakara
11-13-2013 | 7:57 am Excelent read Charles. Loved reading your post as this is an area of my interest too. Thanks for sharing the article anyway. I've also shared my views on agile development. Please have a look and do provide me the feedback. http://www.sunnyherveleger.com/popularity-of-agile-software-development/