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We have adopted a specific methodology to application development, which
we call the “5-D” approach. It breaks down the development
process into 5 major stages.
->
-> ->
->
This stage is everything from the first contact with our client, up
until we start designing the application architecture. During Discovery,
there is extensive communication between our project managers and our
client. We plan out the whole scope of the project, solidify costs and
deliverables, and start setting development milestones. At this stage,
we like to
shoot for 75-80% understanding of every area of the application, and
how they will all relate once developed.
Following Discovery, we enter the most crucial stage in the process.
During this stage, we design the entire application in the form of a
“click-through” model, or a “skeleton site”.
This is typically in the form of HTML pages or graphic screenshots.
This sets the tempo for the rest of the process, as all business logic
and process decisions are made during this phase. We work closely with
our clients during this phase, to ensure that they understand
the complete process, and how the various areas of the application will
work together. Following this stage, before development begins, we shoot
for 85- 95% project scope knowledge (some changes and concepts can only
be fully understood from working models, which typically come out during
initial stages of development).
This is typically the longest stage in the process. While it still requires
client involvement, it is typically less involved than the other stages.
Client involvement typically consists of progress monitoring, and the
early stages of the Debug phase because most business decisions have
already been made. During this stage, we convert the skeleton site to
functioning server-side pages, linked to the database.
There is usually some overlap between Development and Debug, as some
areas of the application can typically be tested as others are being
developed. We strongly encourage client participation during this stage,
as it has be found greatly increase the effectiveness in the bug-finding
process. This stage is also often referred to as the “Beta”
phase.
Once 85-90% of the bugs are discovered and repaired, we move to Deployment
(some bugs always arise after real-life testing takes place). During
Deployment, we move the application from our development servers to
their stable, permanent location. We clear out all testing data, and
prepare for live user tests. This phase is also referred to as the Launch”.
One of the most important aspects to our successful methodology is client
involvement. We strongly encourage clients to take an active role in
the entire process, as we see the best results achieved this way. We
also provide tools and techniques to achieve this, such as the Advantcomp.NET
bug tracking board, aggressive milestone tracking, and scheduled progress
meetings.
The process is cyclical because inevitably development creates
new opportunities and possibilities to take advantage of. The next step
is back to discovery.
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