AGILE SOFTWARE METHODOLOGIES

Agile development is a recent buzzword in software development circles, but Dexter has been practicing it for years. Essentially it reflects an attitude that there's an efficient way to build custom software applications. It works especially well in workflow and mechanization applications where full requirements cannot be established up front, and are likely to change as the application matures.

Agile Development begins with continual day-to-day interfaces with the customer, especially the "subject matter experts" in the customer's domain. Frequent contact with the customer, preferably face-to-face, means the project stays on track. It prevents the scenario where the developers disappear after the requirements are laid out, then show up months later with an application dramatically different than that expected. Dexter's use of Agile Development practices is reflected in our motto; "The only surprises should be good surprises."

Second, Dexter utilizes a paired development process. This means that a minimum of two developers continually work together, so that the development and support can continue in the absence of one of the developers. One of the real dangers in custom development is having one person know everything - and the project grinds to a halt when that person is unavailable for.

Third, Dexter focuses on small frequent releases rather than fewer big ones. Projects often start with a series of prototypes that enable customers to review and evaluate. There is a heavy feedback component from the users and subject matter experts. Continuous feedback means the project stays on track and the customers get what they want.

The following diagram illustrates the Agile Development model - a spiral. Each loop in the spiral produces a new prototype or production release of the application. Each cycle has a phase to specify requirements, prioritize, develop, test, review, and use. During the first iterations, subject matter experts review progress to verify the project is on track. As the spiral moves outward, more functionality is added, and more users are added.   Cont'd >>>