Depending on the length of your project, the implementation plan is segmented into two-week iterations or sprints. Aspects of the project are broken down into tasks which are referred to as stories. Stories are prioritized, and then placed into the iterations. One story may take longer to complete so the number of stories per iteration may vary. The first iteration starts with the highest priority story and goes on from there.
After each iteration, the customer receives an actual working piece of software. As each iteration is completed, the customer can provide feedback and ever re-prioritize. When the project is complete, the customer has seen the project many times and as a result, the end product is exactly what they expected. We have found this iterative, flexible development technique allows for constant collaboration and allows for project priorities to change dynamically throughout the software development process. The outcome is a client who receives what they were expecting.
Another benefit to using Agile development practices, is that the project begins as soon as there are enough requirements that it makes sense to start development. Additional requirements are created organically alongside the project. The benefits are two fold. Time is not wasted upfront trying to sort out all of the technical details before we are into the development process and the documentation more accurately reflects the end product
We use Agile Development because it:
- Allows us to establish a tighter working relationship with our clients to ensure their needs are fully met.
- Enables our clients to participate more closely in all aspects of product development.
- Produces a working product early in the development interval.
- Provides more information earlier in the development process to ensure product meets market needs.
- Offers earlier visibility into actual product.
- Gives our clients more flexibility to modify requirements if needed.
- Allows for more frequent input into development process.
- Automated testing and the "test first" approach ensure high quality.
- Results in products that meet our clients' expectations.
- Supports a "pay as you go" model.
Learn more about Agile Development by clicking here.
Over the past decade, several studies have yielded sobering statistics regarding late, over-budget software projects. In 1999, for example, the Standish Group "surveyed 8000 business systems projects and found only 26% were delivered on time". They reported that an alarming 29% were canceled, and the 'average' project was more than 50% over budget. In December 2006, IT Week cited another Standish study contending that 90 percent of software projects are completed late.
When people learn that Magpie has delivered 99% of its software projects on time for five straight years, they ask how. In response, we've created Agile-in-a-Box®.
Enjoy the close working relationship we have with each of our customers and understand why the Agile process only strengthens this partnership. You will appreciate the immediate feedback and how quickly you can see and use the working code. To get a better feel about Agile from a customers perspective, take a look at what you can expect from a Magpie Agile Engagement.
