At Avesta, Software Development Methodology are a fundamental part of
our development efforts. Be it web application development,
database development, or general Windows interface
development, we apply the latest Software Development Methodology to all of our development efforts.
Our development starts with a Needs Assessment where
we ascertain the nature of the problem. We begin
by talking with your staff, your management, and
your clients where appropriate. The goal of this
phase is two-fold. First, we want to understand
the true nature of the perceived problem. Second,
we want to make sure that we are devising a solution
that fits and will successfully solve the problem.
Another aspect of the Needs Assessment is the building
of a development team. Because we believe client
involvement is a critical aspect of a successful
project, the team will usually include members of
your staff, and can even include client representatives.
Occasionally, if the expertise is not already in-house,
we bring in additional expertise through our partner
organizations. Our goal is to build the best team
for the job, with the skills necessary to make the
project a success.
Once the Needs Assessment has been completed, and
work is to move forward, we begin the Design Phase.
During this time, we develop basic design elements,
such as the look of the application, a skeletal
structure of the application, or even simple story
boards to illustrate the applicationšs flow. Once
the basic design has been approved, Avesta moves
into a phase of Detailed Design. It is here that
the appropriate development platform is chosen,
key portions of code logic are developed, and simple
on-paper software testing gets underway.
Throughout development, specific deliverables are
made available. These documents act as reference
points and provide guidance throughout the project.
Additionally, these deliverables give you a firm
sense of what is being developed, how itšs being
developed, and why. With your signoff on these documents,
we know that your expectations and our development
efforts are a matched set.
After careful planning and design, implementation
begins. Code is written, revisions are made to design
documents, true testing occurs, and the application
grows. As milestones are reached, Avesta communicates
these with you through our online Client Extranet,
and through status meetings where new areas of functionality
are demonstrated and feedback is solicited.
As the project nears completion, beta testing can
begin. We release the product to key groups of users
who can test the core functionality of the application
in a production environment. These users provide
valuable input on usability, key application features,
and yes, even bugs. This phase of development sees
the largest number of testing plans, including automated
testing plans. These test plans are part of the
deliverables, and can be used in regression testing.
Finally, the application is released to the full
user base.
A key element to any successful project is the Project
Manager. The Project Manager sees the project through
from Needs Assessment to Release, and is your primary
point of contact at Avesta. Effective Project Management
is the key ingredient to Avestašs success in software
development. The Project Manager is responsible
for communicating with the client, building the
team, development estimations, resource scheduling,
risk management, and quality-assurance. Avesta invests
heavily in its Project Managers, and in providing
them with the resources they need to successfully
fulfill your needs in a timely and efficient manner.
Efficient processes, good management, attention
to detail, and putting your needs first allow us
to provide you with the software applications you
need to run your business. For more details about
our Software Development Methodology, please contact
us.
