Application Development Model

FASTER  SMARTER  BETTER

BUILT ON PROVEN METHODOLOGIES

The Software Answers Application Development Model is derived from two very popular models used by information technology professionals. We've combined the structure of the Waterfall Model with the speed of the Rapid Application Development Model (RAD) to create one model that has proven to be both successful and cost effective.

IMPLEMENTING THE BUSINESS VISION

At the beginning of the project a great amount of time is spent on documenting the Business Vision. During this time we work with our customers to document and demonstrate the system they are envisioning. RAD tools are used for this demonstration process and each demonstration is actually a small project within the larger one. This process of documenting and demonstrating the Business Vision insures that both users and developers share the same Vision. The proposed solution will meet our customers' business needs, be cost effective, and grow with their organization in the future.

BUILDING A DESIGN THAT WILL WORK

Following the Business Vision phase, we'll continue to work very closely with our customers in developing the design of the application. At the same time, we'll use RAD tools to prototype small critical pieces of the application. By developing these prototypes during the design effort, we can be assured that the design will be implemented successfully.

This is the phase where Software Answers' model sets itself apart from other development strategies. At the completion of the design, all critical parts of the application have been documented with proven development techniques and both Business Users and Developers have a complete understanding of the design.

DEVELOPING A SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION AT A LOWER COST

By the time the Development phase begins, three significant milestones have been met. First, there is a documented design of the entire application. Second, there are working prototypes of the most critical parts of the application. Third, there's a common understanding of the design between Business Users and Developers. So what could possibly go wrong? Very little! This is where our model delivers the cost savings! Studies show that the development phase is the most labor-intensive and costly phase of a development project. Our model delivers a better solution at a lower cost because by the time this phase begins, virtually all surprises have been eliminated.

SUCCESS = PROPER PLANNING AND THE PROTOTYPING APPROACH

Successful software development entails the ongoing process of discovering the business issue. Yet ineffective decision-making and top-down schedule pressures often force development teams to take shortcuts, which skips the necessary analysis and product design. This behavior usually results in expensive design changes that occur late in the project life cycle which cause time and cost overruns.

This model requires Business Users and Developers to be part of all phases, resulting in a solution that is optimal for the business goal and a product that is well received by the users.