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Software Development Processes

INTRODUCTION
For organizations to stay ahead in today's fast changing business scenario, time is the single biggest factor -time to market, time to respond to customers, time to launch new products etc. In this scenario the management teams are faced with growing number of challenges and business risks due to:

• Rapid advances in technology (ERP, e-Business, Web development etc.)
• The challenge to retain talented and skilled people, especially technical people
• Intense competition from non-traditional sources with emerging business models
• Increasing pressures on margins, need to control costs without compromising on quality
• Mergers and acquisitions - integration issues

OUR METHODOLOGY
Our methodology is based on the following phases of implementation:

• Presale Requirement Gathering
• Prepare Service Level Agreement
• Resource Planning & Assignment
• Requirement Analysis & Feasibility Study
• System Design
• System Development
• System Integration Testing
• Implementation
• Support

Avigna Systems provides various options to help implement a software-development process. Clients can choose from a single model or a combination of models to assist them in meeting their requirements.

Option 1: Onsite Software Development Model
In this approach, the project management and design and development teams are all based at client location and all activities are performed at the client's site. Avigna Systems project management and design team, work onsite closely with the client to establish deliverables, timelines, team composition, etc. Day-to-day supervision of the software development activities is handled by a combination of the client's team and Avigna Systems team. The Avigna Systems team will be involved right from the pre-sales requirements gathering phase, all the way to the final implementation phase, and will also assist you during the support phase if needed.

This approach is ideal for clients where:

• The scope has not been defined or identified in detail
• The scope may undergo a number of changes
• The deliverables or the requirements can change dynamically
• Timelines are aggressive
• Information is confidential, proprietary, or the client has other concerns about the security of information
• Have sufficient funds available to complete the project.

Option 2: Offsite Software Development Model
In this approach, work is performed at Avigna System's office located in Ottawa, Canada. The biggest advantage that offsite development provides is the reduction of software development costs. At Avigna Systems, we understand that different requirements exist with regard to specific business functions as well as cost and time frames for completion. Accordingly we adapt our services so that comprehensive offsite development programs can be offered to you.

Prior to beginning any work, the Avigna Systems team would meet with the client team to work out the details of the engagement. The project scope, deliverables, screen layouts, reporting, functionality issues, timelines, etc. are all defined in detail. A small mockup of the actual application may also be developed during this phase to understand the look and feel of the end product.

After the definition phase, work moves to the Avigna Systems office. Deliverables and other progress reports will be made available to client at pre-agreed intervals. The client may choose to receive remote access to the development server via a VPN or some other secure means. By accessing the development server remotely, the client can monitor progress in real time, and maintain overall control even though work is being carried out offsite.

This approach is ideal for clients where:

• The scope has been defined in detail
• Timelines are aggressive
• Possible need for the client to visit with the development team or the team's managers for greater efficiency.

Option 3: Offshore Software Development Model
In this approach, work is actually performed at one of Avigna Systems affiliates offshore development centres, located in India. The offshore development and support center is equipped with a top-of-the-line infrastructure.

Prior to the beginning of any work the Canadian based Avigna Systems team would meet with the client team to work out details of the engagement. The scope of the project, the deliverables, screen layouts, reporting, functionality, timelines, etc. are all defined in detail. A small mockup of the actual application may also be developed during this phase to fully understand the look-and-feel of the end product.

After the definition phase, the work activity is performed at the offshore development center. Progress reports and deliverables will be made available to the client at pre-agreed intervals. Client may choose to receive remote access to the development server via a VPN or some other secure means. By accessing the development server remotely, the client can monitor progress in real time, and maintain overall control even though work is being carried out offsite.

This approach is ideal for engagements where:

• Budget is limited (Software development costs are reduced up to 40%)
• The scope and requirements are stable and well defined
• Timelines are aggressive

Key advantages of offshore development are:

• Focus on core competencies: Organizations need to focus on their core competencies and let specialized service providers manage non-core activities. IT development and support, even though it is critical to all businesses, continues to be a non-core function. Outsourcing can help organizations focus on strategy while the service provider manages development and operations.
• Cost effectiveness: Cost advantage is an attractive element of offshore development. The development costs could be 40-60% of onsite development costs. The development risk is shared between the organization and the service provider
• Timesaving: Offshore development takes advantage of the 'Follow-the-sun' approach, creating a virtual round-the-clock development & maintenance team to increase efficiency and improve productivity.

INDIA AS AN OFFSHORE SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT LOCATION

"India is the dominant offshore player with more than $4 billion export industry that is strongly supported by government initiatives. Today, there are 400,000 IT professionals employed in software export endeavors, with 60,000 to 70,000 new IT professionals entering the workforce each year. Indian companies have been committed to high quality in their endeavors. Major benefits of Indian companies include familiarity with English, strong engineering schools, attention to quality, government encouragement and application outsourcing services provided offshore or onshore."
Courtesy: Gartner