Software Development in South Florida
When it comes to software development in South Florida, there are a number of approaches and processes that various developers will employ. Among them all there is one methodology known as “agile development.” Here at Third Wave, we believe this is the ultimate process by which software can be conceived, developed, and continuously tailored to meet the needs of any and all clients. It is a unique approach that continues to work time and time again.
What exactly does it entail though, and where did it come from? Before you can be convinced that agile development is the ultimate way to create custom software for your business, you must know how it works, and why it succeeds above all over methods. Join us as we examine this unique and innovative software development solution.
What is Agile Development, and Where Did it Come From?
At its core, agile development is a set of processes and approaches to software development. It is characterized by its ability to create a software that adapts to any and all situations throughout its lifespan. The term was first coined in 2001 when 17 software developers met and published the Manifesto for Agile Software Development. The manifesto is many things, but ultimately it was a set of guidelines or principles which are displayed below:
- Customer satisfaction by rapid delivery of useful software
- Welcome changing requirements, even late in development
- Working software is delivered frequently (weeks rather than months)
- Working software is the principal measure of progress
- Sustainable development, able to maintain a constant pace
- Close, daily co-operation between business people and developers
- Face-to-face conversation is the best form of communication (co-location)
- Projects are built around motivated individuals, who should be trusted
- Continuous attention to technical excellence and good design
- Simplicity– The art of maximizing the amount of work not done – is essential
- Self-organizing teams
- Regular adaptation to changing circumstances
The process is focused less on creating the product as quickly as possible, and more so tailored to facilitate constant input from the client throughout the development process. Individuals and interactions are held in high regard, and presenting working software prototypes is valued more than simply showing documents at client meetings. Collaboration is key and a constant focus on analyzing the adapting to change is another major characteristic of this approach.
How Does It Compare to Other Methodologies?
When examining a software development cycle, there are two sides of the spectrum. Some are focused on predicting change, while others are focused on welcoming it and adapting as needed. In the case of agile development, the focus is on the latter. The process is designed to focus on and rapidly adapt to changes in the business environment.
In some cases, this is referred to as a “permanent beta” in which the process never truly ends, but is constantly adapting to new situations and changes in the environment. The reason why this approach is better lies in the fact that predictive methods have a set plan in place and a decided finish line. Changing direction or modifying their approach is not as simple or easy as it is in an agile development setting. In some cases, a predictive approach will encounter changes so drastic that completed work must be trashed and started anew to meet the new approach.
Choose Agile Development, Choose Third Wave
Our team at Third Wave is headed by two of the most brilliant minds in the industry. Our CEO, Frank Barbato brings with him 35 years of experience in the software development industry. His passion for agile development methodologies has earned him features in various business and technology publications such as Windows Financial Services magazine, Banking Technology News, American Banker, Tech Target, Microsoft Case Studies, and more.
Our president and CTO, Rob Scaduto, is responsible for bringing the vision of agile software development into the future and beyond. With a full suite of entrepreneurial and executive experience, he heads the development of new software at Third Wave each day doing what he loves.
So, why is it that these top providers of software development in South Florida so highly endorse agile development? The answer is simple: It is the penultimate method of creating custom and client focused software solutions that meet the needs of an ever evolving landscape. The process is never completed and constantly improves on the software to better meet the needs of customers everywhere.
Through this process, clients can view working models of the program and provide feedback at every juncture. The working relationship in this model is much closer than in any other methodology, and this is yet another reason why we at Third Wave have chosen it as our preferred method of development. It is a client focused process that takes into account the needs of the individual and allows us to constantly tweak and maintain the software for the duration of its lifespan. Visit our website today to schedule a consultation!
