J3 Systems Software Development Strategy

PLAN

The initial planning phase consists of the following aspects which need to be discussed before the software definition can be finalized:

a. Actual users accessing the system
• User’s names and level of security
• Total user count

b. Current infrastructure
• Servers & desktop machines
• Internet connections
• Network Points

c. Deciding on a specific platform or multiple platforms to use
• Portability
• Scalability
• Interactivity

d. User input procedures
• Current user activities
• Current systems
• Points of input & output
• System specifications

e. System output mechanics
• List of reports required
• List of user alerts required with timeframes
• Graphics included in system
• Interaction with current systems
• System specifications

f. Timeframe requests
• Software specification date
• Module Testing date
• Full testing date
• Training date
• Live date

g. Additional module requests
• The handling of additional requests by the stakeholders
• Maintenance agreements


DEFINE

This phase incorporates the creation of the software specification document. The system will then in turn be designed in accordance with this specification. The specification will incorporate information from the planning phase to ensure the requirements are met:

a. Infrastructure hardware requirements
• Servers & desktop machines
• Internet connections
• Network Points
• Additional Hardware

b. Software Specification documents
• New system specifications
• Current system integration
• User intervention
• Triggered events
• User event interaction
• System support

c. Additional requirements
• System management
• Infrastructure Expansion
• Important Dates


DESIGN

Flowcharts, presentations and other mechanisms are incorporated to design the draft of the software. At this point more issues are raised before the main development commences and it might be necessary to call for another planning session if important points have not been discussed. If this is the case, the definition will be updated with the new requirements.


DEVELOP

System Development and full system documentation will be dealt with in this phase. It is of great importance to keep in touch with my clients at all times, during this phase, to ensure that their expectations are met. For this reason, milestones will be compiled for which the intervention of my client is essential.

After completion of certain modules, my client will be encouraged to supply their opinions or concerns. This will enhance a feeling of interactivity and ownership for my client and will provide a meaningful tool towards their final system.


TEST

Testing will occur at numerous milestones during the development phase but, the final testing session will be held with my client’s interaction. At this point there might be a few issues which need to be ironed out. If this is the case, all changes will be applied and another testing session will be scheduled. This will happen until the client is entirely happy with the system being tested, unless the specification has changed since my client has signed it off. Here we can come to an agreement on a development fee for the needed changes in specification.

If my client is satisfied with the end results, we will set up a live delivery date.


DELIVER

Live system delivery will occur at the timeframe set by myself and the client after the testing was successful. The following will be dealt with at this stage:

a. System presentation
b. User training
c. Backup implementation
d. Support guidelines


MANAGE

System management is the key to a successful system. We strive to maintain our systems in a manner of “Prevention is better than cure”. To ensure we reach this goal we employ the following strategies:

a. Maintenance routines
• Server performance charting – to provide scalability reports
• Network traffic shaping – firewall implementations
• System usage reports

b. Reliable backup management
• Deliberate failure & restore testing
• Backup reports with off-site data warehousing

c. System upgrades
• Technology enhancements due to new breakthroughs
• Security enhancements due to new threats

d. Overall system management
• Complete management of all your systems. From hardware to software.