Agile is widely proclaimed to be an improvement over more formal methods of software development because it focuses on breaking the application down into discrete units, features, that have intrinsic value to users and short, measured iterations that provide usable, testable software at an earlier point in a typical project. This creates opportunities for clients to see and change or adjust features during the project when the effort required to change is still relatively minor. It also is the basis for the continuous improvement of Internet-based applications today. If you have working software sooner, you can release to your users at a stage when core functionality is in place but features that impact usability and user productivity are still being considered. That allows you to involve users in the determination of the features that will be most important to them, instead of spending effort on functions that may seem useful but never actually pay back in user satisfaction.

In an outsourcing relationship, Agile can be a valuable approach, but it requires a clear understanding of the impact of change on schedule, effort and budget.  Allowing a software development project change without a formal system of monitoring the schedule and effort expended against the budget and work remaining can lead to serious problems for clients and project teams. Successful use of Agile also requires continuous collaboration between client roles responsible for reaching project goals and development team roles that carry out the coding for each user story. Without open communication throughout the project, there is little advantage in pursuing the Agile model.

Our Approach to Agile

Scio leverages the value of Agile in a structure of methodologies, formal roles and reporting controls to assure that our clients are aware of project progress, their opportunities and the trade-offs they have to consider. This creates an atmosphere of partnership and a shared understanding of the risks and rewards in any software development project.

For all our application development clients, our Agile approach provides:

• Rapid startup and deployment when timing is critical
• Flexibility to adapt in a controlled environment when requirements change
• An iterative development process that engages the client team directly
• Continuous collaboration with your product team during the development cycle
• Processes, practices, and tools adapted to the needs of your project and based on real-world commercial development experience
• Integrated process training from our software development coaching practice

For our clients in the Americas

• Scio combines our nearshore capability with our methodology stack to give our clients in the Americas a clear advantage in cost-effective communication and team interaction. For the development of complex new applications or products, a nearshore development team can make the difference between success and a frustrating series of “fixes” to finally arrive at a completed project.

For our Software as a Service clients

• SaaS RAD is based on our agile practices and methodology stack, the SaaSGrid platform and our understanding of the requirements of a SaaS product to reach a market and users early and to adapt to a competitive environment.  Our production experience allows us to provide implementation, ongoing development, support, and maintenance at a technical level that is rare in the industry.