Software Development Solutions

[index.phtml] This methodology is based on our experiences with system development efforts and is continually being refined as we complete projects and as new technologies appear on the market. In this way, we constantly improve our methods so that we can use industry best practices on all of our projects. The methodology involves three stages of effort: Discovery and Design Implementation Production Stage 1: Discovery and Design The Discovery and Design stage consists of either a one or two week series of facilitated workshops with sponsors from the company and our Architecture & Technology Office (ATO) staff to gather information and formulate the scope of the business and development needs. Issues to be considered include the overall impact to the business, potential cost and time to implement. Our ATO staff is composed of industry veterans who have vast experience in system architecture, internet technologies, development tools and the building of robust systems. We envision that all systems developed by SDS field consultants comply with ATO standards and have been reviewed for Architecture and Design merits. Furthermore, the ATO group ensures that the solutions conform to industry best practices in terms of processes and technology. Stage 2: Implementation Our goal is to create a system that maintains the data necessary to conduct the business and captures the data that is required to build the reporting components of the system. The data forms the foundation of the design and drives the business rules within the system. The data-driven business logic is kept in a separate layer to the data and the user interface. This avoids the problem of hard-coded data and rules within an application. Hard-coding data and rules into applications is one of the reasons system enhancements are so difficult. Our goal is to create more flexible and extensible systems than those that existed in the past. We also believe in delivering reusable solutions. Over the years we have learned, mastered and standardized our approach to solving business problems that ensures high quality solutions. These quality solutions can be reused again and again. Rather than creating brand new design from first principles each time, we save a lot of time by incorporating our "approach to system development" to provide best solution possible. SDS uses a component-based approach to system architecture, where the design of the system is organized into discrete components. The design alternatives for each component are evaluated within the larger context of component integration. We also understand that there are some business needs that cannot and should not be solved with custom development. Many business functions can be outsourced, and SDS maintains relationships with a number of outsource specialists in areas such as co-location, ERP, finance, HR, technology and education. Stage 3: Production One of the biggest challenges facing businesses is scaling from proof-of-concept to production. Scaling up requires detailed planning and implementation. SDS understands the need to continually assess ongoing performance in light of evolving business objectives. SDS provides planning services designed to not only get systems into production but to ensure that the "post-production" ride is as smooth as possible. Our involvement does not stop when the switch is thrown. We follow up with ongoing support, making sure that the technology solutions continue to meet and exceed expectations.