Software Process and Project Management

ITWARE’s processes and the software development methodology are based on leading agile methodologies and experience gained through years of project execution and process standardization. Our approach is a useful trade-off between no process and too much process, providing just enough process to gain a reasonable payoff and ensure flexibility, optimization and a quick ROI for the stakeholders involved. Our Xtreme programming-based software engineering approach ensures quick production high-quality deliverables.

Our methodologies are highly tailorable, requirements-driven and architecture centric. Our processes are enriched by extensive usage of the Unified Modeling Language (UML) through out the project development life-cycle. Our Incremental, Iterative and phased approach towards implementation ensures high productivity. Mid term changes have minimal impact on the cost and schedule because of our efficient project planning, tracking, configuration/change management processes and paramount emphasis on Quality Assurance. Since we work very closely with our client and also due to our excellent communication model between the customers and the onsite & offshore teams, communication gaps and delays are minimized. Our knowledge management system is extremely efficient, due to our regular project reviews and periodic knowledge transfer activities that are supported by clear documentation. Our multi-level testing activities ensure defect-free software delivery to our customers.

In addition to adaptive and people-oriented methodologies, ITWARE enhances project success by deploying the best teams with excellent project management and client communication. This translates to the ITWARE advantage that emphasizes quality standards, delivery on time and under budget.

Communication Model

ITWARE is aware of the need of an excellent communication model between the customers, the onsite and the offshore teams. The COMET process that we implement at ITWARE ensures excellent communication mechanism between the above-said parties. Our project communication methodology includes excellent documentation so that clients are always involved and informed as the project progresses. It gives scope for intermediate feedback, suggestions and enhancements with the goal of creating software that meets or exceeds client requirements.

Project Management

Our Project Management activities are guided by a set of macro-processes and tailored micro-processes. The following diagram gives an overview of the macro-process for software development called E5 . As depicted in the picture, each unit of work goes through 5 phases - Elicit, Elaborate, Evolve, Evaluate & End. The Evolutionary approach adopted in this regard makes the process highly productive and flexible.

Tools


The following list includes (but, is not limited to) a few tools we use frequently for Project Management and Development activities.

• MS Project 2000 for project schedule maintenance
• MS Project Central for both internal and external communication of the project schedule
• A web based system for client communication related to status reports, project documents, project schedule etc
• Appropriate development environments based on the nature of the project 
• Rational enterprise design and testing tools
• An indigenously developed product called “Autostatus” for Task allocation, Status reporting and tracking
• An enterprise-level Intranet-based system for automation of important workflows (under construction)
• Technical diagramming tools such as Visio for documents
• Database design tools like ERWIN 
• Appropriate automated source code control tools such as MS Visual SourceSafe, CVS, etc 
• Remote source code repository where required using SourceSafe offsite
• Software installation tools like InstallShield