Software Development Life Cycle
Fresh Start IT has a focus on quality. That focus demands that we follow a very strict software development life cycle. In some capacity, both the Fresh Start IT Project Manager and Client Staff contribute to all stages of development, with primary responsibility assigned to a team as defined below.
I. REVIEW DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CLIENT'S BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS (Fresh Start IT Staff)
This can be a very simple task and can also require extensive communication to ensure that we understand what is being requested. If sufficient examples are not provided, we will generally create examples to pass by the client to verify that the requirements are understood fully by both parties.
II. DESIGN OVERVIEW AND APPROVAL (Fresh Start IT and Client Staff)
Analysis of the business requirements results in a Design Overview. This document typically provides a description of the desired functionality and a high level solution for the problem. An initial estimate for completion is also provided at this time. The overview is submitted to the client for approval.
III. DETAIL DESIGN PREPARATION (Fresh Start IT and Client Staff)
This process will document all software development specifications. All new and/or changes to existing inputs, outputs, databases, reports, interfaces, calculations, etc., will be documented and detailed. As specifications are drafted and before they are finalized a test plan will be developed. Changes to specifications can be made as a result of the test plan.
IV. DETAIL DESIGN SIGNOFF (Fresh Start IT and Client Staff)
This step requires agreement of both Fresh Start IT and the Client as to the accuracy and completeness of the specification. Signoff may involve iterations of revisions to the Requirements and/or Design Document.
V. PROGRAMMING, DEVELOPER ACCEPTANCE, AND REGRESSION TESTING (Fresh Start IT Staff)
A. As programming completes the new application or enhancement, the test plan must be successfully substantiated before the programming changes will be elevated to our Quality Assurance platform.
B. Once approved for QA elevation, the project is installed into our regression testing environment. Here, regression test streams are executed against the project to ensure that all new and previously existing functionality is not adversely affected.
C. Enhancements are prepared for delivery to the client.
VI. CLIENT ACCEPTANCE (Fresh Start IT and Client Staff)
A. Client and Fresh Start IT install the project into the client’s environment.
B. Client performs acceptance testing.
