When Dr. Cockburn, a renowned IT strategist, explored the area of software development, he created what is popularly known as the agile manifesto. The manifesto discusses the importance of efficient and time-conscious software methodology, with emphasis on face-to-face communication and physical proximity. In fact, the agile manifesto specifically states, “The most efficient and effective method of conveying information to and within a development team is face-to-face conversation.”
At surface level, Dr. Cockburn seems to be against the idea of offshore software development, what with the expressed absence of physical proximity between the client and the software developers, as well as the assumption that face-to-face communication is not possible.
This may be true for a lot of IT offshore companies, who are not responsive to the importance of integration and active communication. The problem is also pronounced in cultures where employees are discouraged from asking questions or suggesting improvements. The problems of offshore software development are also amplified in companies where a software development model is literally non-existent. These companies directly contradict the Manifesto for Agile Software Development.
But what’s in the Manifesto anyway?
“We are uncovering better ways of developing software by doing it and helping others do it. Through this work we have come to value:
- Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
- Working software over comprehensive documentation
- Customer Collaboration over contract negotiation
- Responding to change over following a plan
That is, while there is value in the items on the right, we value the items on the left more.”
A close examination of this manifesto will reveal an unsurprising dovetail with the work principles of Iteratia IT Outsourcing. In fact, this is exactly what the Full Cycle Software Development, or the Iterative Development Model is all about.
Individuals and interactions are deeply rooted in Iteratia’s concept of client satisfaction. The privacy of individuals is a top concern, and satisfactory interactions are never second rate.
With the Intelligent Performance feature of the model, a premium is put in a working software that has improved usability, clean and efficient coding, and simplified architecture. At the same time, streamline research and documentation is not compromised but at the same time does not fall to the folly of bureaucratic processes.
Customer collaboration is guaranteed with the multilevel communications of Iteratia. Inquiries will be responded to within 24 hours. The preferred schedule of the customer is also taken into account. Scheduled conference calls and regular status reports will ensure that the lines of interaction are regularized.
Lastly, the issue of responding to change is addressed by the Iterative Development Model itself. During the process of offshore software development, areas of improvement and reduction of costs will be continually identified in order to apply the best and most innovative solutions.
With Iteratia’s unique processes, there truly is every reason to believe that it’s not just any IT offshore company; it also adheres to the principles of agile development perfectly well.
Tags: Agile Development, Agile Software Development, Dr. Cockburn, IT Offshore companies, Iteratia offshore, Offshore Software Development
