Development Methodology

The systems development life cycle (SDLC) is a conceptual model used in project management that describes the stages involved in an information system development project, from an initial feasibility study through maintenance of the completed application. Various SDLC methodologies have been developed to guide the processes involved, including the waterfall model (which was the original SDLC method); rapid application development (RAD); joint application development (JAD); the fountain model; the spiral model; build and fix; and synchronize-and-stabilize. Frequently, several models are combined into some sort of hybrid methodology.

The basis of our methodology is to ensure a technically superior and cost-effective implementation solution for any size project. We prefer to work in close consultation with you and your business users, becoming an integrated part of your team.  Documentation is crucial regardless of the type of model chosen  for any application, and is usually done in matching with the development process. Some methods work better for specific types of projects, but in the final analysis, the most important factor for the success of a project may be how closely the particular plan was followed.
In general, an SDLC methodology follows the following steps:

1. Define
   

   The existing system is evaluated. Deficiencies are identified. This can be done by interviewing users of the system and consulting with support personnel. The new system requirements are defined. In particular, the deficiencies in the existing system must be addressed with specific proposals for improvement.

2. Planning
   

   The proposed system is designed. Plans are laid out concerning the physical construction, hardware, operating systems, programming, communications, and security issues.

3. Prototyping :
   

   Using the design requirements as listed in the requirements document GUI (Look and Feel) templates will be generated. These templates define the basic look of the software/website in terms of color schemes, fonts, images etc. All the changes recommended by client are incorporated. The process continues till a final sign-off is obtained from the client.
   
   Once the GUI is finalized the designers/programmer works on the prototype of the entire site/application. The prototype is a demo of the application without any programming incorporated. This helps the client visualize the look of the entire site along with placement of various fields, images etc.

4. Develop
   

   The new system is developed. The new components and programs must be obtained and installed. Users of the system must be trained in its use, and all aspects of performance must be tested. If necessary, adjustments must be made at this stage.

5. Testing/QA :

   Testing phase begins with the planning. As soon as HLD is frozen, we prepare test plans and cases. Application is tested parallel to development making sure that there are no errors. Once the development is completed, the application is tested from scratch to make sure all modules are well integrated.
   
   The testing process includes checking that all requirements have been fulfilled. Testing is performed on individual modules to locate any technical errors. A user acceptance testing is performed to ensure that the application users are able to use the application with ease.

6. Go Live

   Once the production of the web site is complete and the client has approved everything, we launch your web site and it is now "live" on the internet for everyone to view. This is a very exciting stage for everyone involved.

7. Site Promotion

   Now that you have a "killer" web site, how do you get people to find it online? All of the web site projects that we work on receives free consult of web site submission to the major search engines. But this doesn't guarantee a high ranking. This depends on the project's Search Engine Placement requirements.

8. Ongoing Support

   Once your site is "live" and essential promotion is underway, Collaborative provides ongoing support for all it's client's web sites. Whether it is a simple text edit or adding a complex e-commerce system, we are always available to assist our client's needs.