Software outsourcing enables companies to develop high-quality applications quickly and affordably. But is it effective for every stage of a project? Creating a new application typically requires prototyping, validation, coding implementation, rigorous testing and ongoing maintenance. Let’s look at how effective software outsourcing is at each stage of the application development lifecycle:
What Is an Application Development Lifecycle?
An application development lifecycle refers to the entire process of planning, developing and delivering a software application. Having a documented lifecycle improves workflow and mitigate risks. It helps ensure that projects are executed seamlessly, reducing the application’s time to market and keeping costs down.
An application’s lifecycle begins at the planning stage, where information is gathered and feasibility studies are conducted. The information is analyzed to build a foundation for the design and then the development and testing phases follow. The app is then deployed and maintained as updates and new features are added.
The Agile Development Methodology
Today, most organizations rely on agile methodologies to drive their development projects. Its principles are focused on collaboration, communication, flexibility and adaptability.
Whether software outsourcing will work for every stage of an application’s lifecycle depends largely on the specifics of the software and the methodology used to develop it. Typically, Agile methodologies provide the flexibility needed to complete a highly-functioning application project.
At BairesDev, we use several different Agile frameworks because their principles are easy to work with and they keep clients involved throughout the development process. Some of the most common Agile frameworks that we use include Scrum, XP, Kanban, Lean and RAD.
AGILE METHODOLOGIES PROVIDE THE FLEXIBILITY NEEDED TO COMPLETE A HIGHLY-FUNCTIONING APPLICATION PROJECT
The Application Development Lifecycle in Stages
Let’s look at how software outsourcing works over the six stages of the application development process:
#1 Planning
Planning is the most important stage in the application lifecycle. It involves documenting the specifics of the project, including how the application should function, its features and intended development.
Partnering with a software outsourcing company ensures that your project is carefully planned to ensure a seamless delivery. A good software outsourcing provider will carry out feasibility studies to develop the most effective approach. They’ll also include risk mitigation, identifying any potential issues and ensuring that processes are put in place to reduce their impact.
At BairesDev, we use a spiral process to create a Proof of Concept before moving on to the Analysis stage.
#2 Analysis
The Analysis stage looks at the target audience for the application. It considers who will be using the software and what the system requirements are. At this stage, a Software Requirement Specification (SRS) is typically finalized, outlining the full requirements of the project.
A software outsourcing team will assist in analyzing the functionality of the application and break each task down into a workflow process. They’ll create a project timescale, with documented milestones for each phase.
With an outsourced team, you have access to a worldwide pool of talent and will benefit from having highly-skilled developers allocated to each task. A good outsourcing company will consider how communication will work moving forward. Project management tools like Asana, Basecamp and Jira enable the outsourcing team and the client to communicate effectively, ensuring project milestones are met.
#3 Design
Based on the requirements set out in the SRS, a specific design approach is used to define each of the project’s modules. The application’s design considers what will be created and how it should be implemented. Essentially, the project architecture is agreed upon for the internal design. In some cases, external design elements will also be considered at this stage.
At BairesDev, everything we do at the Design stage is characterized by a Design Thinking mindset. We ensure that everyone involved in the project follows the same principles and applies them to the tasks they’ve been assigned. We follow the five steps of the Stanford Design School: Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype and Test.
#4 Implementation
The Implementation phase of application development is typically the longest part of the lifecycle. If the Design phase has been carried out properly, coding should be smooth and generated without any issues. All the application’s features are implemented at this stage.
If your software outsourcing company is using an Agile framework, Scrum meetings will typically take place so developers can provide updates on the project’s progress, share feedback and discuss any issues. At BairesDev, the solid architectures that we create in the Design phase guides our projects towards reliable, predictive outcomes during implementation.
#5 Testing
After the code has been generated, the Testing phase ensures that the application works as it should. Testing is carried out against the SRS to ensure that all the requirements outlined in the Analysis phase have been met. Application testing identifies and tracks any defects in the software so that fixes can be made to ensure compliance with quality standards. A software outsourcing company will perform various types of functional and non-functional tests both manually and automatically. A typical application testing phase includes checking core functionality, text input, security and scalability. This phase is crucial to the overall success of the application.
At BairesDev, our software testing experience is one of the cornerstones of our service. Our Software Testing and Quality Assurance teams work as an independent division within the company. We have over 60 experienced QA Engineers who have completed numerous testing projects.
#6 Deployment and Maintenance
The final stage in the application development lifecycle is deployment and maintenance. Once an application has been fully tested, it’s deployed for Beta Testing, to give users the chance to identify any bugs.
Once the intended audience starts using the application, a software outsourcing team will carry out ongoing maintenance to ensure that all functions are working properly and updates are made successfully. At BairesDev, we offer a full maintenance and support service to future-proof your product in the marketplace. We provide 24/7 technical maintenance and real-time support on a long-term basis. Our three-tier services include monitoring, remediation and management.
In Summary
AN EXPERIENCED OUTSOURCING TEAM WILL HAVE ROBUST TESTING PROCESSES IN PLACE TO ENSURE THE APPLICATION IS SECURE AND ERROR-FREE
Software outsourcing does work for every stage in the application development lifecycle. When Agile methodologies are used, the process is flexible and adaptable and can be tailored to a company’s requirements.
Every successful application project starts with effective planning. With a documented SRS in place, generating code should be seamless. An experienced outsourcing team will have robust testing processes in place to ensure the application is secure and error-free.
From planning through to deployment, a good outsourcing company will keep the customer up-to-date every step of the way.
At BairesDev, we provide custom software development at every stage of the application lifecycle. Find out how we can help you create a quality application that will enhance your reputation in the marketplace.
