We believe that an Agile methodology is the most graceful and flexible process for implementing today’s software. Even though Agile has been in practice since the turn of the 21stcentury and is considered by many to be the gold standard in project management, it’s still viewed by some business leaders as simply “the innovative alternative” to more traditional methodologies (e.g. waterfall).
To be fair, Agile isan alternative to the way software used to be widely developed. But as more organizations are upgrading legacy systems and bringing their business systems, software, and, let’s face it, their entire approach to computing, into the 21stcentury, it’s more important than ever that decision-makers understand Agile and its many benefits.
What Agile Stands For:The Agile Manifesto
Nothing explains Agile better than the values defined by “The Agile Alliance,” the group of 17 people who met in the mountains of Utah in 2001 to find an alternative to “document-driven, heavyweight software development processes.”
Their stated values:
- Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
- Working software over comprehensive documentation
- Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
- Responding to change over following a plan
What characterizes Agile development is a people, or cultural, orientation as well as speed and efficiency. There’s an inherent willingness to fail (or slip up) in the interest in moving forward more successfully and delivering maximum value. But it’s simpler—and it’s called “agile” for a reason, as it’s more flexible and accommodating to change. We go into more detail in How We Work: Agile Methodology.
Agile and Cloud Computing
Agile software development syncs up perfectly with more modern approaches to both project management and enterprise computing. Companies embracing digital transformation—and cloud computing—are naturally falling into line with Agile. All-of-the-above are part of organizational change, innovation, progress, and new ways of working. (Explore 3 Tips for Driving a Culture of Digital Innovation for more insights into the mindset change that goes along with embracing transformation.)
This is why we use Agile methodologies with many of our customers. We recognize, however, that more traditional approaches are a better fit for some companies, software, and projects—and there are times when we incorporate the “best of” the different approaches into an engagement for maximum impact. It depends on a range of factors, from company culture and availability of customer resources to the complexity of the implementation. Budgets and timeframes make a difference, too.
What’s Your Approach?
If you are looking into implementing new software and considering your different project management and software development methodology options, MIBAR has the experience and expertise to support you with the right products and guidance that work for your specific needs. Learn more about Agile and our methods of deployment and contact us for a free consultation.
Additional resources you may find helpful:
Project Management Software – Defining a Mix of Waterfall and Agile Requirements
Survey Reveals SaaS Implementation Secrets—and Partners’ Role in Success
The Top 5 Questions Asked by Executives before Moving Into the Cloud
