Software Development Projects

The realm of software development, there are broadly two approaches to project planning. The first approach treats the project plan as a predictive tool, a guide to what we can reasonably expect to happen given where we are now and given the present state of our knowledge. Taking this approach, the project plan is a living document.


When reality diverges too much from what we had planned, we alter our plan in order to keep it realistic. The second approach, on the other hand, treats the project plan as something more like a set of commandments, a binding contract whose timings must be adhered to. Taking this second approach, reality is forced to conform to the plan, come what may.

Things to Know About Software Development

Although few project managers would openly admit to being adherents of the second approach, I know from my experience of software development projects that - deep down - many of them are. A common scenario in the IT industry is that, before one jot of estimating has been done, someone senior to the project manager has decided what dates must be hit. Let me stress that this, in itself, does not have to be a bad thing.


Whether it becomes a bad thing depends on how the project manager responds to it. If he adopts the first approach, he will try to find a way of planning a realistic project (and this may mean somewhat decreasing the scope of what is to be delivered) whose timescales are as prescribed. He will also accept that despite his team's best efforts, meeting those timescales is not guaranteed; re-planning may have to be done in the future if the dates prove unachievable for whatever reason.

Managing Expectations In Software Development

He will be open and honest about all of this with the project stakeholders, explicitly communicating any anticipated reduction in scope or quality, as well as highlighting the very real risk of project slippage. If he adopts the second approach, he will pledge to deliver the project to exactly the dates prescribed, with no compromises.


He will not seek out estimates of effort from his own team - or if he does, he will refuse to accept any estimates that contradict what the plan says. He is not interested in disconfirmation of the project plan, only in confirmation of it. And when push comes to shove, when a milestone is fast approaching and the team is not on course to meet it, what then?

Exploring The Software Development Field

Quite possibly he will get his team to drop everything else they are doing and focus exclusively on the milestone in question -- but given the extent of what has to be dropped, this just stacks up problems for the future. He has preserved the appearance of being on course (for now), but sooner or later the divergence between plan and reality will become so pronounced that everyone will come to see the project timescales cannot be met.


The second approach, before it turns sour, has its attractions. The project manager may feel it to be more politically expedient. But the first approach seems to me to be the better way to go, if the project manager can bring himself to hold to it even in the face of pressure. It is a more honest approach, and more respectful of reality.

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Outsource Software Development to India For Maximum Competitive Advantage

Offshore Software Development is a concept that has been gaining momentum over the years. It is a part of software development services offered by an outside provider located in a country that is far away from the client business geographically.

The major driving factor for the companies to opt for outsourcing software development is the elevated development expenses of the domestic service providers. The worldwide offshore software services market in comparison to ITO and BPO is relatively in its early stage, but India is the most preferred destination of the world in this field.

As per the statistics of March 2009, India has generated US$60 billion as annual revenues from its total outsourcing operations. This figure is going to be overhauled by a long margin to reach US$225 billion in the year 2020. Many cities from all over India have upgraded their infrastructure and manpower to attract major global players in setting up their offices here.

The most outstanding offshore software development India destination is of course Bangalore. But, other emerging cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, NCR, Mumbai and Pune are not far behind.

Widely dubbed as the IT Capital or the Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore is presently leading the list on most software developers in India. It has rapidly made its presence felt in the field of offshore software development and electronics. Large numbers of local as well as international IT-based companies are running their operations from its base.

These include Infosys, TCS, IBM, Accenture, Compaq, Texas Instruments, Robert Bosch, etc. The reasons behind choosing Bangalore to outsource software development are world-class infrastructure, abundant skilled manpower, well-suited climate, friendly government policies and sophisticated environment.

Chennai is also known as the second silicon valley of India and boasts TIDEL Park which is one of the biggest software parks in India. Low labor cost is the chief factor that has attracted a lot of big and small IT players to set up their operations in Chennai. The city is now deriving more and more revenues from offshore software development projects.

The NCR or National Capital Region of India consists of Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, Gurgaon, Faridabad and Ghaziabad. Of late, it has been giving top IT destinations in the country a run for their money.

The NCR is making every possible effort to clinch numerous ambitious offshore projects from big cities. Well-developed infrastructure and better connectivity to other cities make the region a hot favorite among global clients who are ready to outsource their software projects.

Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, boasts first-class infrastructure and enjoys continuous government support. Renowned software developers in India like Microsoft, Google, HP, Amazon, etc. are operating their businesses here. HITEC City is the popular IT Park established in Hyderabad and is host to numerous MNCs that have most advanced structures and ultra-modern facilities.

Mumbai, the business capital of India, is one city that has witnessed enormous growth as an offshore software development center. TCS, Patni, are WNS are some of the well-known companies in this happening city. Kolkata is also slowly catching up with the major IT centers by enhancing its technology base and injecting more funds into the construction of IT parks.

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