AndPlus acquired by expert technology adviser and managed service provider, Ensono. Read the full announcement

4 Reasons Why Agile is The Best Way to Develop Custom Software

Aug 3, 2016 10:00:00 AM

4-reasons-agile-is-the-best-way-to-develop-customsoftwareAgile or waterfall? 

What is the best way to develop custom software? Agile is like the cool new kid in school. All the popular start-ups are doing it. Definitely very “lean.” But why?

Agile is easier and has less risk than other software development methods. How? It is collaborative. It is “plain English,” not techie speak. It is transparent and removes “the black box” from software development. Agile provides value quickly. And it is very flexible. 

Agile is the key that helps the team at AndPlus create the most valuable pieces of software for our customers, on time, and on budget.

We recently asked our developers why they prefer Agile, and here are their top 4 reasons.

 

1. The Flexibility to Adapt to Evoloving Requirements

Unlike the waterfall process, change orders don't exist in Agile. Change is actually welcomed! With waterfall, a change order requires an increased investment and pushes back the delivery of the product. With Agile, a user story is simply added to the product backlog and prioritized how the product owner sees fit.

2. It Delivers Value Early and Often

Agile development is not a black box where inputs go in and eventually some kind of software pops out. There are regular and numerous inspection points where software is delivered (normally every two weeks) based on the product owner's prioritization. This ensures that the high value items are being delivered right from the start and low value items are only built if timeline and budget allow.

3. Waste Not, Want Not

Agile ensures that you aren't forcing your engineers to write software that won't be used or isn't important to your immediate goals. You then get to use the engineering time you didn't waste for things you actually want to get done!

4. Agile Fosters Creative Problem Solving

Many people think software engineering isn't a creative process. But with Agile, a team focuses on an item to understand the needs of the end user and discusses how best to implement a specific piece of functionality. This approach creates an extremely creative process! The mix of technical, design, and business/product focused minds, provides greater creativity than the typical developer reading a boring requirements document.

 

agile 101

 

 

Brian Geary

Written by Brian Geary

Brian is a true believer in the Agile process. He often assists the development process by performing the product owner role. In addition to his technical background, he is an experienced account manager with a background in design and marketing.

Get in touch

LET’S BUILD SOMETHING AWESOME. TOGETHER.