Stonebridge has a proven track record of success in delivering technology solutions for our clients across our service specializations. A large part of our success is due to adherence to well-established and proven solution-development methodologies and best practices.
Microsoft Solution Framework
Microsoft Solution Framework (MSF) is recognized as a robust software development methodology for implementing a variety of information technology solutions ranging from software to databases to infrastructure. Blending a combination of the Waterfall, Spiral, and Agile methodologies, MSF provides flexibility to address projects varying in size and complexity through the various lifecycle phases, from envisioning to stabilization to deployment. Stonebridge uses the Visual Studio Team System to facilitate the software development process including code management, version control, and defect tracking.
Agile/Scrum
Many large technology solution initiatives involve a very broad scope, voluminous requirements, and considerable complexity that make long-term planning and cost/effort estimation problematic. Coupled with changing scope, new requirements, and evolving business priorities, it makes attempting to manage the effort with a traditional Waterfall methodology an exercise in frustration. Such large endeavors often devolve into a continuously engaged change management process, frequently missed milestones and deliverables, time-consuming management, and resetting of stakeholder expectations, and eventually stakeholders and sponsors that begin running out of patience and budget.
To counter these challenges, we use Agile and Scrum software development methodologies to better manage stakeholder expectations and deliver tangible results in short timeframes or “sprints." This allows the business priorities to change naturally and new requirements to be added to the backlog, and allows the project team to deliver smaller, more manageable deliverables with a higher success rate and greater user interactivity and satisfaction every three to four weeks.
Waterfall
For small or medium projects of manageable duration and scope, a waterfall lifecycle is often the simplest and most relevant approach for delivering the client technology solution. There is much to be said for the simplicity of the waterfall approach, which, when coupled with a robust change management process, can be a very effective and straightforward solution for smaller technology solutions.