The Euricom Software Development Life Cycle (eSDLC) Overview

The Euricom Software Development Life Cycle (eSDLC) methodology is an effective approach to information systems management for Euricom projects. Our customers’ business environments demand that systems be developed and maintained efficiently and cost-effectively. This demand requires a documented methodology that is repeatable and measurable. The eSDLC methodology formalizes Euricom’s approach to developing; implementing and maintaining information systems.

The eSDLC encompass all activities necessary for an information system to be selected, designed, developed, implemented and maintained. The following list defines the eight eSDLC phases:

• Envisioning − establishing a high-level view of the intended project and its feasibility
• Propose & Scope − defining the scope of a project develops a common understanding of what is included in and excluded from the project.
• Analysis − analysis of the information needs that the system should satisfy; describes what the IS should do
• Design − laying out how the system should be structured to meet the requirements from the analysis phase
• Development ­− writing executable code based on the design
• Testing − process that determines whether the system produces desired results under known conditions
• Deployment − putting the new system into operation
• Production Support − ongoing process of operations to keep the system healthy in a production environment.

eSDLC comes in two flavours, Conventional and Agile:

Conventional

• Time spent early on in software production can lead to greater economy later on in the software lifecycle =>Big Design Up Front (BDUF)
• Is an iterative and incremental development process. The phases are divided into a series of timeboxed iterations. Each iteration results in an increment, which is a release of the system that contains added or improved functionality compared with the previous release. Each iteration takes a set of use cases from requirements all the way through implementation, test and deployment. It heavily relies on documents and form sign-offs
• The greatest risks are addressed first

Agile

• Clients may not be aware of exactly what requirements they want before they see a working prototype and can comment upon it
• Agile is a set of processes for software development, that uses iterative, incremental techniques and relies on self organizing, self managing, cross functional teams. It heavily relies on people - it's less about process and more about what people can do.
• Business value first

A corporate methodology enhances efficiency. For example, moving between project is easier with a corporate methodology because the same systems approach is applied to every project. Other benefits can be expected from using eSDLC methodology:

• Reduced risk through a proven approach , consistent with the philosophy of Euricom
• Greater consistency, which improves the efficiency of system maintenance and enhancement efforts
• Agreement among the customer, Euricom management and the project staff on responsibilities  and deliverables
• Productivity and quality through the use of compatible and integrated tools (e.g. TFS2008, MOSS2008) and skill sets
• A short learning curve, because the eSDLC is based on standard methodologies (Unified Process and Scrum).

In addition, the eSDLC produces consistent deliverables and reduces project completion time. Of course, continue to use your judgment and creativity, but a document approach helps direct control routine tasks and frees you to concentrate on the unique aspects of each project.