IT Services - Our Methodology

iEffect excels at delivering bespoke software development projects on time and within budget by using its tried and tested methodology that breaks down projects into stages, throughout which emphasis is placed on attention to detail and regular communication with the client. Whether you are experienced in outsourcing software requirements or not, our team will lead you through the development process ensuring that expectations are aligned all the way and that the final product is one that meets your business requirements.

Stage 1 - Requirements Gathering

All stages of the software development process have our full attention, but at this stage we check and recheck all the details. The requirements gathering, or scoping study, sets the basis for the rest of the project and is crucial in ensuring the project comes in on time. At this stage you vision starts to become a reality. Functional requirements are defined, as are critical success factors and the business drivers and benefits. Below are the deliverables at the end of this stage.

Stage 2 -  Design

A prototype is created based on the requirements matrix developed in stage 1, through close collaboration with the end users of the application. Numerous iterations of the prototype will be created until the user is completely satisfied. Deliverables at the end of this stage include:

• Screen and report specifications
• Interface specification
• High level design
• In depth design documentation
• Detailed technical architecture
• Overall testing and roll-out plan

Stage 3 - Development and Testing

Our software development team do not keep clients at arms length until delivery date, rather we encourage the project manager to supply you with weekly status updates, we encourage monthly face to face meetings at out place our yours and we work to a staged delivery plan.  As such, small software releases are handed over so that real progress can be tracked.  We use CVS or Visual Source Safe to track source code changes.

The development and testing stage is when our programmers get to work on the individual units and components. This is a circular process where the test team uses comprehensive bug management techniques to highlight problems to the development team. No version is released without our team finally testing the application as a user. One of our specialities is outsourced application testing, so this is an area that we also excel in. Deliverables at the end of this stage include:

• Fully developed application that conforms to specifications
• Documented plans and results from the system, user and operational tests
• Updated design specifications

Stage 4 - Deployment and Knowledge Transfer

Again, at this stage we believe in face to face contact and our team will install the software onsite. This allows us to run through the application with end users and management and answer any questions. If the client's own IT team are going to maintain the application, our team will spend a considerable amount of time at this stage to make sure they have the knowledge they need. Should you chose to use our application maintenance services, you will be assured of ongoing improvements to your software in line with technological and business changes around the world. At the end of this stage the client recieves the following:

• Comprehensive technical and end user documentation
• Trained client IT teams who can maintain the system independently