A systematic approach to consistently successful software development.

In the age of the Internet, where software is more mission-critical than ever, it's no longer enough for your development projects to succeed some of the time. You need to deliver excellence, consistently-and you must do it faster than ever.

Successful Software Development proceeds from the fact that there is no one way to develop software systems and introduces a model for a mature software development process that accommodates flexibility, the Systems Engineering Environment (SEE). This model comprises two fundamental, interlocked elements: the policies and procedures that define how software development is performed and the technologies available to get the job done. Using the SEE framework, learn how to:

• Understand and "sell" the business case for software improvement
• Establish and nourish an ongoing, productive dialogue between developers and customers
• Manage the multiple constituencies, personalities, issues, and egos that complicate software development
• Create plans that reflect the need for change-and take into account real-world risks
• Write clearer, more useful contracts and statements of work

Successful Software Development includes over 200 figures, process diagrams, and annotated outlines-all designed to help you understand and implement better processes quickly and with less resistance.

This book's techniques will work with any software quality methodology you choose, as well as SEI's capability maturity models and ISO 9000. They will work with any development technology, from CASE to object-oriented design to rapid prototyping. And they will work for you whether you're a programmer, manager, or customer. When it comes to delivering better software, if you need to get results, you need this book.

Successful Software Development presents a proven systematic approach to ensuring that all your software systems meet the highest standards of quality, timeliness, and business value. KEY TOPICS: This book introduces a coherent model for a mature software development process, the Systems Engineering Environment. SEE comprises two fundamental, interlocked elements: the policies and procedures that define how software development is performed, and the technologies available to get the job done. Using innovative Object Management(TM) metrics, IT organizations can measure where they are, and where they should be -- in business-focused language their organizations can understand and use. Learn how to establish and nourish ongoing, productive dialogues between developers and customers; manage multiple constituencies, personalities, and issues; create plans that reflect the need for change; and write clearer, more useful contracts and statements of work. The book includes over 200 figures, process diagrams and annotated outlines -- all designed to help IT managers and developers implement better processes quickly, and with less resistance. A separate study guide is available. MARKET: For all IT managers, software engineers, and others concerned with software quality and timely delivery, including purchasers of software development services.