Agile is a style of software development that places new capabilities in the hands of users, as and when they need them—almost as rapidly as they need them. It does this by stripping the project requirements down into achievable component parts and then focusing on each part individually and single-mindedly, full of intent, energy, and drive. As each part is developed, it becomes an “iteration,” a release of useable software that can be made instantly available to users instantly. While they start using it, the development team moves onto the next step, the subsequent iteration. At every step of the way, product owners, developers, and users emphasize collaboration. Everything is transparent to the client and the users. And, one of the most valuable aspects of all is that no useless functionality is built for users.
Agile and cloud computing are actually highly parallel concepts, both in terms of their methods and their aims. Perhaps the best way of summing up the benefits of agile development methodologies is to examine the definition of the word itself: characterized by quickness, lightness, and ease of movement; deft and active. The cloud can catalyze the development process. It’s just like the atmosphere; it’s everywhere. This means that new applications can be made available to users instantly, the very second a development team has completed them. There is no need for drawn-out deployment procedures, patches, and reinstallations. Users can jump right in and start using. Integration issues are overcome, change management is addressed, and risks are minimized.
Putting agile together with the cloud dramatically accelerates an organization’s improvement pace. The working style of agile is tied up with user involvement, drawing users right into the heart of the development process. Functionality is developed as the user wants it, how he wants it. As developments move along in cumulative steps (iterations), the features and benefits can be rationalized and reprioritized as each project unfolds. There is no waste—either of time or money. And just as soon as everyone agrees that the application is ready, off it goes into the cloud where everyone can start using it.
Agile development in the cloud now gives greater control over process innovation and more strength to a company’s competitive edge than ever before, and organizations in every vertical market now have exciting prospects.
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