Lightship, Inc. -- Proven Development Process

Our Proven Development Process

Using engineering principles, we do more than create simple web sites - we build component-based and transactional sites with substance. From the initial inception to mentoring employees on the final system, Lightship's successful history of employing Feature-Driven Development (FDD) against a variety of development projects ensures that we deliver results.

Technical Architecture Definition

We build strategic technical architectures that allow cost-effective initial deployment, however, do not constrain subsequent projects and scale with user demand. We assist the client in the selection of the infrastructure software (application servers, message brokering software, database management system, etc.).

Initial Modeling Session

We facilitate modeling sessions that include client stakeholders to develop a high-level software model. This model forms the overall software architecture for all subsequent efforts.

Feature List Development

Using the initial model, we collaboratively work with the client to identify and prioritize the features of the system being developed.

Plan by Feature

Working to the budget and schedule, we transform the prioritized features into a phased project plan having critical features being developed first. Lightship uses object oriented design metrics to review the object model (e.g. depth of inheritance, direct class coupling) to identify objects, or groups of objects, which are highly complex. Any high-risk features are earmarked for prototyping to mitigate the overall risk to the project.

Design and Build by Feature

These steps are iterated until all Features have been built.

Final Transition and Completion

The transition phase encompasses final testing (validation and system testing), delivery of final documentation, and any training that is required to support the system.

Technology Mentoring

Lightship guarantees that clients are able to support and maintain the applications we deliver beyond the end of the engagement. Our proven system ensures that the skills, products and procedures necessary to maintain the application are passed on during the course of the project. Lightship has Coad-certified mentors on staff to direct these training activities.