There has been always a question on which methodology to select, Waterfall or Agile? The answer is never quite that simple. Waterfall Development Model is a traditional and proven methodology. Recently, though, the Agile Methodologies have been providing more of a sustainable path for companies because of the flexibility and success. Depending on various factors such as project scope, its specifications, timelines, budgets etc, GVS may use either a more traditional waterfall process or an agile software model to develop your software.
Like any method, each has its own benefits and limitations, but an expertise at GVS will consult with you to see which model or combination of the two will be the best fit for your project, budget, and timeline.
Waterfall Development Model
Waterfall Development Model is a linear, sequential approach to software design. Each phase is a silo, from which you don't move on until it's completed. Waterfall is milestone-oriented, which results to detailed requirements and understanding of the final product before teams get to start building. A change control process is put in place to ensure the right things are documented and nothing is missing. By nature, Waterfall is process-driven and with documentation and prescribed deliverables.
At GVS, we believe that the Waterfall Development Methodology works better for the projects wherein the requirement specifications are predefined, well understood and are relatively stable in nature. Since development is done in line with the specified scope, the process is relatively structured and works well if the project has a fixed budget and a set timelines.
Waterfall does not allow for interactive development. For precisely the same reason, for large and more loosely defined projects – the end result possibly may not be as per client expectations as the client is unable to review and give feedback until the final phase of the project.
Agile Software Development Model
Agile methodologies are different. They're a group of software development methods based on iterative and incremental development. Requirements and solutions evolve through collaboration between self-organizing, cross-functional teams. Agile Methodology is better for the project or product development where there is still a bit of uncertainty regarding the end solution. Agile Methodology is not as prognostic and allows for iterative change and process.
At GVS, we leverage adaptive planning, iterative development and delivery, a fixed iterative approach, and encourage rapid and flexible response to change. At GVS, this iterative methodology is frequently used, requiring intense collaboration and self-editing across several teams. Minimum product requirements are gathered by an assigned Project Manager and move in parallel into development and testing. At GVS, we believe that Agile works best for the clients who need a more responsive process and are in need of shorter turnaround times.
Agile Methodology enables the team to close the feedback loop more quickly and enables communication to start early in the process. At, GVS we typically focus on individuals and interactions over processes and tools, working software over comprehensive documentation; customer collaboration over contract negotiation, and responding to change over following a plan.
