Chapter 11 Managing Application Development

Agenda Application management framework Application management issues Criteria for development approach Development approach IS & development approach System factory tasks Methods & tools

Application Management Framework Objectives and principles for IS development & management Policies, standards, & guidelines for IS development & support Framework for the development or acquisition of IS: methods, tools, procedures Infrastructure projects to re-tool the development framework: training, education, & support

Application Management Issues Application backlog Maintenance burden IS development process –IS for business not for IT End user computing Transition –Mainframe to client/server –Graphical user interface –Traditional systems development life cycle (SDLC)/object oriented

Criteria for Development Approach Economic Technical Schedule Operational Functional complexity Development skill Priority Benefits & risks Availability Others?

Development Approach In house –IS/IT professional –End user Out source –Individual consulting –Consulting firm or software company Off the shelf software package

IS & Development Approach High potential Strategic Key operational: SDLC or integrated application packages Support: packaged proprietary software

High Potential - Methods Rapid development user-oriented tools/prototyping New technology or new development tools

High Potential - Characteristics Evaluate technology or business idea Independent –integration and data management not appropriate Rapid low cost iterative development Business champion End user development or user/IS team New skills/skills transfer Focused pilots/broad potential

Strategic - Methods Advanced database technology Sophisticated application generator SDLC/prototyping

Strategic - Characteristics Based on the corporate model Fast & flexible development approach Close partnership between users & IS professionals/new skills Complex applications in modular Creating a new business process External links Interconnect with key operational Executive support Limited package applicability

Key Operational - Methods System development life cycle Software engineer Corporate data management Industry specific application packages Application generators/CASE/SAP Reengineering

Key Operational - Characteristics Well designed Efficient, robust, long life Complex and integrated, based on corporate model Strict change control procedure High IS and user’s skills and knowledge

Support - Methods Standard packages Disinvestment/third party support

Support - Characteristics Minimum intervention Minimum maintenance IS skills – package selection and implementation / essential interfaces / vendor management Compromise business needs rather than modify package Integration no vital Efficient/low risk

System Factory Tasks Develop system using advanced development tools Work with end user using prototyping End user support Information services Select, configure, and implement package Upgrade, re-engineer or retrofit systems Develop and implement infrastructure improvements

Methods and Tools Object oriented software Graphical user interfaces Software engineering Software management tools: CASE Rapid application development & prototyping

Points to Remember Application management framework Application management issues Criteria for development approach Development approach IS & development approach System factory tasks Methods & tools