The waterfall model is considered the most traditional software development method. Also known as the linear-sequential life cycle model, this SDLC methodology remains a useful approach for projects with fixed and clear requirements.
It's a useful model when you don't want to be involved in the development process. Simply provide your requirements, and we'll deliver the finished software product, along with maintenance support. The best part is, with this model, we can determine your cost estimates before the project begins.
Symphony Software works with this model on projects that have to be completed to a predefined quality against a deadline at a given cost.
Here’s how we do it:
Different Stages of SDLC Waterfall Model
Your project goes through all phases of the waterfall model. Deliverables from one phase feed to the next stage. So, we can't move on to the next stage before the previous one has been completed.
Stage 1: Requirement Analysis
Our team captures all your requirements. We brainstorm and analyze these requirements to ensure that the project is testable and feasible or not. Outcomes of the analysis phase should be the requirements understanding document (RUD).
Stage 2: System Design
Senior project members and architects create the design and figure out the hardware/software requirements. Finally, our team documents the entire design for the project. The architect creates a high-level design document (HLD) and a low-level design document (LLD) for the next phase.
Stage 3: Implementation (Coding Phase)
As per HLD and LLD documents, programmers write the software code making sure that all requirements are laid out. At this stage, testers perform unit testing of the code. Deliverables include coded programs and unit test cases with results.
Stage 4: System Testing
In this phase, our testing team tests the software to confirm if the system meets all specifications provided by the client. Testers identify and report issues and bugs within the application.
If you think that the waterfall model can fit your project, call us at info@symphony-software.com or 414-218-4644. We’ll discuss your project and make it a success together. https://symphony-software.com/waterfall-sdlc-pros-cons-best-use-cases
Minimizing waste and increasing the customer base is important for business development. But, many organizations do not realize the importance of waste reduction. This is where Lean Software Development can help. It is a method for developing software that focuses on reducing waste, speeding up product delivery, and increasing profit and customer value.
Symphony Software works with this model to minimize waste and to deliver the right products on time. Here is the process we follow:
Stages of the Lean Software Development Life Cycle
Stage 1: Project Planning
You will need to set the goals and requirements for your project. This will make sure that you are doing something that is worthwhile and going to resonate with the target users. Our team of experts will work with you to help you understand the requirements.
Stage 2: Iteration Planning
This is where the Lean model stands out! At this stage, our goal is to make something that showcases your idea and is valuable to your target audience. So, you can ask them for feedback and opinions. The customers' feedback will help to make corrections before starting the development process.
Stage 3: Making a Prototype
The real job begins now. Our developers create the basic ready-to-launch version of the software. It may not have every feature, but it will already show why your product will be worthwhile. This stage will create enough hype to validate the development that will follow.
Stage 4: Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
The MVP stems from the prototype stage but is significantly different. Here, we implement all the changes inspired by the feedback from the previous stages. In the end, the software will be good enough to use and eliminate waste. It will have all the basic functionalities and additional features with updates.
State 5: The Full Thing
From MVP, we aim to reach the final version of the software, with all the advanced features you want. This is the real moneymaker! The software will increase your revenue while eliminating costs on waste.
If you think that the Lean SDLC model can fit your business, call us at 414-218-4644. We’ll discuss your project and make it a success together.
Agile SDLC Model: Pros, Cons and Best Use Cases in Software Development
Timely product delivery and fast-paced changes in customer needs are two major challenges in the software development industry. That’s when the Agile SDLC model makes sense. It offers a flexible approach to the design and development of software.
At Symphony Software, we use popular Agile practices for large-scale and accelerated software delivery. This unique approach helps us guarantee greater productivity, lower IT costs, and fewer issues.
In this blog, we’re going to give you insights into our expertise and process for Agile software development.
What is the Agile SDLC Model?
Agile software development is a flexible, incremental and iterative approach to delivering a project. Unlike the waterfall model for SDLC, the agile method involves continuous releases by incorporating users’ feedback. During each iteration, the product is adjusted to new requirements with a focus on client satisfaction.
It defines a time-boxed stage called a sprint with a 2-week timeframe. Each sprint starts with a list of deliverables. In the end, developers and clients review the work while creating notes for future sprints.
Software development methods like Kanban and Scrum are popular agile models.
Stages of the Agile Software Development Life Cycle
Stage 1: Prioritize Projects
Teams scope out and prioritize projects. The agile approach allows teams to work on multiple projects simultaneously. We define opportunities, time, and work needed to complete each project. Accordingly, we assess the economic and technical feasibility of the project and decide which projects are worth doing.
Stage 2: Initial Sprint Diagram Requirements
In this phase, we work with stakeholders to determine exact requirements. We use user flow diagrams to demonstrate new features and how they fit into the existing system. We assign projects to the team, define timelines, and allocate resources based on this information.
Stage 3: Iteration
UX designers and developers start working on the project’s first iteration with a goal to launch the product at the end of the sprint. The product undergoes various revisions, so the first iteration might include the minimum functionality. The team can work on additional sprints for product expansion.
Do you want to benefit from Agile SDLC in your project? Call us at info@symphony-software.com or 414-218-4644 to discuss your project now.
The Lean model for software development focuses on eliminating waste, making decisions as late as possible, and delivering results faster. Teams work to find ways to reduce waste at every step. At its core, the model empowers the entire project team in decision-making.
Agile Model
The agile model combines an incremental and iterative approach. The software is released, tested, and improved at each iteration. Surprisingly, the agile model encourages fast failure because it's believed that failing fast and early helps discover minor issues before they turn major.
Scrum Model
The Scrum model is a popular Agile framework that emphasizes close and continuous collaboration. It involves special development cycles known as Sprints.
A Scrum Master manages and improves all processes and helps teams abide by Agile values for maximized productivity. Scrum Masters also ensure that the whole process and progress are transparent to concerned stakeholders.
DevOps
DevOps is basically a hybrid of lean and agile. In this model, both developers and operation teams collaborate to speed up and innovate the software development process. It involves continuous feedback, improvements, and the automation of manual processes.
Which one is the best?
Of course, modern SDLC methodologies have added advantages. But to make an informed decision, it’s important to dig deeper into these models. So, don't forget to read our next blog, "What is Waterfall and its pros & cons."
Got a project idea? You can discuss with us to decide which model can best fit your idea. Please contact us at info@symphony-software.com or 414-218-4644.
Custom software development is key to the long term success of organizations. A custom software system is tailor-made to the unique and specific demands of your enterprise. It scales with your business growth and maximizes the overall productivity. In addition, custom software is a wise investment that brings significant money savings in the long term.
At Symphony Software, we take pride in our unique approach to custom software development. We use an in-depth software development life cycle (SDLC) to make sure you get what you need.
Let’s take a look at our SDLC and its stages.
What is the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)?
SDLC is a systematic process of converting an idea into a product(software) with quality and correctness. We have some ideas at the beginning of this process, like building a mobile application that allows users to order food. In the end, you want to have some users using it.
If you’re looking for custom software development, or you want to digitize your business processes with a help of experienced team, please contact us at info@symphony-software.com or 414-218-4644
https://symphony-software.com
Tips to Get Most Out Of Your Website as a Business
Websites are as common today as newspapers used to be in their times. Not to mention that we have a wide range of sites starting with personal blogs and ending with news and entertainment! Still, in this article we’ll only talk about the business website. This type of a webpage is designed to present your business and support it in front of you possible clientele, and most businesses large or small, have one in today’s day and age.
#1: Be Unique
Yes, there are many platforms that allow even the most illiterate in technology to create a website! However, the focus shouldn’t be on how to make the site, but on how to show the uniqueness of your business. After all, why would a possible client choose your business when there are, at least, a couple dozen businesses like yours out there?
If you don’t know how to design a website based on your company’s goals and mission, hire professional web development services – the final cost will be a lot smaller than the risk you take by building a site through site-building platforms.
#2: Be Visible
Once you have a wonderful design up and running, it’s time for some real work. This means you’ll have to find interesting and ingenious solutions to attract an audience and direct people towards your products and/or services. Some of the best online stores managed to get on top because they had well-designed SEO campaigns and took advantage of the level of communication only the online space can offer.
First, you must make sure the content you create is appealing and targets needs you can solve. For instance, if you want to attract people that search for gardening tools, your content must be about gardening tools.
#3: Be Engaged
Nowadays people want to know the companies with which they interact through transactions. Thus, you’ll have to be open for discussion and share your thoughts and ideas with your audience. And, the best tool for this is Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and so on).
If you’re looking for custom software development, or you want to digitize your business processes with a help of experienced team, please contact us at -
The Best Choice for Web Design & Development Business
As a well-established and experienced Milwaukee Web Design Company, we know how important a great site is for business these days. But it’s not just about knowing how to design a website, the entire process is important. After all, most small to medium businesses can afford to hire a talented graphic designer to create a fantastic template. What it matters is the process that leads to the site and the process that happens after the site is live. And this is where you will definitely need our help!
Below we listed some of the services we can offer to help your business grow in the online world so it can develop in the real world. We also know that some business managers tend to leave online marketing and similar activities outside the budget. But, while this may seem like a good way to save money in the short term, in the long term, you’re just allowing the competition to fly by you. Even more, our web development services are tailored for small and medium-sized businesses so everything can be customized according to your budget.
Milwaukee Web Design – The Process
We are located in the Chicago area, and most of our customers are local, but we do work on projects that come to us from other corners of the world.
Now, once we take on a project, before starting the web development process, we like to establish the flow of the business. According to the type of site the client wants (presentation, Ecommerce, or just a landing page) we first analyze the situation in the company. This way, we put together the natural workflow which allows us to create a customized solution, tailored to your unique needs.
This is the process that helped us create some of the best online stores in our portfolio and keeps our customers happy and satisfied.
Web Development Services
Our list of services is varied and this allows us to work on different types of projects. From app development, to custom software, to gorgeous-looking sites that impress the audience. Our team is well-trained in dealing with customers and we have professionals from all the important fields to help you out with knowledge and support.
Visit here for more details - https://symphony-software.com/services
Did you know that 96% of Americans shop online? Still, in spite of this crushing number, we still have 29% of small businesses without an online presence! This happens because some business owners see the web process as an off-putting task that requires advanced technical skills and large investments.
While it does take advanced technical skills to put up a site the proper way, in today’s world the investment is not that big, especially if you find the right people to work with you. For instance, we are a web design company in the Milwaukee area, and we work on a wide range of web and mobile app development projects for small businesses.
Also, in the hope that business owners will start to see the web for its true value, today we want to talk about web practices that help you grow your business.
#1: The Responsive Design
In our day and age, most people use their phone or tablet to go online and, if your site doesn’t implement a responsive design, you will lose a large share of your possible clientele. Even more, search engines like Google modified their algorithms to boost mobile-friendly sites while leaving the classic ones behind.
So, if you want to make sure your business will grow, you should talk to a graphic designer about a responsive template.
#2: Call People to Action
It’s important to be straightforward with your site’s visitors and ask them to do what you want them to do. In the website design world this is called a call to action, and it’s very important to know how to implement it.
For instance, if you want visitors to sign up for your newsletter or you want them to start shopping, create the perfect path that will lead them to the action. Some of the best online stores took off because they knew how to make visitors understand what they can get from the moment they landed on their home page.
So, don’t get yourself lost in describing your mission or talking about how you got in the business. There is a special section for this, but your home page should be about the relationship that can be established with your customers.
#3: Clear Contact Details
In web design it is very important to keep an open channel between your company and your customers. That’s why you must make your contact details visible at all times.
The term UX comes from User Experience and describes every interaction your users have with your website/mobile app or other online services you provide. In short, it’s the way users get to use your online pages (mobile or otherwise) and how they feel when doing so.
How Can UX Help My Business?
In today’s day and age, when there are lots of sites and apps, it’s the small details that make the difference. For instance, you should think less about what you want people to do on the website and more about how they feel when they reach it.
Do they know where to go for more information? Do they feel their needs are being considered? Do they feel anxious when they land on your page, or do they feel calm and ready to browse?
If your viewers feel good on your site, they’re more likely to stay and look around. And they may even become customers in the process!
How to Create Great UX?
Most business owners hire a professional UX designer for this, but no one knows your business better than you. You are the one who knows the type of response each action should get from viewers, so it’s best to be involved in creating a good UX.
Even better, you don’t need any technical or design knowledge; you only need post-its. Here’s why:
Start by getting into the customer mindset.
Next, think about the actions you would expect your site to offer and write each one on a post-it. An action can be anything from ‘learn more about a product’ to ‘watch video reviews’.
Once you have a list of all the actions, try putting together a rudimentary user flow. To do this, just arrange the post-its in the order a customer would want to access them.
Now think about the complexity of each action. Good UX rules suggest that each action should take less than 5 steps. For instance, the purchase action should go something like this:
Access home page;
Select the category of products you want;
Find the product you want;
Start the checkout process.
Think about Emotions
A good UX is all about emotions, so try to figure out what you want people to feel. For instance, when they first land on your page, viewers should feel welcome and excited to discover more.
If you’re looking for custom software development, or you want to digitize your business processes with a help of experienced team, please contact us at info@symphony-software.com or 414-218-4644
When it comes to moving forward in business, there are two main factors you need to watch out for: increasing sales and decreasing costs. If you manage to achieve a balance between these two key factors, you’ll soon notice a change in your pace towards success.
Still, while it’s easy to talk about this, increasing sales and decreasing costs require smart strategies and a lot of analysis. After all, there is a lot of trial and error before you actually manage to find a strategy that works.
As a Milwaukee Web Design Company we worked with many small businesses and helped boost their way to greener pastures. We’re also experienced in various web development services and custom mobile apps solutions that helped many small businesses increase sales and reduce costs.
To get a better idea of how web design and custom software can help, below we have a few examples.
Increasing sales with Modern Technologies
small business chart
We already know that a website is vital for your small business – there is no doubt here. But did you know that a professional graphic designer can help you increase sales by up to 30%? By talking to an experienced web agency, you will get to understand your own audience better and your site will get simpler, easier to navigate, and a lot more attractive.
Some of the best online stores are designed to attract a specific target audience in order to increase sales faster.
Custom software solutions are also a fantastic way to make sure your business is going up. Even if you don’t hire a software developer to create software for sales, it’s enough to have one that keeps your internal processes organized.
Finally, custom mobile apps are great for keeping in touch with customers via push notifications or geolocation technologies. But that’s not all! You can use a custom mobile app to promote your store and allow possible clients a faster way to place orders or make reservations.
Decreasing Costs with Modern Technologies
A web development services company will find the easiest and less expensive solution for you to run your business through a modern website. This means fewer employees and a lot more satisfied customers (due to the user-friendly interface on your site). Even more, by employing an experienced web design agency to cover marketing campaigns and SEO activities, you eliminate the need for training new employees.
