Software Development
Development Approach
Quantum uses traditional application development methodologies best suited to meet the needs of our customers. Specialized in Design, Implementation, and Quality Assurance, our services include turnkey software solutions and ongoing user support. We can assist in charting the right direction for your business to take toward efficient, automated computing. Our experienced developers can help you design, develop, and deploy a customized solution for your business needs that is both timely and cost-effective.
Feasibility Study
A Feasibility Study is performed at the initial request for service. This is a very high-level assessment of the requirements to:
- Determine the customer's goals for the product to be developed or enhanced
- Determine the technical aspects of the project
- Estimate the resources required
- Identify additional hardware and/or software requirements
- Estimate costs of current vs. future operations related to the product to determine the Return on Investment if applicable
Requirements Definition
During this phase, extensive analysis is performed to identify specific requirements of the request, which include:
- Business Process Impacts and Drivers
- Functional Requirements
- Data Inter-dependency
- Communication Requirements (e.g., multi-site)
- Key Dependencies (e.g., Critical Dates to meet, Impact to other organizations)
- At the end of this phase, the document is jointly reviewed with the customer to ensure it accurately reflects their needs.
Design
Following customer approval of the Analysis Phase, Quantum proceeds with a Design Phase during which the proposed application architecture is documented. This includes the database, software, hardware and development tool selection that will be used to implement the final applicaiton. Consideration is given to corporate and industry standards to ensure the proposed design will meet applicable requirements. It also includes the technical approach that will be taken toward developing the solution and a definition of all data elements, system interfaces, and security restrictions required.
Upon completion of this Design Phase, a complete Project Plan is established, which includes:
- Resource Requirements
- Key Dates
- Assignments Planned
- Total Project Costs
Construction
Coding begins upon Review and Approval of the Design Specifications and Budgetary Commitment by appropriate management. All modules are unit tested and inspected to ensure that they function as designed and adhere to the established coding standards.
Test
Testing is not a single activity, executed all at once. Multiple phases of testing are conducted on the application and are done at different stages of development. These tests include unit testing, system testing, and acceptance testing. The Programmer/ Analyst(s) conduct unit testing during the Development Phase. An appropriate balance of Programmer/Analysts and members of the Independent Test Team conduct system testing. System testing verifies functionality of the entire system, specified in the requirements phase. Test Plans are written, performed, and the results documented by the Independent Test Team. Upon successful completion of system testing, Customer Acceptance testing begins on-site with customer participation.
Install
After Customer Sign-off, Quantum creates an Implementation Plan to install and set-up the application for production use at the customer site. Following installation, Quantum provides warranty and enhancement support per contract requirements.
Customer Communications
Quantum remains in regular communication with the customer to ensure that the software application is working properly and per the customer's specifications.