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Demystifying the custom software development life cycle
Last updated September 2023
In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, businesses often find themselves in need of tailored software solutions to address specific challenges or seize new opportunities. This is where custom software development comes into play. However, navigating the custom software development life cycle can be a daunting task. In this article, we will demystify the custom software development life cycle and provide real-life examples to shed light on this intricate process.
Understanding the custom software development life cycle
The custom software development life cycle is a systematic process that encompasses the planning, design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance of bespoke software applications. Each phase plays a crucial role in delivering a high-quality software solution that meets the unique needs of a business.
Phase 1: Planning
The journey begins with a comprehensive planning phase. During this stage, stakeholders, including business leaders and developers, collaborate to define the project’s scope, objectives, and requirements. It’s essential to have a clear understanding of what the software should accomplish and how it aligns with the organization’s goals.
While the planning phase is underway, it is important to foster a strong relationship between the client and the service provider. Research and development are at the core of the custom software development process, since the provider needs to understand what the client is trying to achieve, and how best to make it happen.
Here at Alberon we ensure that this initial phase is robust, so that our clients end up with exactly what they need. The initial phase includes developing a software strategy, to clarify the goals of the project; stakeholder engagement to understand the needs of your users; and analysis of existing systems to understand your style and tastes.
Alberon helped Hertford College at the University of Oxford to develop a new data management system and student room allocation system. Their requirements were complex, but the consultation and planning process allowed us to work closely with the college and develop a user-friendly, streamlined result which was particularly beneficial due to Covid-19 restrictions at the time. The process of uploading data is now significantly more straightforward, and this data is kept safe and secure in their new system.
Phase 2: Design
Once the project’s scope is well-defined, the design phase kicks off. Our designers create wireframes and prototypes to visualize the software’s user interface and functionality. User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design are crucial aspects of this phase to ensure the software is intuitive and user-friendly.
Whilst working with the Research Complex at Harwell (RCaH), we developed a set of interactive wireframes to demonstrate how key pages would function. This was essential for RCaH to understand the look and feel of their new site, and contribute their thoughts. One of the most enjoyable aspects of the work we do here at Alberon is collaborating with our clients to develop sleek, functional, and professional results which help them to stand out in their industry.
Phase 3: Development
With the design blueprint in hand, developers start building the software. This phase involves writing code, integrating databases, and implementing the planned features. The development team follows coding standards and best practices to ensure the software’s reliability and scalability.
There is a lot to consider with the development of custom software. Options can feel endless, especially if you are not familiar with the software development process. Understanding complex coding languages can feel like navigating a minefield, but this is where experts are able to help understand what would work best for you.
According to Statista, in 2022 the top coding language used by developers worldwide was JavaScript, with respondents showing that over 63.6% of developers use JavaScript. This was followed by HTML/CCS, Python, and SQL, with 52.97%, 49.28%, and 48.66% of developers using these programming languages respectively. This gives just a tiny insight into all the options out there, and highlights the diversity of the skills of developers across the world.
Phase 4: Testing
No custom software development is complete without rigorous testing. In this phase, the software undergoes various testing methods, such as unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing (UAT). The goal is to identify and rectify any bugs or issues before the software is deployed.
Keeping data safe and secure is also of paramount importance, therefore software development and integration must be held to the highest standards. Securely developing and integrating systems will ensure that you have robust protection, and regular testing throughout the process will ensure that any risks are addressed and mitigated.
According to Puppet, organisations that commit more time to rigorous testing spend 22% less time on unexpected or unplanned work, freeing up more time to dedicate to new features, and resulting in significantly faster lead times.
This demonstrates why it is so important to go through the necessary testing, since it saves headaches down the line and yields significantly better results.
Phase 5: Deployment
Once the software successfully passes testing and quality assurance, it’s ready for deployment. The deployment phase involves installing the software on servers or cloud platforms and configuring it for the end-users. It’s a critical moment when the software becomes operational.
Configuration is equally important, as it involves fine-tuning the software to align with your specific requirements. This may include setting up databases, integrating with other systems, and configuring user access rights and permissions.
In many cases, businesses migrating from older systems or transitioning from manual processes need to transfer existing data into the new software. Data migration is a crucial step that ensures a seamless transition and data consistency. It involves extracting data from legacy systems, transforming it to fit the new structure, and loading it into the custom software.
Deployment-specific testing will also be carried out to ensure that any issues not apparent in previous testing phases have not arisen, resulting in a smooth transition.
Maintenance and Support
The software development life cycle doesn’t end with deployment. Ongoing maintenance and support are crucial to ensure the software remains efficient and secure. Updates, patches, and enhancements are regularly implemented to address evolving business needs and technology changes.
At Alberon we have dedicated support services available for you to stay comfortable knowing that your digital requirements are being monitored and looked after by experts who care about your organisation as much as you do. Our support services are highly valued by our clients, and provides peace of mind that their online environments are taken care of.
Additionally, we can provide training to you and your staff to empower you to understand more about your digital environment, and have more autonomy over your technology decisions.
So to conclude...
The custom software development life cycle is a structured process that transforms business ideas into tailored software solutions. By understanding each phase of this journey and learning from real-life examples, businesses can approach custom software development with confidence.
Whether it’s improving healthcare services, revolutionizing online banking, or optimizing manufacturing processes, custom software has the power to drive innovation and enhance competitiveness.
In a rapidly changing digital landscape, partnering with experienced custom software development experts can be a strategic move for businesses looking to stay ahead of the curve. These experts bring valuable insights, technical expertise, and a proven track record to guide you through the intricate journey of custom software development.
Demystifying the custom software development life cycle is about recognizing its value and harnessing its potential to shape the future of your business. The journey may be complex, but the outcomes are often transformative.
Alberon is here to help you achieve your business goals, and with our help, you can really stand out in an increasingly competitive business landscape. Contact us today to be put in touch with one of the team and find out what we can do for you!
