Software development has always been managed by teams and companies that find innovative ways to improve services. The goal is still to provide end-users with reliable and robust software that always performs optimally. Experts find that a development team must adopt Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) practices in the development action to achieve that goal. If you’re an expert, learning the ALM concept to enhance interaction and collaboration when undertaking tasks is necessary. This article will highlight the essential stages of Application Lifecycle Management that will help improve your computer’s lifecycle efficiency.
Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) Explained
Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) is the formation and maintenance of a software application until it is no longer utilized. It includes various processes, tools, and individuals working together to manage all life cycle aspects, like development and design, idea, testing, support, eventual redundancy, and production. ALM is also known as integrated application lifecycle management because software experts, like analysts, developers, change managers, and testers, work throughout the application life cycle. The use of various supporting tools and collaboration among teams confirm that application development meets business requirements and that the project succeeds.
Why is ALM Essential?
The various stages of the software development process operate independently in conventional software development. Such fragmentation led to ways delivery delays, inefficiencies, cost overruns, and unexpected scope changes. ALM efficiently addresses these challenges by consolidating various disciplines, practices, and teams into a unified framework. Collaboration facilitates the streamlined creation, delivery, and management of intricate software solutions. Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) provides numerous advantages throughout the lifespan of a software application:
- Enhances Development Quality and Speed
- Boosts Visibility Across Teams
- Improves Team Satisfaction
- Offer Clear Project Direction
Stages of Application Lifecycle Management (ALM)
Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) serves as a framework to oversee an application’s entire journey, from inception to retirement. Just as maintaining a well-functioning machine requires effort, managing the lifespan of an application is no simple task. However, dependable ALM software can significantly aid organizations in maintaining control over their applications. Let’s now explore the various stages of ALM:
- Application Requirements
- Application Development
- Application Testing
- Application Deployment
- Application Maintainance
Application Requirements
Applications are designed with specific goals in mind. Therefore, it’s crucial to clearly define the requirements of an application, including its purpose and key limitations, to manage its lifecycle effectively. This initial stage is pivotal as it establishes the groundwork for the entire software development journey, ensuring alignment with end-user needs and business objectives. Subsequently, these requirements are documented to prioritize the most critical ones for immediate attention.
Example
A bank is considering the development of a mobile banking app, categorizing users into two groups: customers and administrators. The requirement management team has outlined two user stories:
- A customer’s story involves using the application to request a new bank account opening.
- An administrator’s story entails using the application to review and approve customer documents.
Application Development
In this phase, the focus shifts to designing, constructing, and programming the application. This encompasses overseeing the source code, ensuring proper versioning, and maintaining control. The quality and alignment with the initial planning stage’s requirements hinge on the effectiveness of this development phase. Choosing the appropriate development methodology, Agile, waterfall, or DevOps. Code review, testing, and continuous integration and delivery are conducted to guarantee that the application meets high standards and satisfies end users’ needs.
Example
The IT team at the bank devises a development strategy for the mobile application. They initially prioritize fulfilling the customer’s user story, followed by comprehensive testing, before addressing the administrator’s needs. Despite this sequence, they recognize the necessity of fulfilling both requirements before the product launch. They develop and release the application to a beta group within two months.
Read Also: Key Mobile Application Development Mistakes to Avoid
Application Testing
This key aspect sets ALM apart from traditional project management. During this stage, the application undergoes testing to confirm it aligns with the requirements and specifications established in the planning phase, all while identifying and managing defects and issues. Testing is vital as it guarantees the development of high-quality applications catering to end users’ needs. Comprehensive testing measures like test automation, test coverage analysis, and defect tracking are implemented to achieve this.
Example
The bank’s quality assurance team has reviewed the business case for opening accounts through its mobile banking application. They discovered that customers can only select a driver’s license as proof of identification. Recognizing that the bank also accepts passports as valid identification, they have requested the development team to update the application to include this option.
Application Deployment
After testing, we proceed with deploying the application to the production environment. It’s crucial to effectively manage this deployment process and ensure thorough documentation, as it directly influences the application’s performance in production. This, in turn, determines how well the application caters to the needs of end users. Additionally, release management encompasses planning the team’s approach to deploying software changes over time. Agile development teams often automate deployment to expedite the release of new features and updates.
Example
The bank’s mobile application team utilizes a cloud server to host the application code, enabling administrators to access it through a website. Additionally, they deploy the code on the app stores of popular mobile platforms, allowing customers to download it directly.
Read Also: Potential Of Mobile Apps Development Services For Businesses
Application Maintainance
During the maintenance phase, collaboration between support and development teams is crucial. Together, they address any lingering bugs, strategize new updates, and refine the product. By integrating user feedback, they introduce features tailored to customer needs. Tools like AWS X-Ray and AWS CloudTrail also monitor application performance and usage. As technology advances, there may be a shift towards developing a new application on contemporary systems, rendering the current one obsolete. Robust monitoring, logging, and alert systems are established to uphold smooth operations in the production environment.
Example
The IT team at the bank observes a slowdown in their mobile application performance when customers upload documents. They then implement system changes and enhance the design before rolling out the next update.
Conclusion
The most effective approach to ALM involves utilizing a powerful ALM tool. Teams gain insight into the development status by employing a superior application lifecycle management tool. They also benefit from a centralized repository of information, offering all necessary context to facilitate prompt and informed decision-making. Explore how comprehensive solutions tailored for the entire application lifecycle can expedite the delivery of high-quality software. ALM fosters collaboration, enhances team visibility, and promotes clear project direction, ultimately improving efficiency, customer satisfaction, and business success.
