Fast product release

Problem statement

We have a task to build this system that our marketing/management/market demands in 4 months. Our existing resources (internal staff, consultants or vendors) estimate completion in 1 year.
 

DataArt's resources

People

DataArt provides just that. Naturally, on a similar project, you have a team full of Group Leaders working on the project. Each team member is capable of performing software tasks on her own - from architecture to testing. Maximum universality is the key. And it is our job to make them work together seamlessly.

We have people who have completed year-long projects in 4 months on staff. We know what can and cannot be done. We do not give any false promises.

Motivation is key. Most excellent developers actually enjoy working on challenging projects. It is a management challenge to create an environment where tough deadlines are not a constant stress generator, but rather an ambitious goal and source of pride when the task is accomplished.

Knowledge base

DataArt's method

Obviously, nine women cannot give birth to a child in 1 month. Sending unreasonable scores of people to solve a task will not do any good. There must be rigid and fast processes in place.

At DataArt, such processes are based on simple principles:

• Working on business goals, not just piece of software
  • Always keep stakeholders and their goals in sight
  • Think pro-actively on tradeoffs, shortcuts or external services
• Scope management
  • Work together with the client to prioritize tasks
  • Propose options whenever possible
  • "Don't re-invent the wheel" - maximum re-use of existing software modules or third-party components
• Client-controlled fast delivery
  • Extensive use of prototypes and "proof-of-concept"
  • "Feedback is always welcome"
• Risk management - information is key
  • Communication lines must be short
  • Intensive information exchange
  • Synchronize vision often with many contributors