Phases & Deliverables

Application Development & Integration

For our Application Development & Integration IT Solution projects, we use Starpoint Unified Process (SUP), an adaptive application development process based on the Rational Unified Process (RUP). SUP incorporates our multi-delivery options and can incorporate client methodologies. SUP is founded on a simple and clear process architecture that provides commonality across a family of processes, yet can be adapted to specific solution requirements.

Tailored to establish consensus among all stakeholders and to create clarity of purpose within the development team, SUP is a medium ceremony approach, which refers to the level of documentation. This relates to not only the number of documents produced but also the extent to which they are detailed. The result is a management style and artifact set that are lean and to the point. Our goal is to ensure that all required information is documented accurately, that everyone knows where to find it, and that it is always available before it is needed.

Our SUP Phases

DISCOVER

Inception Phase:
This phase is used to accomplish the high-level vision and plan for the project.

DESIGN

Elaboration Phase:
This is primarily a requirements gathering, architecture and design phase, and can include Proof of Concepts.

IMPLEMENT

Construction Phase:
We focus on code delivery in this phase.

DEPLOY

Transition Phase:
During this phase we focus on supporting the User Acceptance Testing (UAT) effort, and deployment to the production environment. Training and knowledge transfer is provided for design and code hand-off.

SUP Project Management and Technical Management

Project Plan:
The purpose is to achieve a realistic perspective on the work to be performed, the artifacts to be produced, the resources assigned, the inherent dependencies, and the resulting time lines. Serving as a barometer of our ability to deliver according to the estimates, the plan is constructed according to the 4 phases identified by SUP: Inception, Elaboration, Construction, and Transition. The base duration unit of SUP is the iteration, which serves to partition the work so that discreet, usable portions are produced in a logical sequence. Each phase consists of 1 or more iterations.

Communication Plan:
Periodically we will conduct an internal status call to "take the temperature" of the project. At this time, we update the Project Plan, clarify goals, and discuss risks. We produce a Status Report containing issues, risks, and tasks. Initially, most communication will take place between client and our project managers. As the project progresses, analysts, tech leads, architects, and testers in both organizations will work together directly. When this is necessary, our resource will document the meeting minutes and copy both project managers.

Application Modeling System:
Enterprise Architect is used as the full application life cycle UML tool for capturing requirements, design and test efforts. Our developed and pre-defined template ensures coverage for all project challenges and expectations. We automatically generate Software Architecture, Use Cases, Supplementary Specifications, and Test Cases documents using Enterprise Architect as the single source, so the Enterprise Architecture model is always up-to-date and model validation will ensure that all components of the requirements, design and test processes are related. We also integrate with client systems as appropriate.

Artifact Management System:
We use Confluence as the central repository to maintain all documents and artifacts associated with a client engagement. We also integrate with client systems as appropriate.

Issue Reporting, Tracking and Resolution System:
We use Jira for Issue tracking and resolution. We also integrate with client systems as appropriate.

Source Code Control System:
We use Subversion for Source Code Control. This is a widely used, industry-standard, open-source version control platform. We also integrate with client systems as appropriate.

UI Prototyping Tool:
Serena Prototype Composer is our recommended tool for browser based UI prototype building. We also integrate with client systems as appropriate.

Enterprise Resource Planning

For our ERP IT Solution expertise, we use our Starpoint Implementation Methodology (SIM) Process, which takes advantage of a platform’s architecture and tool sets. SIM integrates specific partner platform methodologies as applicable, including configuration and deployment procedures. SIM incorporates our multi-delivery options and is used and adjusted as appropriate for both implementations and upgrades.

SIM establishes clear client and Starpoint responsibilities for each project phase and deliverable.

Our SIM Phases

DISCOVER

Assess Phase:
This is an optional but recommended phase that produces a business case to help our clients evaluate application utilization according to current and future needs. A report is delivered with detailed scope, product features / function review, migration considerations, assumptions, and risks. The project strategic direction is set, including the initial project plan identifying resources and a cost estimate to go-forward.

DESIGN

Design Phase:
This phase is used to confirm the project strategy, including objectives and scope, and create specifications for the project. The SIM is used to conduct prototyping sessions to demonstrate best practices inherent with the application, acquaint users with the software, and produce a working prototype as a basis for the final solution. We also determine appropriate test cases, create detailed specifications, and update the detailed project plan.

IMPLEMENT

Develop Phase:
This phase is where we develop new and modified pages, menus, tables, reports, custom code, and security definitions. We construct data interfaces, load tables, perform data conversions, perform system testing, and develop user training.

DEPLOY

Deploy Phase:
This is the phase where we approve the system and move to production according to the design objectives. We finalize and test system acceptance criteria. Then, we conduct User Acceptance Testing (UAT), including new procedures, and obtain client approval for the system. We complete system documentation.

Support Phase:
During this phase we review the project and audit the solution. A full review of the solution’s success in meeting business goals is conducted, including operational performance. Ongoing support is provided as applicable.

Infrastructure & Communications

For Infrastructure & Communications, we use a process to assess and design network and data center environments that deliver IT infrastructure and IT operations solutions.

Our process integrates strongly with vendor and client methodologies and incorporates our multi-delivery options. We ensure secure and compliant adherence for applications, servers, networks, and storage – both physical and virtual – to achieve business and IT management goals.

Our process phases are:

DISCOVER

Plan Phase:
This phase is used to assess needs, build a business case, and set the strategy for the project.

DESIGN

Design Phase:
This phase is used to architect the solution and develop end-state acceptance of the solution.

IMPLEMENT

Build Phase:
This phase is typically used to provide resource support working alongside client and vendor personnel; and to train client and vendor personnel on the solutions business requirements, architecture, and data center migration.

DEPLOY

Transfer Phase:
This phase is used to conduct User Acceptance Testing (UAT), end user training and to provide ongoing support if applicable.