1.3. Building blocks of Agile ALM

What exactly is Agile ALM and what value does it add? In this section, we’ll consider that question in the context of software releases and service orientation. We’ll also discuss how important it is to be focused on the stakeholders’ needs and to use a task-based approach. We’ll consider configurable, pluggable systems and standards. Finally, we’ll talk about what it means to use and cope with “polyglot” environments, with their many languages and technologies, and how to apply open source methods and automation. The tools we’ll cover in this book will enable you to implement and support these building blocks. Tools are important, but it’s also important to start with a stakeholder focus.

1.3.1. Stakeholder focus

Developing a software application isn’t just about writing code. Once developed, code must be tested, approved, and deployed to the live environment where it must be maintained. Many programmers will expect their code to migrate to the live environment as soon as it’s completed to see that their deliverables are used, whereas others understand that the release will be promoted when it’s tested and approved.