Frequently Asked Questions about how we use Agile at SilverStripe
What Agile techniques will you use on my project?
We use pieces from Extreme Programming, Scrum, and custom bits we've learned over the years. The last thing we are is dogmatic about following One True Path because the world of web development is more diverse than can be managed with one specific way of running projects. That's why we have taken the best of various methodologies and combined them with our own secret sauce to make our projects complete on time, on budget, and with desired features.
Does my project have to follow an Agile process?
A long time ago at SilverStripe, we didn't use Agile. What we found was that in order to complete projects we were burning the midnight oil, features may not have been what the client wanted, and sometimes we'd lose money on projects because we spending much more time on them than we thought we would need to. After we switched over to Agile, we found we could complete projects with the features clients wanted and our developers started to get their lives back because they could get a better job done in less time. Agile is good for us because it's good for our clients. All our projects today are run using the SilverStripe Agile methods.
What happens when things go wrong?
At SilverStripe, we manage project risk strictly. Risk is focused on prominently so that we can avoid or mitigate as best as possible. Our secure online risk register is viewable by you, the client, at any time. Should something unexpected occur, we rely on open, honest communication with you to determine the impact to the project. We will give you choices (and recommendations) about how to proceed in those instances.
Will it take any longer using Agile?
Actually, we have found that using Agile decreases project length, whilst ensuring higher quality. You see working software sooner and the quality is increased because the project team will have been working with functioning software for a much longer period of time than what would be possible using non-Agile techniques.
Does it cost more?
No. In fact it usually costs less because we can more reliably deliver to timelines. Often, we will be able to build additional features for sites because of our efficiency in running projects.
With all this communication you keep mentioning, will I be sleeping on a cot in your office?
We don't have the space for that! Seriously, communication between us and you is critical, but the amount of involvement on your end is flexible and varies according to the needs of the project at any given time. You can generally expect weekly status updates online, on the phone, or in person as we both agree. There are also usually working sessions where you can be involved a little or a lot. Talk to us about your needs and we can accommodate.
Why doesn't everyone use Agile?
Great Question! We believe everyone should. We've been using Agile exclusively since 2006 and we have very happy clients. Non-Agile ways of running projects have been around for decades and that's why they have a lot of inertia behind them. The speed the web operates at has forced a re-evaluation of those traditional methods, and out of that, Agile was born. Over time, we expect Agile to gain significant adoption especially in the web software world.
