Sybase’s approach to software development draws on principles from the Unified Process system development lifecycle that includes four major phases:

• Identify: Clarify the problem by progressively defining requirements, scope and standards.
• Design: Refine the solution requirements through modeling, prototyping and usability workshops.
• Construct: Derive a final production system from proof-of-concept to pilot to deployment, all through major development tasks and deliverables.
• Evaluate: Manage risk and validate the scope of the project to ensure its readiness, and then deploy the solution.

As part of the requirements-gathering process, Sybase documents usage scenarios as use cases. Use cases are textual descriptions of or stories about a system’s functional behavior.

Development is typically completed through a series of time-boxed iterations in which a subset of the architecture or of certain application features is developed and tested and is then shown to the project stakeholders for feedback. The core architecture is typically developed early on.

Early iterations often include technical proof of concepts or application prototypes. Additionally, each iteration includes unit and integration testing to ensure quality throughout the application development process.

• The Sybase development process involves client representatives early and often. Client representatives play key roles in navigation, function and scope issues throughout the process to ensure that the development effort remains on target.
• Our prototyping approach assesses viability of the application approach early in the process. This reduces the risk of developing requirements that cannot be met with available technology, and it ensures that the risks associated with implementation are identified and addressed.
• We drive for consensus at the end of each phase. This ensures that all stakeholders remain aligned with the goals of both the organization and the application development process. It also ensures continual buy-in from the stakeholders.
• Our consultants provide phased deliverables frequently. This ensures that awareness of the application effort remains high and demonstrates the value of the project to the stakeholders early and often.
• Our processes focus client staff on application development processes. This ensures that ongoing management of the application can be done without external involvement. It also reduces cost over time while increasing ownership.