Building a complete application from scratch under tight time and budgetary constraints
Background
When Save-X it first approached Ethos, they had merely an idea for a software product. Its two founders were based in Norway and were looking for a more cost-efficient locale to develop the technology behind their product. They approached Ethos to solidify the software product specification, and design and build the product.
The Case
The application was standalone tool that enabled users to take a daily snapshot of their computer. In addition, key folders would be backed up at regular intervals, as set by the user. Ethos developed the solution wholly in China and delivered it to Norway at completion.
Solution
The most important part of the project was closing the final specification, and defining the process of execution.
Early on, they had also requested an expedited delivery schedule. So, we decided to jump-start the process by inviting the client to Beijing for a 3-day workshop. The agenda was carefully crafted to:
- address gaps which we saw in the original specification,
- walk through final scenarios, and
- put together the project plan.
The meeting was a success; the client emerged with a concrete understanding of how their application would function as well as a list of needed decisions and deadlines. We came out of the workshop with a detailed product specification to which to build. Moreover, we understood Save-X's business drivers; we were one team.
Following the workshop, the outsourcing model was put to the test. At first, conference calls were scheduled at least once a week. This was important at the early stages while prototypes were built and feedback was imperative. Weekly progress reports were also delivered detailing number of hours used and remaining, adjustments to resource levels, and issues and risks. The latter was rolled over from week to week with updated notes, next steps, and owners.
Once formal implementation commenced, reports were sent bi-weekly. Delays were forecasted with estimates on time and mitigation strategy. Change requests were submitted by the customer and Ethos responded with estimated costs implications.
Visual design was applied near the completion of the project. The downside of this was that testing was done without attractive screenshots but the upside was that the client was given more time to work and rework through screen concepts.
Once the application was complete with design, it was translated into Norwegian and packaged with InstallShield.
We continue to support the application with enhancements and add-on elements.
Technology
The product was built using a Microsoft .NET platform. .NET Remoting service was used to communicate between the client and server. The server was linked to a large back-end file storage system. All data was partitioned, compressed, and encrypted in order to ensure high efficiency and security. The back-end storage system uses MSSQL server.
The client side application is packaged with InstallShield. This is coupled with a web service to provide automated product updates.