A documented set of procedures and standards outlines the structured methodology for creating, deploying, and maintaining software systems. This framework provides a consistent and repeatable process, ensuring quality, efficiency, and alignment with organizational objectives. For instance, a company might define stages such as requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance, specifying the deliverables, responsibilities, and review processes for each stage.
Adherence to a well-defined approach fosters several advantages. It enhances project predictability by providing a roadmap, reduces development costs through streamlined processes, and improves software quality by incorporating rigorous testing and validation. Furthermore, it facilitates better communication and collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring everyone is working towards the same goals. Historically, the formalization of these frameworks arose from the need to manage the increasing complexity and cost of software projects, evolving from ad-hoc approaches to structured methodologies like Waterfall, Agile, and DevOps.
