The

software development challenge

Part 1: understanding value, getting involved

Santanu Sen

how does software

add value to business?

Santanu Sen

think Tally

think SAP

think MS Excel

by assisting the business to improve

the efficiency of processes the productivity of employees

Santanu Sen

by assisting the business to improve

revenue growth market share profit

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but, business is constantly evolving driven by

technological advances competition globalization government policies and regulatory requirements

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as business evolves,

what happens to the software?

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as business evolves,

the software must evolve,

if it is to retain its value to thebusiness.

Santanu Sen

question:

does the software you create or enhance add value to your customer’s business?

answer (choose one): of course it does! no. I don’t know. I just code small bits of it. I am too small a fry. why do I need to know?

Santanu Sen

question:

can you describe the value yoursoftware adds to your customer’s business?

answer (choose one): of course I can! no. I don’t know. I just code small bits of it. I am too small a fry. go away. I have a deadline to meet.

Santanu Sen

question:

do you ‘own’ the value yoursoftware adds to your customer’s business?

answer (choose one): of course I do! no. I just code small bits of it. I am too small a fry. get off your high horse, buddy! I have better things to do.

Santanu Sen

question:

are you aware of the revisionhistory of the software you are currently working on?

answer (choose one): of course I do! no, there is no documentation. I am a small fry. Nobody tells me anything! ok, suppose I know. What purpose does it serve?

Santanu Sen