Software Development Template, Forms and Checklists

Software Development LifeCycle Templates for Disposition Phase

Ivan Walsh — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 13:24:00 +0000

Phase ten of the Software Development LifeCycle is the Disposition Phase. We have now written technical documents for the Initiation, Concept Development, Planning, Requirements, Design, Development, Testing, Deployment and Operations phases.

SDLC Templates for Disposition Phase

Next, we will write documents to show how to dispose of the software once its lifecycle is completed. Use the Disposition Phase to eliminate a large part of a system or close down a system and end the life cycle process.

The deliverables for this phase include:

Disposition Plan
Post-Termination Review Report
Archived System

Tasks & Activities for Disposition Phase

This phase ensures that data, procedures, and documentation are packaged and archived correctly, which lets you reinstall the system back to an operational status, if necessary

Tasks and activities for this phase include:

Prepare Disposition Plan
Archive or Transfer Data
Archive or Transfer Software Components
Archive Life Cycle Deliverables
Close the System
Dispose of Equipment
Prepare Post-Termination Review Report

The Disposition Phase is the end of the systems life cycle. Create a Disposition Plan to address archiving, transferring, and disposing of the system and data.

The disposition activities preserve information not only about the production system but also how it developed through its life cycle.

About the Author: Sandra Nielsen is a Software Development consultant who specializes in Waterfall, RUP and other software development methodologies. Download her free Microsoft Word templates at the Software Development Lifecycle Template Kit

Software Development LifeCycle Templates for Operations and Maintenance Phase

Ivan Walsh — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 12:55:00 +0000

Phase nine of the Software Development LifeCycle is the Operations and Maintenance Phase. We have now written technical documents for the Initiation, Concept Development, Planning, Requirements, Design, Development, Testing and Deployment phases. Next, we will write documents to show how all facets of operations and maintenance are performed.

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Software Development LifeCycle Templates for Operations and Maintenance Phase

This SDLC phase shows how the system is used to ensure that it meets the needs stated in the planning phase. As issues arise, they may require modification to code, new code to be developed and hardware configuration changes. This phase ensure that the users needs are met and the system performs as specified in the operational environment.

The deliverables for this phase include:

Computer Operations Manual
Firmware Support Manual
Maintenance Manual
Operations Manual
System Administration Manual
Training Plan
User Guide
In-Process Review Report
User Satisfaction Review Report

Tasks & Activities for Deployment and Implementation Phase

As operations and maintenance personnel monitor the system they may see ways to improve it and make recommendations.

Tasks and activities for this phase include:

Ensure the system operates as per requirements
Meets performance expectations
Ensure that systems are available during the defined hours of Operations
Implement non-emergency requests during scheduled Outages
Ensure all processes, manual and automated
Perform backups
Perform physical security functions
Ensure contingency planning for disaster recovery is tested
Ensure that service level objectives are monitored
Maintain performance measurements, statistics, and system logs
Monitor performance statistics

Next week, we show how to create documents for the SDLC Disposition Phase.

Software Development LifeCycle Templates for Deployment and Implementation Phase

Ivan Walsh — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 12:48:00 +0000

Phase eight of the Software Development LifeCycle is the Deployment and Implementation Phase. We have now written technical documents for the Initiation, Concept Development, Planning, Requirements, Design, Development and Testing phases. Next, we will write documents to show how the system is installed and made operational in a live production environment.

Download Now for only $9.99 – Buy Here!

Software Development LifeCycle Templates for Deployment and Implementation Phase

You start this phase after the system has been tested and accepted by Users in UAT.

The deliverables for this phase include:

Delivered System
Deployment Plan
Release Notes
Request For Change
Change Control
Change Implementation Notice
Version Description Document
Post-Implementation Review

Tasks & Activities for Deployment and Implementation Phase

Tasks and activities for this phase include:

Notification of implementation to users
Execution of the training plans
Data entry or conversion
Post implementation reviews

This phase continues until the system works correctly in production in accordance with the User Requirements.

Next week, we show how to create documents for the SDLC Operations Phase.

Software Development LifeCycle Templates for Test and Integration Phase

Ivan Walsh — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 12:24:00 +0000

The seventh phase in the Software Development LifeCycle is the Test and Integration Phase. We have now written technical documents for the Initiation, Concept Development, Planning, Requirements, Design and Development phases. Next, we will write documents to show how to test all aspects of the database, systems, applications and other software tools.

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Software Development LifeCycle Templates for Test and Integration Phase

This week we look at the Microsoft Word templates, guides and documents for the Testing phase. In this part of the Software Development LifeCycle, the Software Testers look at how the system is designed and test it based on the specifications and requirements.

The documents for this phase include:

Acceptance Test Plan
Change Control
Test Reports
Test Plan
Master Test Plan
UAT
Test Cases

Software Development LifeCycle Tasks & Activities for Test Phase

Tasks and activities for this phase include:

Testing Software
Creating Test Cases
Conducting System Qualification Testing
Installing Software
Documenting UAT
Updating Test Documentation
Setup Test Environment
Integration Tests
Subsystem/System Testing
Security Testing
Conduct Acceptance Testing

Test and Integration Phase Tasks

Other tasks in this phase include:

The Technical Lead will close the Software Development Document from the Development Phase. They will also signoff the Operations Guide, Systems Administration Manual, User Manual, Training Plan, Maintenance Manual, Conversion Plan, Implementation Plan, and Contingency Plan.
The Project Manager will finalize the System Security Plan and the Security Risk Assessment.
The Configuration Manager will finalize the Configuration Management Plan from the Planning Phase.
The Quality Assurance lead will close the Quality Assurance Plan from the Planning Phase.

Next week, we show how to write documents for the SDLC Deployment Phase.

Software Development LifeCycle Templates for Development Phase

Ivan Walsh — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 12:08:00 +0000

The sixth phase in the Software Development LifeCycle is the Development Phase. We have now written technical documents for the Initiation, Concept Development, Planning, Requirements and Design phases. Next, we will write documents to show how to design develop the database, system, applications and other software tools.

Software Development LifeCycle Templates for Development Phase

This week we look at the Microsoft Word templates, guides and document for the Development phase. In this part of the Software Development LifeCycle, the IT Architects use the requirements gathered earlier in the process to design how the application works and the Design documents to develop how the application will work in a real environment.

The documents for this phase include:

Contingency Plan
Software Development Document
Test Files/Data
Integration Document

Software Development LifeCycle Tasks & Activities for Development Phase

Tasks and activities for this phase include:

Coding and Testing Software
Integrating Software
Conducting Software Qualification Tests
Integrating System
Conducting System Qualification Testing
Installing Software
Documenting Software Acceptance
Revising Documentation

Next week, we show how to write software test documents for the SDLC Test Phase.

Software Development LifeCycle Templates for Design Phase

Ivan Walsh — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 11:45:00 +0000

The fifth phase in the Software Development LifeCycle is the Design Phase. We have now finished technical documents for the Initiation, Software Concept Development, Planning and Requirements phases. Next, we will write documents to capture how to design the database, system and the interface.

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Software Development LifeCycle Templates for Design Phase

This week we look at the Microsoft Word templates, guides and design document for the Design phase. This is one of the most detailed parts of the Software Development LifeCycle where the IT Architects will use the requirements gathered earlier in the process to design how the application works.

These documents for this phase include:

Design Document
Database Design Document
System Design Document

Different SDCL Methodologies & Design Phase

Depending on the SDLC Methodology you use, for example, RUP or Scrum, the User Guide and Training Plan may be part of this phase. For others methodologies, these guides and manuals will be written in the Operations and Maintenance Phase.

Next week, we show how to write documents for the SDLC Development Phase.

Software Development LifeCycle Templates for Requirements Phase

Ivan Walsh — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 11:21:00 +0000

The fourth phase in the Software Development LifeCycle is the Requirements Phase. We have now finished the documents for the Initiation, Software Concept Development and Planning phases. Next, we write the technical documents to capture user requirements, business requirements and functional specifications.

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Software Development LifeCycle Templates for Requirements Phase

This week, we look at the Microsoft Word templates, guides and manuals for the Planning phase. This is one of the most detailed parts of the Software Development LifeCycle and requires many technical documents.

These documents for this phase include:

Business Requirements
Business Rules
Data Requirements
Interface Control Documents
Marketing Requirements
Report Specifications
Software Product Specification
Training Requirements
User Interface Requirements
Functional Requirements Document
Software Requirements Specification
System Specifications

Java & Software Development LifeCycle’s Requirements Phase

‘In large projects the requirements phase may be divided into a userview phase, producing use cases, and a requirements specification phase. The justification for doing this is that you can use the checklist for test plan development and acceptance testing.’

Quote from "Advanced Java Development for Enterprise Application" by Clifford J. Berg

Next week, we show how to write design documents for the SDLC Design Phase.

Software Development LifeCycle Templates for Planning Phase

Ivan Walsh — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 11:16:00 +0000

The third phase in the Software Development LifeCycle is to document that Planning Phase. We have now finished the documents for the Initiation and Software Concept Development phases. Now we write the technical documents to plan how the system will be developed, tested and implemented.

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Software Development LifeCycle Templates for Planning Phase

These documents for this phase include:

Acquisition Plan
Configuration Management Plan
Quality Assurance Plan
Concept of Operations
Security Risk Assessment
Conversion Plan
Availability Plan
Capacity Plan
Change Management Plan
Deployment Plan
Installation Plan
Transition Plan
Bill of Materials
System Security Plan
Project Management Plan
Verification and Validation Plan

Software Development LifeCycle Requirements Phase

Next week, we show how to write these documents and then move into the Requirements Phase.

Software Development LifeCycle Templates for System Concept Development Phase

Ivan Walsh — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 11:01:00 +0000

Once you have finished writing technical documents for the Initiation Phase, what plans and guides to you need to capture in the Software Development LifeCycle? The next phase to be documented is the Software Concept Development phase.

Software Development LifeCycle Templates for Initiation Phase

This week, we look at the Microsoft Word templates, guides and manuals for the Software Concept Development phase.

These documents include the following four documents:

Cost Benefit Analysis
Feasibility Study
Risk Management Plan
System Boundary Document

Next Software Development LifeCycle Documents and Forms

After you have written these documents for your IT and Web projects, you will also need to create checklists and forms that support this phase of the SDLC.

Next week, we show how to write these documents and the mistakes to avoid when writing Risk Management Plans.

About the Author: Sandra Nielsen is a Software Development consultant who specializes in Waterfall, RUP and other software development methodologies. Download her free Microsoft Word templates at the Software Development Lifecycle Template Kit

Software Development LifeCycle Templates for Initiation Phase

Ivan Walsh — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 10:42:39 +0000

What technical documents do you need to capture in the Software Development LifeCycle? This week, we look at the Microsoft Word templates for the Initiation Phase.

Download Now for $9.99- Buy Here!

Software Development LifeCycle Templates for Initiation Phase

These documents include the following:

Bill of Materials
Business Architecture
Business Case
Business Glossary
Business Modelling
Business Rules
Business Use Case
Concept Proposal
Needs Statement
PM Charter
Scope of Work
Statement of Work
Business Specifications
Vision and Scope
Business Approval Forms
Business Development Case

10 More Capitalization Rules for Titles & Headings

Ivan Walsh — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 18:53:00 +0000

Ever wondered if it’s ok to cap a letter in the middle of a document title? There are many golden rules in grammar and when to use capitals is one area where most of us trip up at some point. Last week, we looked at the most basic grammar mistakes you can make when using capitalization. I’ve had emails asking for more guidelines to use capitalization, so here are the examples.

10 Capitalization Guidelines

Use the following guidelines for capitalization in titles and headings:

Capitalize all nouns, verbs, adverbs, adjectives, and pronouns.
Capitalize the first and last words.
Capitalize prepositions that are part of a verb phrase ("Writing Your First Business Plan").
Capitalize the second word in compound words – if it is a noun or proper adjective OR the words have equal weight (e.g. Read/Write Access). Tip: Do not capitalize the second word if it is a participle modifying the first word.
Capitalize interface terms that usually would not be capitalized. Follow the traditional use of keywords and special terms in programming languages.
In table column headings, capitalize only the first word of each column heading.
Do not capitalize articles (a, an, the) unless an article is the first word in the title.
Do not capitalize coordinate conjunctions (and, but, for, or).
Do not capitalize prepositions of four or fewer letters.
Do not capitalize to in an infinitive phrase ("How to Watch TV When Sleeping").

I know there are more. What have I missed?

Peer Review for System Requirements Specifications

Ivan Walsh — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 14:57:00 +0000

A few weeks ago, we looked at Peer Reviews for Software Development LifeCycle projects. This week, we’re going to look at what you need to include when doing Peer Review for System Requirements Specifications.

Reviewing System Requirements Specifications

You can use the same free template we shared last time – email me if you don’t have it – but add the following fields to the checklist:

Review Checklist

Enter Yes or No and then provide your comments below.

Technical Mistakes – Does the System Requirements Specifications have any mistakes?
Grammar Mistakes – Is the System Requirements Specification free of grammatical and spelling errors?
Consistent – Is this System Requirements Specifications consistent with other Specifications?
Use Cases – Are the use cases properly identified and documented?
Operating System – Has the operating environment been investigated and documented?
Constraints – Are design and implementation constraints clearly stated?
Technical Documentation – Are requirements for user documentation, help screens, or tutorials documented?
Assumptions – Are assumptions and dependencies stated?
Features – Is the list of system features complete?
Narratives – Does each feature have a narrative process description?
Hardware – Are external hardware interfaces documented?
User interfaces – Are user interfaces requirements identified?
Non-functional – Are non-functional requirements documented?

Peer Reviews For Requirements Specifications

The key to make this work is to keep the checklist simple, practical and actionable. Then use the information to improve the Software Development LifeCycle so that all others aspects of the system are improved.

I’ve always had mixed feelings about peer reviews. What they’re done right, we all learn but like Lesson Learned review can easily degenerate into bitching sessions if not managed correctly.

Software Development LifeCycle Templates By Phase

Ivan Walsh — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 12:37:59 +0000

Ever wondered what technical documents you need to write for the Software Development LifeCycle? This free Excel spreadsheet identifies all the plans, guides and forms you to create such as those for requirements specification, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and post-deployment maintenance and enhancement.

Download SDLC lifecycle Templates in PDF and Excel

To help you understand what documents you need to write, we’ve prepared these two downloads which show the different stages of the Software Development LifeCycle and the documents required for each stage.

Templates for Software Development LifeCycle – MS Excel

Templates for Software Development LifeCycle – PDF

Note that this is designed mostly for the Waterfall methodology but can be adapted for Scrum, CMMI, RUP and other formats.