Software Development and Quality Management

IMD develops software using an object oriented (OO) development framework based on the Rational Unified Process (RUP). RUP is an iterative process that promotes software quality through the execution of four phases (Inception, Elaboration, Construction and Transition) that allow for continual refinement of customer requirements and the management of risk.

In addition, the IMD software development process insures quality software products through the following mechanisms:

• Requirements validation and formal inspection processes.
• Requirements and scope management through a Change Control Board (CCB).
• Iterative Unified Modeling Language (UML) designs conforming to an enterprise architectural plan.
• Tiered testing process comprised of unit tests on individual software components, integration tests of components and system tests of software subsystems.
• Software Configuration Management (SCM) standards that support three defined releases: Hot Fixes, Service Packs and Major Releases.
• Proactive risk identification and mitigation procedures.

Software Development Process

Technology Overview (top of page)

IMD’s software products are based on proven and widely supported Microsoft technologies and development tools. The current release (6.3) is developed on Component Object Model (COM) and .Net Framework (.Net) components using Microsoft Visual Basic (VB6), Microsoft Transact SQL (TSQL) and Microsoft C# (C#). In addition, IMD’s spatial offerings leverage ESRI development tools and technologies such as ArcObjects, ArcView and ArcInfo.

The next generation of IMD software will be developed exclusively on the .Net Framework utilizing compliant .Net languages Microsoft VB .Net (VB .Net), C# and
Microsoft C++ (C++). These products will be developed with the following
characteristics in mind:

• Seamless data integration to a variety of data sources including Oracle and Informix and to specific data schemas including ADPM and PODS.
• N-tier, service based architecture for deployment in integration flexibility.
• Separation of logical tiers for increased maintainability, scalability and extensibility.
• Modular Spatial, Data Mining and Graphical subsystems whose functionality accessible within IMP and as standalone applications.
• Application Programming Interface (API) for 3rd party development.

Fact Sheet & Presentation (top of page)

We are currently updating the Fact Sheet and Presentation documents. We apologize for the inconvenience. Please check back soon.