Publications
Publications
- January 2018 (Revised August 2020)
- HBS Case Collection
Continuous Software Development: Agile's Successor
By: Jeffrey J. Bussgang, Samuel Clemens and Olivia Hull
Abstract
In recent years, the twin software development methodologies of continuous delivery and continuous deployment have risen to prominence in the start-up world and beyond. These methods have enabled technology companies large and small to accelerate their product development pipelines and reshape their relationships with customers. Drawing on academic research and interviews with practitioners, this note explores the evolution of iterative approaches to software development, describes the mechanics of continuous development, and assesses the business benefits and challenges of rapid software testing and release.
Keywords
Continuous Improvement; Continuous Development; Continuous Delivery; Continuous Integration; Product Development Processes; Computer Programming; Agile; Waterfall; Software Applications; Software Engineering; Applications and Software; Information Technology; Technological Innovation; Product Development; Customer Focus and Relationships; Entrepreneurship; Organizational Change and Adaptation; Organizational Structure; Quality; Product Marketing; Product; Infrastructure; Information Infrastructure; Computer Industry; Technology Industry; Information Technology Industry; Web Services Industry; Massachusetts; Boston
Citation
Bussgang, Jeffrey J., Samuel Clemens, and Olivia Hull. "Continuous Software Development: Agile's Successor." Harvard Business School Background Note 818-055, January 2018. (Revised August 2020.)