Software development is a complex process that involves a specific series of steps (known as the development lifecycle) to transform a concept into a deliverable product. The steps involved with creating the finished product must be carefully adhered to yield the best results, reduce inefficiencies and maximize customer satisfaction.

The purpose of this policy, written by Scott Matteson for TechRepublic Premium, is to provide guidelines for establishing and following a development lifecycle system.

Featured text from the policy:

d) Build the product.

This should be the simplest step since the first three involved most of the deliberation and decision-making process. Develop the software using the desired code.

Ensure all development work exists outside of production and takes place in a test or sandboxed environment. Development and QA/test staff must not be permitted access to production systems unless absolutely required by their respective job duties/descriptions.

Ensure that all software and web applications that create, manage, use or transmit sensitive information are developed and maintained solely by the company IT/Development department.

Other development work involving low-level non-secure information may be done outside the company IT/Development department, provided these development lifecycle standards are also followed.

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