A client/server application development methodology for DoD

Abstract

Since the Department of Defense began utilizing electronic computers in the l95O's, it has been plagued by inefficient software development practices'. The result of such practices was software that was over budget, behind schedule, of poor quality and one that usually did not satisfy user requirements. The rapid pace with which business needs are changing, particularly within DoD, demand that software be developed under even tighter schedules than have been experienced before. In order to respond to the demand and provide a product which meets budgetary and schedule constraints without sacrificing quality, it is absolutely necessary that DoD adopt modem methods and practices for developing software This thesis presents a modem methodology for developing applications in a client/server environment. The methodology is based on a combination of modeling and prototyping to deliver quality applications quickly and inexpensively. An example application was developed based on the proposed methodology and serves as a model for migrating legacy DoD mainframe applications to modern client/server technology. It is hoped that this process will serve as an example of how DoD can benefit from modem development strategies and tools.