Application lifecycle management software involves the full process of design and development of a software application from drafting to deployment. Compare the best Application Lifecycle Management software currently available using the table below.
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SPEC Innovations
Visure Solutions, Inc.
Netreo
Jama Software
Qualibrate
Aha! Labs
Digital.ai
Inflectra
Salesforce
Hansoft
Code Climate
Avi Networks
Digital.ai
Visionera
microTOOL
Gtmhub
Intland Software
aqua cloud GmbH
Orcanos
ACCELQ
Enov8
Clarive Software
verit Informationssysteme GmbH
Apptimized
Original Software
To keep up with the competition, today's software development works at the fastest pace possible, with deployments multiple times a day in some cases. In order to reach this high-speed pace, software companies must have a plan to manage the software throughout its useful life.
Application lifecycle management, known as ALM, gives companies the information to make the right decisions about how to manage their software efficiently. Knowing what ALM is, its benefits, and how to implement it in your environment is key.
Application lifecycle management (ALM) brings together the tools, activities, and people to efficiently manage an application from its inception to the day it is retired. It is similar to the software development lifecycle (SDLC) which focuses mainly on the development of software. In contrast, ALM looks at software's entire lifecycle from development to maintenance to decommissioning.
How ALM works in a given environment can vary according to the software development methodology, such as waterfall, Agile, or DevOps. It may be split into phases or integrated into the process. Despite which development methodology used, ALM has three distinct components: governance, development, and operations.
The governance component involves all decisions about the software. It starts with a basic concept developed by a business case. This is where the original concept gets expanded and tied to specific business strategies. The governance component also covers other aspects including user access, security, and resource management. For companies that have more than one software project, governance also covers managing the portfolio as well.
The development component of the ALM integrates the SDLC. This phase of the software project covers all aspects of its development including planning, design, building, testing, and deploying it. For companies using the waterfall methodology, development is done in stages. For companies using Agile or DevOps, the steps are fully integrated.
Operations is the third component of the ALM, which involves deploying the application and maintaining throughout its lifecycle. For companies using the waterfall methodology, development and operations are completely separate. For companies using Agile or DevOps, they are an integrated, continuous process.
How the ALM works will vary from one company to another. For example, some companies integrate support desk duties into the overall ALM.
A well-built ALM plan gives the company and its developers a clear direction on where the app is going before the first line of code is created. The plan includes the developed business case, the resources needed, and the lifespan of the entire application before development starts. This early planning will help manage resources, avoid mistakes, and keep development focused.
An ALM keeps software development focused and on track. This gives the development team the ability to move with speed and agility. It improves communication and keeps the software goals in alignment with the linked business objectives.
As software ages, ALM offers companies the ability to make better decisions. ALM tools include features such as real-time planning and version control. Leaders can create a definitive map for the application's future. If a company has multiple applications to manage, this planning feature becomes even more important.
The ALM process is easier if you have the right tools to use.
When selecting ALM tools, you need to have certain features. You want tools that manage requirements, aid with estimation and planning, manage source code, integrate testing and quality assurance, manage deployment, support maintenance, control versions, manage the application portfolio, and integrate communications.
There are many ALM tools on the market, some with more features than others. Your team may opt for multiple tools that work together or a single tool that includes all your requirements.
Trying to build an application without ALM in place is like going on a road trip without a destination in mind. It's a waste of time and resources. With ALM in place, your team has a clear direction which greatly speeds up development. It helps the team make better decisions as the application matures. Successful businesses cannot do without it these days.
Because ALM pulls together the people, processes, and tools for the software's entire lifecycle, it allows companies to build software faster and more efficiently.