If your organization is new to Agile or experienced in its use, here are a few tools that need to be on your radar. Research these and others with similar functionality to help improve the efficiency of your software projects. Good luck!

JIRA for Agile Bug Tracking

JIRA is one of the more popular options for project and issue tracking on Agile projects as well as those using an alternate methodology. It focuses on bug tracking functionality but provides a measure of project management support as well. JIRA is a proprietary application, but it is free to use by nonprofit organizations.

The application is currently used by 25,000 customers of all sizes, including Skype Technologies and the Apache Software Foundation.

Another Agile Bug Tracking Option

YouTrack is another bug and issue tracker application; this time leveraging a web-browser interface. The proprietary application easily integrates with a host of popular source code repositories, including Git, Subversion and CVS. When choosing any Agile tool, consider its ease of integration with other applications used at your software development organization.

Agile Project Management Tools

In many cases, it is better to use a tool designed specifically for project management instead of some half-baked PM functionality within a bug tracking application. Active Collab is a web-based PM application with an open source licensing model that makes it easy for organizations to try out first. Basecamp is another browser-hosted project-management option, but it does come with a commercial license fee.

How to Decide What Agile Tool Is Best?

When performing due diligence on Agile project tools, take advantage of any free trial periods to see how well the application integrates with your team’s current library of software. Obviously, open source tools provide more flexibility to “try before you buy.” Research any online reviews in addition to asking trusted associates within your professional network for their take.

Ultimately, the opinions of the developers and SCRUM masters on your team matter the most, so be sure to closely consider their insights before a final decision is made.

Work With a Leader in Co-Sourcing Software Solutions

If you need additional advice on improving the software development process at your organization, talk to the experts at SDE USA. One of the country’s leading experts on Agile and co-sourcing, we can add value to your next software initiative. Connect with us at your earliest convenience.

Here is a list of a few common myths about the methodology to help ensure your organization has the right information before embarking on its first Agile undertaking. Leverage these insights as part of your team’s decision-making process.

“Agile Is Just a Fad!”

Even considering its over 15 years of use throughout the technology industry, Agile still gets labeled as a fad by some. Maybe some of those pundits feel the same way about rock music? As software products get more complex, combined with a competitive business world, Agile is necessary to ensure applications are completed successfully while still staying at or under budget.

“Agile is Unproven!”

The technology industry is filled with companies boasting a number of successful Agile projects. Organizational structures – such as DevOps – leveraged to support the methodology, are another sign of its maturity. It is obviously a proven way to make software and other projects succeed.

“Agile Is Only for Software Delivery Projects!”

While Agile was first developed for software projects, the methodology has been proven successful for other undertakings – technical or not. The same core principles apply whenever a project needs to worry about the cost-time-quality triple constraint. In short, most projects would benefit from Agile.

“Agile Projects Don’t Deliver Quality!”

Some technology professionals feel Agile only leads to fast, haphazard work of little quality. Actually, the methodology focuses on delivering quality throughout the software development lifecycle. Agile prioritizes the output of processes, guaranteeing the best possible solution is produced quickly.

“Agile Keeps Business Stakeholders out of the Loop!”

Compared to other software development methodologies, Agile helps business stakeholders stay informed while fully understanding a project’s completion date and how much it will ultimately cost. Its adaptive nature means the risk of cost overruns are minimized and delivery dates will be met.

In short, Agile is a proven methodology worthy of being used on software (and other) projects of all sizes.

Work With a Leader in Co-Sourced Software Solutions

When your organization needs additional insights on the software development process, consider speaking with the knowledgeable team at SDE USA. As one of the top application engineering organizations in the country, our co-sourced staffing model means projects are completed successfully and within budget. Schedule a meeting with us at your earliest convenience.