Rapid application development (RAD) is a software process that allows for escalation of the time and increased quality of the software system. The development of the software project is centered on the teamwork between the creator and the customer. The software is augmented in an iterative process between the teams consisting of the developer and the client’s employees who have technical backgrounds. The RAD process can use cloud computing to provide resources for the project. As the systems are being adjusted, additional refinements and features can be added based on new requirements and feedback from the end user. Thus, the software systems reach a point of utilization quicker than in a normal process.
With RAD, the development process utilizes a short amount time to create a usable prototype. Timeboxing is one the development techniques that is used in the repetitive process to help develop the software application with specific features, and deliver it at key milestones in the project.
Rapid application development can give the customer the opportunity to test the prototype as it is being developed and implemented. This helps to reduce the amount of time necessary for the developer to spend debugging and troubleshooting the software applications, rather than traditional methods. The development cycle typically lasts from a few days to a few weeks depending on the scope of the project. It is up to the collaborative team to ensure that the project stays on schedule since time is one of the hallmarks of the rapid application development process.
Rapid application development is an important process to use in a corporate business model because it can be used as a key tool in developing quality software systems quickly. It is extremely beneficial in situations where the scope is narrowly focused and other requirements are not as well-defined. The use of cloud computing can aid in the process since the project can take advantage of the multiple resources of the “cloud,” or Internet. The use of cloud computing also helps to reduce costs because investment in the infrastructure of the computing environment is reduced.
Quality issues can be addressed throughout the process when rapid application development is implemented. Since a workable software product is rendered much faster, the customer can provide beneficial feedback to the development team with adjustments and refinements to be made. This allows a much faster and collaborative response to any issues or problems that may occur with the product. Rapid application development is useful when requirements for the product are being determined and information that will be incorporated into it is collected concurrently with development of the software system.
Rapid application development can be an extremely efficient process to use in many business models, especially when combined with the resources available through cloud computing. The combination of rapid application development and cloud computing can deliver great software systems with reduced costs and in a timely fashion.
