The business of making software is fairly unique. Software does not follow a traditional assembly-line process, but still borrows from many sources of theory to guide its production. Some projects follow a “waterfall” plan, and others follow an “agile” methodology; a wide array of differently named tests populates discussions. Crosby seeks to unify disparate voices such as these in one place and so to inform us of the business-side of software development.
The author is at his best when he simplifies these theories into root metaphors – like a “Jenga game,” planning an amusement park, or speaking of software “construction.” These metaphors quickly communicate a concept without getting lost in the details. Of course, analogies are always limited, but together, this host of metaphors paints an overall picture that facilitates learning and communication.
Crosby hits on most of the major operative points. He divides his work into three sections: on concepts, on practical matters, and on technical matters. The largest section is on practical matters and the smallest is on technical matters. The conceptual part is the most compelling. He never blitzes the reader with hard-to-understand technical jargon. This is evidently an effective piece of communication and a balanced overview grounded in deep experience with the software business.
The weakness of this work lies in its introductory manner. It does not delve into detail although it does provide references for future reading. It’s a guide. It does not seek to communicate new concepts or data to the field but only to convey existing information to business people. However, Crosby apparently seeks an audience for whom the material is new.
As an introduction, it is suitable (as the title implies) for business people seeking to learn about software. It could also prove helpful to software developers who seek to enhance their knowledge of the business and their ability to communicate with non-developers. For anyone involved in the development of software, receiving someone else’s perspective on one’s work is always helpful. Crosby does that and more in this book.
Guide to Software Projects for Business People
By Jonathan P. Crosby
Copyright (c) 2018
Digital Transformation
ISBN13 9783952501306
Page Count: 323
Genre: Management/Business, Software
www.amazon.com