Microsoft Solutions Framework (MSF) is a set of disciplines, concepts and guidelines for delivering successful IT solutions from Microsoft. MSF is not limited to just software development but applicable to other IT projects like deployment, networking projects. Nor does MSF force project manager to use a specific methodology. MSF was last release as version4.0 in 2005 (As to date at the time of writing this blog).
Objective
The goal of MSF is to enable developers to achieve success inthe software development life cycle (SDLC). MSF isbased upon experiences and best practices from inside and outside Microsoft, to increase the chance of successful delivery of IT solutions to customers worldwide.
Principles
The following are 8 foundational principles, which forms the backbone for MSF disciplines:
- Foster open communication
- Work towards a shared vision
- Empower team members
- Establish clear accountability and shared responsibility
- Focus on deliverying business value
- Stay agile and meet changing requirements
- Invest in quality
- Learn from all experiences and mistakes
Components of MSF
The components of MSF 4.0 is structured into descriptive and prescriptive component methodologies. The descriptive component is the metamodel, while the prescriptive part is 2 scalable software engineering processes.
- Metamodel – It is a theoretical descriptions of the SDLC best practices for creating SDCL methodologies, consisting of principles, a team model, cycles and iterations.
- Prescriptive methology – It is two process guidance templates for MSF for Agile Software Development (MSF4ASD) and MSF Solutions Framework for Capability Maturity Model Integration Process Improvement (MSF4CMMI).
MSF4CMMI
Consists of series of short development cycles and iterations. This model embraces rapid application iterative development (RAD) with continuous learning and refinement, due to progressive understanding of business requirements from stakeholders. Identifying requirements, development and testing occurs in iterations resulting in incremental completion of the project. Each iteration will have different focus.
MSF4ASD
The MSF for Agile Software Development is intended to be light weidht,iterative and adaptable process. It uses the principles of agile development approach and provides a process guidance which focus on using iterations.
MSF Model
MSF consist of 2 models, i.e. Team model and Governance model.
Team model describes the role of various team members in the software project. The team would be:
- Project Manager: Person who deals with stakeholders and define project requirements and expectations are met. Also maintain project schedule development and delivery time to customer.
- Architecture: Responsible for solution design and architecture,making sureit satisfies all needs
- Developer: Responsible for developing the software according to specifications
- Tester: One who tests and assures product quality
Governance model has 5 tracks of activities, each with define goal which needs to be accomplished and how it is accomplished by the team. For instances these track can be consistent with Agile methodology
- Envision: Think about what needs to be done and identify constraints
- Plan: Plan and design solution to meet the needs and expectations within those contraints
- Build: Develope the solutions
- Stabilise: Validate that the solution meets the requirements
- Deploy: Release the solutions
If you have further questions about this topic then please contact Biz IT Solution at itinfotechnology@gmail.com who will response to your email ASAP. Otherwise leave your comments below by clicking the “Submit Comment” button.