Software Factory

Shopping on line can be easy, simple and save you lots of money. It can also take a lot of your time, frustrate you, and result in unwanted purchases. Now the same can be said for regular high street shopping, but with the vast opportunity presented by the Internet it will pay you to spend a few minutes reading this and understanding how to better optimize your Software Factory shopping experience:

1. Compare - without doubt the biggest advantage that the Software Factory offers shoppers today is the ability to compare thousands of Software Factory at a time. This is a great thing, but not necessarily all the time! Too much can be daunting at times so take advantage of the great comparison sites and where possible let them do the hard work for you.

2. Research - if it has been said it will be on the internet. Ignorance is no longer a justifiable reason for buying the wrong thing. Take the time to research in detail everything that you could possible want to know about

3. Testimonials - don't know anybody that has bought a Software Factory? Wrong! If the Software Factory is good the internet will let you know. Use the Internet as a friend and get testimonials before you buy.

4. Questions - Got a question about Software Factory then search the Forums, FAQ's, Blogs etc. Don't be afraid to ask .....

5. Reputation - Never heard of the company selling Software Factory? Don't worry, no reason why you should know every company in the world, but you know someone that does! Use the internet to find out what people are saying about Software Factory and build up a picture of their reputation for sales, returns, customer service, delivery etc.

6. Returns - still worried that even after all of the above your Software Factory wont be what you want? Check out the returns policy. There is so much competition now that someone, somewhere is bound to offer the terms that you are comfortable with.

7. Feedback - happy with your Software Factory then let people know, after all you are depending on others people input in your buying decision, so why not give a little back.

8. Security - check for the yellow padlock on the Software Factory site before you buy, and the s after http:/ /i.e. https:// = a secure site

9. Contact - got a question about Software Factory, or want to leave a comment then check out the sites contact page. Reputable companies have them and respond.

10. Payment - ready to pay for your Software Factory, then use your credit card or PayPal! Be aware of companies that don't accept them, there may be genuine reasons but given the huge amount of choice you have when buying online there is no reason at all not to buy via credit card or PayPal.

In software engineering and Enterprise architecture software architecture, a software factory is defined as a software organization structured such that software projects are built in discrete work centers. Work centers generally represent, or specialize in, certain software disciplines such as Software architecture, Software design, Computer programming, Enterprise application integration, Software testing, Software maintenance, packaging, release, etc. Much like a true manufacturing facility, software factories require clearly defined product creation and management processes. By utilizing the fundamentals of industrial manufacturing - standardized Software componentry, specialized skill sets, parallel processes, and a predictable and scalable consistency of quality – a true Software Factory can achieve a superior level of application assembly even when assembling new or horizontal solutions. Industrialization of the software process can provide benefits in terms of economies of scale, geographic distribution, load leveling, and rigorous product and process control. Software factories have gained recent popularity as a cost-efficient way to reduce the time it takes to develop, create and/or construct software solutions.

Although the term "software factory" is used by Microsoft in association with their .NET Framework, "Software Factories" are much broader in use and application.

In order to be effective and efficient a "Software Factory" requires considerable organizational, process and project discipline. These disciplines typically involve: high quality Requirements analysis, derivation, Application Lifecycle Management, and packaging; rigorous program management; effective resource management and Resource allocation; proven/Reusable software component; and excellent Project management and control. Effective software factories rely upon the use of well balanced and consistent processes and productivity tools that allow existing components, applications, and systems to be easily consumed, integrated, and orchestrated in the construction of software deliverables. True software factories may function across numerous domains and application disciplines but are most commonly found in the area of information technology outsourcing.

Since the software factory approach is based on the integration of many organizational and process components, these organizations require well documented and trained processes.

Implementations

The EFx Factory from Microsoft Services was one of the first pioneering architectural software factories to use a unique combination of Model-driven engineering, and integrated runtime environment tools to build Service-oriented architecture Service-oriented business application and Services.

EFx Architectural-Guidance Software Factory
EFx Factory Blog

Microsoft Patterns and Practices Team is developing four software factories:

Smart Client Software Factory (formerly known as Smart Client Baseline Architecture Toolkit) (released: 30 June 2006)
Web Service Software Factory (released: July 2006 and updated December 2006)
Mobile Client Software Factory (released: July 2006)
Web Client Software Factory (released: January 2007)

Project Glidepath is a Micro ISV-oriented Software Factory, also from Microsoft.

Project Glidepath Blog
Project Glidepath Forums

.NET Database Application Development

Tangible Architect - .NET Software Factory with DSL Modeller

NConstruct is Windows and Web rapid enterprise application development tool and environment for .NET Framework environment.

NConstruct - Intelligent Software Factory