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Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) ExplainedDefined simply at Dictionary.com, a Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is:

Any logical process used by a systems analyst to develop an information system, including

requirements, validation, training, and user ownership.

An SDLC should result in a high quality system that meets or exceeds customer expectations,within time and cost estimates, works effectively and efficiently in the current and planned

Information Technology infrastructure, and is cheap to maintain and cost-effective to enhance.

While SDLC may be a specific process used in the IT world, its spirit can be found in anydecision-making process in any arena. In most models of decision-making, there are four basic

phases: Identification phase, Development of alternatives, Selection phase, and the Evaluationphase. SDLC incorporates five to six distinct phases, which utilizes the four previously

mentioned phases. SDLC is a detailed model that describes the stages involved in an informationsystem development project, from an initial feasibility study through maintenance of the

completed application.In every decision-making process, the players or participants can be as important as the process

itself. In some business decisions, not every member of the organization will be consultedbefore a decision is reached. For example, a company trying to cut costs may decide to make

changes without seeking every employee's opinion or approval. They may decide to changedistributors for their office supplies to take advantage of lower prices.

However, in the System Development Life Cycle, all end-users affected should be part of theinitial planning process. System analysts and programmers are vital to the behind-the-scenes

development. Nickerson suggests that the end-users are just as vital, since they will helpdetermine the success of the process. "An information system is designed to meet the needs of

its users. To accomplish this goal, the users must explain their needs to the systems analysts. Inaddition, the users must determine whether the system that is developed meets their needs"

(Nickerson 16).SearchVB.com, a TechTarget site for VB professionals, points out that there are various SDLC

methodologies. These methods have been developed to guide the processes involved; theyinclude the waterfall model (which was the original SDLC method); rapid application

development (RAD); joint application development (JAD); the fountain model; the spiral model;build and fix; and synchronize-and-stabilize. Frequently, several models are combined into some

sort of hybrid methodology.Despite which methodology, or hybrid is chosen, in general, SDLC follows the following six

steps according to our Workshop #1 handout entitled, System Development life Cycle (SDLC):1. Systems Investigation Phase: The existing system is evaluated. Deficiencies are

identified. This can be done by interviewing users of the system and consulting with supportpersonnel.

2. System Analysis Phase: The new system requirements are defined. In particular, thedeficiencies in the existing system must be addressed with specific proposals for improvement.

3. System Design Phase: The proposed system is designed. Plans are laid out concerning thephysical construction, hardware, operating systems, programming, communications, and security

issues.

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4. System Development Phase: The new system is developed. The new components andprograms must be obtained and installed. Users of the system must be trained in its use, and all

aspects of performance must be tested. If necessary, adjustments must be made at this stage.5. System Implementation Phase: The system is put into use. This can be done in various

ways. The new system can phased in, according to application or location, and the old system

gradually replaced. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to shut down the old system andimplement the new system all at once.6. System Maintenance Phase: Once the new system is up and running for a while, it should

be exhaustively evaluated. Maintenance must be kept up rigorously at all times. Users of thesystem should be kept up-to-date concerning the latest modifications and procedures.

It is essential for all companies to have a thorough process like this established. SDLC helps

companies determine when and whether or not an upgrade is needed in their information system.The speed at which new technology enters the market place is phenomenal. Our "modern world

is undergoing a fundamental transformation" (Sehrt 45). "This dynamic process promises afundamental change in all aspects of our lives, including knowledge dissemination, social

interaction, business practices, political engagement, media, education, health, leisure andentertainment" (Sehrt 45). Companies need to have a foolproof method by which they can use to

make decisions about new technology.One current trend for 2004 is WiFi technology. Patrick Lo, Chairman and CEO of Netgear,

suggests that:"WiFi will become widespread worldwide in 2004. We expect homes to reach up to 20 percent

penetration for wireless networking. In the office we will see new, rapid adoption now thatstandards, speeds, and security have advanced sufficiently enough for business-class

deployment. For those on the road, we predict over half a million hot spots worldwide by the endof 2004."

In many places "in the corporate world, wireless devices are being used to link salespeople with

stock details, or evenin forestryto coordinate harvesting with market demand and inventory"(Waddington 44). Some companies may decide that WiFi is a technology they could benefit

from. Wireless connections "opens up the possibility of a reality unencumbered by bulkymachines and wires, which in turn will give people an unprecedented amount of flexibility and

will spur the creative juices of those inventing the must-have products of the wireless world tocome" (Anonymous A8).

Companies can use SDLC to determine if a particular technology is feasible, and how it will beimplemented. Before rashly deciding on WiFi, "we should ask searching questions of our

vendorswhat are the real benefits, not just the features? What's the return on investment?"(Waddington 44). Companies need to address other issues before implementing wireless

technology in their workplace such as interference (Spencer 10). Addressing such issues is thefoundation to making a well-informed decision; which is one of the main benefits of SDLC.

Using SDLC when making IT decisions results in a consistent, well-tested developmentapproach. The risks are evaluated and there is complete, coherent documentation throughout the

entire process. As we discussed in Workshop #1, SDLC is adaptable to any business setting; it isscalable, thus, it can be used by the small independent business owner, as well as, large global

corporations. It has been in use for over fifty years because it is proven to work consistently.Only by identifying the process and by clearly defining it, are you then able to measure it and

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improve it. Using SDLC for making IT decisions can help a company reduce costs, time, andrisks, while helping it to increase profits, productivity, and quality.

Works Cited

Anonymous. "2000's Top 10 Digital Trends: Buyers Guide 2001." Presentations. Dec 2000. pgs

A4-A1

4.Anonymous. "Systems Development Life Cycle." (9 May 2004).

Levy, Mitchell. "Top Trends for 2004." http://www.gadget.co.za/pebble.asp?relid=387

Accessed: May 3, 2004.Nickerson, Robert C. Business and Information Systems. 2nd edition, 2001. Custom E-text for

University of Phoenix.Sehrt, Marc. "E-Learning in the Developing Countries: Digital Divide into Digital

Opportunities." UN Chronicle. Dec 2003-Feb 2004. pgs 45-46.Spencer, Bob. "Twenty seconds in the future. (Emerging Trends)." CPA Technology & Internet

Advisor. Jan 2002 v23 i1 p 10 (2).System Development Life Cycle (SDLC). Class Handout. University of Phoenix, CIS 319;

Workshop #1. (9 May 2004).System Development Life CycleDefinition. Dictionary.com. (9 May 2004).

Waddington, Paul. "It may be neat, but do you want it?" Information World Review. Dec 2001.pgs 42 & 44.