Managing the concurrent development of large-scale software systems

This paper proposes a new model of managing software development known as concurrent development, in which multiple features or functions are concurrently developed along with the entire development lifecycle. A key to success is a coherent integration of software process-management techniques. The techniques of process modelling, process management and computer-based management support system are discussed. Applying concurrent development to large-scale communication software systems, we have shortened the development cycle-time from one year to three months, and evolutionally improved the development process. Discussions on related process-management techniques reveal the unique characteristics of concurrent development.