ZDLC: Towards Automated Software Construction and Migration

Abstract

The construction of modern software projects with a multitude of quality requirements is a challenging and complex task particularly for large scale systems. Underestimating this complexity may result in project failures at worst or the delivery of poor quality products that are plagued with software defects at best. However, introducing scientific rigor at every step of the software development life cycle (SDLC) can reduce defect leakage through the different stages. While this can improve quality considerably it might affect upfront cost and speed of delivery. Thus, there is a clear need to introduce automation in software production and defect tracking. The Zero Deviation Life Cycle (ZDLC) framework addresses this conflict i.e. Quality vs. Cost, by proposing a methodology that can be applied not only to new projects but also to legacy applications.