Software project management
The difference between business success and failure is often in its software. To deliver on time, on budget and on trend with users' needs, implement effective software project management. Let experts in the field provide coaching on software project tracking, Scrum and other approaches, and project management tools specifically for software teams.
Top Stories
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Tip
03 Feb 2022
6 strategies for better software project portfolio management
When implemented correctly, software portfolio management can help enhance communication across multiple IT teams for better product delivery. Here are six ways to do it right. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jan 2022
Why you must avoid ScrumBut at all costs
How do Scrum and ScrumBut compare? Darcy DeClute explains why ScrumBut is bad, and how you can avoid this Agile anti-pattern and stay true to Scrum's core principles. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jan 2022
Why and how to hold a sprint retrospective meeting
Software development teams can learn from past mistakes to streamline and improve processes. Retrospectives help them do just that. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Jan 2022
Guide to creating a cloud migration testing strategy
Follow these guidelines to help craft a strategy for cloud migration testing, from key tests to run to common challenges and best practices -- and why everything involves security. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Dec 2021
How to manage and reduce technical debt in Agile
Don't let technical debt snowball. Here's how to monitor, maintain and reduce this problematic element of Agile and continue application development projects. Continue Reading
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Opinion
16 Dec 2021
ITIL vs. DevOps: What path should an enterprise choose?
Frameworks and methodologies must keep pace with technology stacks. ITIL fell too far behind between the release of ITIL 3 and ITIL 4, but there might be a middle ground. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Nov 2021
Don't fall victim to these 5 Scrum anti-patterns
Scrum is meant to adapt and change to different scenarios. Here are five common anti-patterns that can arise in Scrum when teams get complacent or comfortable with their old ways. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Oct 2021
New Scrum Master guide covers both theory and practice
In his new book, a senior software engineer shares his in-depth hands-on knowledge to both prep readers for cert exams and guide them on the job. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jul 2021
Low-code app platforms prove essential in times of crisis
During the pandemic response, leading low-code platforms have been pressed into service to quickly deliver apps for testing, scheduling and prioritizing high-risk groups. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Jul 2021
Demand proliferates for low-code app development platforms
ServiceNow's Gregg Aldana discusses the explosive demand for business apps, the pressures on enterprises to keep pace and the benefits low-code application platforms provide. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Jul 2021
Advantages of low-code platforms: Speed, agility, collaboration
ServiceNow's Gregg Aldana discusses the role of low-code platforms in speeding application development, easing the app developer shortage and creating hybrid development teams. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jun 2021
How to build a CI/CD pipeline with Azure and GitHub
Some organizations need to build and deploy apps to specific cloud platforms. This walkthrough shows you step by step how to create a CI/CD pipeline using GitHub and Azure DevOps. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jun 2021
10 Scrum benefits and how to realize them
Scrum can be difficult to implement and manage, but the effort is usually rewarded. When run correctly, Scrum delivers valuable benefits for the business and the development team. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Jun 2021
Hardening sprint: Scrum anti-pattern or necessity?
Are hardening sprints a burdensome necessity or a Scrum anti-pattern? Let's explore how to make these iterations less exacting and how Agile organizations can avoid them altogether. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 May 2021
7 best practices to ensure your CI/CD pipeline's security
CI/CD security means fortifying everything that flows through your software pipeline with securing elements -- but the pipeline itself can be a target. Lock it down with these CI/CD protective steps. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 May 2021
How to build a CI/CD pipeline -- with examples
Ready to set up a CI/CD pipeline? Follow these general steps, with guidance toward specific examples depending upon your own specific needs and resources. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 May 2021
CI/CD pipelines explained: Everything you need to know
CI/CD can transform an organization, but there's a lot to consider. This comprehensive guide explains the CI/CD pipeline stages, benefits and challenges, best practices and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 May 2021
How to address 5 common CI/CD implementation challenges
CI/CD removes the manual steps involved when you create and install application code. Address these CI/CD challenges and ease the flow of your software pipeline. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 May 2021
9 ways to infuse security in your CI/CD pipeline
Rapid release cycles need not compromise the security of an application and supporting infrastructure. Follow these guidelines to ensure security throughout your CI/CD pipeline. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 May 2021
6 ways to harness test automation in a CI/CD pipeline
Effective automated checks in CI/CD help minimize and mitigate bugs and keep software builds and deployments running on time. Try these practical tips in your pipeline. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Apr 2021
Continuous delivery vs. continuous deployment: Which to choose?
Continuous delivery and continuous deployment both compress and de-risk the final stages of production rollout. Learn how to choose the proper path for your organization. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Apr 2021
9 CI/CD best practices for DevOps teams
Building and maintaining a CI/CD pipeline requires more than just chains of automation. Adopt these CI/CD approaches to maximize your development and deployment efforts. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Apr 2021
The pros and cons of CI/CD pipelines
Many enterprises begin their DevOps journey with a continuous development and delivery pipeline. Before you get started, understand some fundamental CI/CD pros and cons. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Apr 2021
Top 15 IT project manager interview questions
Project management positions are challenging to fill. Ask all the right questions the next time you screen project manager candidates and find just the right person for the job. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Mar 2021
Clear up CI vs. CD confusion for DevOps practices
How do CI and CD differ? And how should development shops distinguish between the two? Learn more about the processes and how they've valuable in a DevOps environment. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Feb 2021
Compare Azure DevOps vs. GitHub for CI/CD pipelines
GitHub is a more recognized name in the development community than Azure DevOps, but now that Microsoft owns both tools, developers need to see how they differ and work together. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
24 Feb 2021
3 software development trends to watch in 2021
As digitization accelerates and to ensure developers are set up for success, companies should enable developer productivity and collaboration, prioritization and developer experience. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jan 2021
A guide to testing in DevOps and key strategies, practices
Here's why testers and testing are such big parts of DevOps, and some ways to further incorporate testing for better software application development. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Dec 2020
Tips to optimize IoT containers to support applications
IoT containers support IoT development, but teams must be sure to review container tools and services with their specialized IoT applications in mind. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Dec 2020
RACI matrix for project management success, with example
A lack of clarity around roles and responsibilities is a common cause of project failure. A RACI matrix can help project managers address this issue. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Nov 2020
Product vs. project mindset: Differences in software development
The rise of Agile and DevOps highlight the differences between project and product thinking in software development. Establish these roles and principles to deliver business value. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Oct 2020
Harness these three types of developer collaboration tools
More than ever, developers must work as a team to achieve business goals. Here are three types of collaboration tools to help developers work with ease. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Oct 2020
How to implement Scrum the right way
Not sure where to start with Scrum? Check out a book that covers Scrum implementation from pre-development work through retrospectives, and details the frameworks to scale Scrum. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Sep 2020
16 DevOps books to level up your skills
Is your organization and IT staff ready to tackle DevOps, from culture to strategies and toolchains? Start with these 16 books from learning DevOps basics to fine-tuning specific DevOps skills and practices. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Sep 2020
How to calculate project completion times
Good project managers deliver on schedule, despite the challenges they encounter. Become a time and resource management pro and deliver on the expected completion date. Continue Reading
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News
14 Aug 2020
Slack integrations to form alternate UI for Atlassian tools
Atlassian plans to make Slack a full alternative interface for its software development and incident response tools, including single sign-on features. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jun 2020
How to hold effective Agile sprint planning meetings
Successful Agile sprints aren't about 10x developers or all-night testing sessions. It all comes down to how you plan. Here's how to plan sprints that run in an effective way. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 May 2020
What matters most in an Agile organizational structure
Forcing an Agile approach onto team members causes more problems than it solves. 'Doing Agile Right' distills real-world experience into advice -- including when to delay change. Continue Reading
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Opinion
21 Apr 2020
Agile characteristics for internal software development teams
Not all developers create software for external users. So, what lessons can internal dev teams learn from Agile? Start with one problem at a time and iterate from there. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Apr 2020
4 ways to make a distributed Scrum team work
Distributed Scrum team members must find virtual ways to replicate the workflows, practices, tools and perks that a colocated team has access to -- from the comforts of their homes. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Apr 2020
Can we fully automate our software testing?
Your boss has jumped on the bandwagon to automate software testing. Don't despair. Software testing expert Matt Heusser walks through what to say -- and do -- to keep everyone happy. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Mar 2020
How do you run effective standup meetings?
When it comes to Agile standups, throw out the rulebook. Effective standup meetings result from flexibility, not rigidity. Follow these five guidelines to get more engagement. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Mar 2020
What's the purpose of a Gantt chart for large-scale projects?
A Gantt chart's selling point is that it's simple to understand at a glance. But a large-scale project, such as a DevOps transformation, quickly turns that advantage into a flaw. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Feb 2020
How to create clear, collaborative user story maps
Messy or unclear user story maps quickly lead to confusion and contention. Read on to learn how to structure your maps and create a shared understanding of them. Continue Reading
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Podcast
27 Feb 2020
Heed these core Scrum values to see measurable change
Why isn't Scrum paying off in faster software development and better user satisfaction with the product? Perhaps you adopted the framework without the values, says Ryan Ripley. Continue Reading
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Quiz
31 Jan 2020
Quiz yourself on Agile project management principles
Agile started out as a simple concept, which grew into a full-blown development methodology with many styles. Take this quiz to see how much you know about Agile project management. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jan 2020
Jira Roadmaps connect to Confluence, await Code Barrel
Atlassian rolled out fresh updates to its Jira Roadmaps feature and set the stage for further workflow refinements and integrations with other Atlassian software in 2020. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Dec 2019
Automation, UX among top software development goals for 2020
New Year's resolutions are a way to take stock of where we are, and where we want to be. Programmers, QA testers, UX designers and others share their software dev goals for 2020. Continue Reading
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Podcast
04 Nov 2019
Why it's time to take IT burnout seriously
Disengaged or apathetic employees are a sign of weak culture -- not weak people. In this podcast, Dr. Christina Maslach shares what IT job burnout looks like and how to address it. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Aug 2019
ALM tools face-off pits SpiraTeam vs. Jira
Development teams must adopt an ALM tool that supports its procedures and objectives. Atlassian and Inflectra cater to different size dev teams. Which tool fits your needs? Continue Reading
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Tip
31 May 2019
How Agile and DevOps leadership empowers the whole team
A dictatorial style of leadership doesn't cut it in Agile and DevOps shops. Here's how managers can ditch bad habits and instead encourage team experimentation and decision-making. Continue Reading
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Opinion
13 May 2019
Ease conflicts with software engineering project management
Development teams try many ways to balance business priorities with software quality in a project -- and most of them don't work. Here's how to keep that relationship balanced. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Apr 2019
Take a shift-left approach, but avoid developer burnout
Shift left is often a net positive for software quality. Yet, the change moves more tasks to earlier in the app dev process. Take care not to bury developers. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jan 2019
Why human instinct causes mistakes in project management
Project management isn't brain surgery, but it involves brain chemistry. A testing expert discusses how we instinctively value gains and losses and how it leads to bad decisions. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Dec 2018
Foster cross-team collaboration with IM, mind maps and more
Build a collaborative workspace that's more than just an HR slogan. These tools get teams to talk and tackle problems together. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Nov 2018
ERP implementation success: Program management vs. project management
ERP program management provides the framework to manage the portfolio of projects that ensure ERP deployment success. Here's what that looks like. Continue Reading
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News
15 Oct 2018
IBM hopes Domino version 10 gives the platform new life
IBM looks to improve its position in the collaboration software market with a buffed-up version of its venerable Domino platform that supports mobile applications. Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Oct 2018
Good teams come clean about their IT competence
How is your company culture going to stay up to date on IT trends? Don't let that question linger, since, sooner or later, you'll work with a technology you don't understand at all. Continue Reading
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News
09 Oct 2018
CI/CD workflows, IT roles lead to organizational disharmony
Divides between IT teams and roles in an organization can impede software delivery, even if they use the right tools. Some companies have chipped away at those barriers. Continue Reading
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Podcast
02 Oct 2018
Enterprise value streams' role in a software delivery model
Do software delivery teams overstress speed and discount value? Mik Kersten, CEO of Tasktop, which produces value stream tools, shares his thoughts in this Test and Release episode. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Sep 2018
Calibrate your definition of 'done' in Scrum to meet requirements
Get together with business leaders before software launches and find common ground to define done. One company's idea of perfect code is another's lurking disaster. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Aug 2018
How startups can accelerate a software product launch
At your software startup, product delivery must be top priority, even at the expense of some bells and whistles. Get creative with some shortcuts to deliver quality software. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Apr 2018
HR in the cloud turned coders into analysts at National Instruments
When National Instruments migrated its HR on-premises systems to the cloud, there was some fear about how it might impact the technical staff. The change was a positive one. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
06 Nov 2017
Guide to DevOps Enterprise Summit 2017
Industry giants are coming together once again for the annual DevOps Enterprise Summit. Learn what is trending in DevOps, IT ops, AI and machine learning. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Apr 2013
Scrum project management: Estimating with story points
Scrum project management expert Yvette Francino explains how teams use story points to estimate effort involved in developing a particular feature. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 Feb 2010
Scrum Master or Scrum project management, is there a difference?
A Scrum Master is commonly mistaken for a project manager who works in a Scrum environment. Learn what distinguishes a Scrum Master in this expert response. Continue Reading