How the Client-Server Application Development Process Works

Once you request our services, the development of your application begins. Here are the steps we take during the development process:

1. A UCit project lead will meet with you to gather detailed information on the scope of your application.
2. After this initial meeting we will provide you with a written proposal based on our analysis.
   1. The proposal will include:
      • Summary of the project      
      • Estimated cost for developing written requirements
      • Estimated cost for application development, testing and implementation.
3. Upon your acceptance, a project lead will begin the requirements phase of your application.   
   1. An updated estimate will be provided detailing the remaining cost of development
   2. Use cases (requirements) are documented and presented to the client
   3. Client makes a go or no go decision
      • Client is responsible for the cost of developing requirements.  If client decides not to go forward with the project, all work will stop and client will be billed only for the completed requirements phase.
      • Project development teams consist of a Senior Applications Analyst and one or more developers (Application Analyst).  Current rates are $86 per hour for Senior Application Analyst and $59 per hour for an Application Analyst/Developer. http://www.uc.edu/ucit/billing/ucit_services.html
4. Development will begin once the estimate is approved for the design, development and implementation phase of the project.
   1. A project timeline will be provide with milestones and estimated completion dates.
   2. Strict change control will be enforced during development.  If requirements changes or new features are requested, the client will be presented with a cost estimate and a new project timeline.
   3. Unit testing will be performed by Custom Solutions staff throughout the development phase.
5. Integration testing will be completed before the application is turned over to the client for user acceptance testing.
   1. Custom Solutions staff will perform a full end-to-end testing of the application
   2. Security testing will be performed to ensure any vulnerabilities are uncovered and corrected.
6. When development and internal testing are completed, the project enters the User Acceptance testing phase.
   1. Client is provided with a test plan
   2. Client is responsible for full participation in the testing process (Acceptance phase)
   3. Use cases are followed to ensure all requirements are met
   4. Client signs off on the project indicating that full testing is complete.  This must occur one week before the implementation date.
7. An implementation date is set by the project lead.
8. A project closure document is sent out to the client indicating final project status.
9. Client is billed for project.  Total cost to include original amount specified in the estimate plus the total cost for those items