Project organization

Efficient processes and procedures based on RUP, PMBOK and MSF methodologies, ISO9001:2000 certified quality assurance system, reliance on modern technologies and development standards from Microsoft, IBM, Oracle and other vendors make it possible to ensure a reliable, controllable and transparent project management process and the best price/performance ratio for our customers.

Relationship management and communications excellence is provided by:

• Personal account manager for each customer regardless of the project size responsible for overall customer relationships
• 2 level communications:
  • Business Level: top management of both parties and account manager are involved in partnerships terms negotiation, strategic relationships planning;
  • Project Level: project coordinators from both sites are involved in on-going project planning, management and monitoring
• Daily communications by means of phone, email, Web, tele- and video conferencing
• Remote project management using Web-based tools  - regularly updated Project Repository (On-line access to project information transparent to Customer; Status monitoring, change management; Secure VPN connection (if required)

Aplana’s Project Methodology is fully documented: producing of internal regulating documents was a vital part of ISO 9000:2001 certification process performed by TUV Cert, Germany. The detail description of Project Management Methodology is provided in Aplana’s Software Quality Management Guide.

Aplana employs adapted versions of the above methodologies; in most of projects we follow RUP or combination of RUP and MSF methods. In most offshore projects we use RUP standard templates.  Aplana’s advantage is the ability to adapt internal project methodology to customer standards for the design and development.
 

In all remote projects we employ a Web-enabled portal as a solution for effective offshore project management and monitoring. All project materials are stored and regularly updated on a dedicated Intranet Web-site with restricted access. Project repository is regularly updated and usually includes:

• Requirements Database
• Schedules & Estimations
• Textual Project & Development Materials
• Versions Archive
• Tracking Database 

 Using an Internet browser, project coordinators from both sites obtain on-line access to all project details. This approach gives both parties the opportunity to rapidly coordinate all orders, carry out change control and monitor project status on a daily basis. The Project Repository is managed by the following Rational Software and Microsoft tools:

• Requirements management: Rational Requisite Pro
• Change management: Rational Clear Quest
• Configuration management: Rational Clear Case, MS Visual Source Safe
• Project planning: MS Project, MS Project Central

Secure connection over the VPN (Virtual Private Network) is established.