Speed, data, and ecosystems: excelling in a software-driven world

摘要

This book is a masterful exposition of how to develop large software programs, aimed at business leaders but useful to others. "Speed" refers to shortening the time required to get new software to the customer. "Data" refers to maximizing the usefulness of data, particularly data about actual customer use. "Ecosystems" describes making best use of industry capabilities outside the company, to maximize the effectiveness of internal research and development (R&D). The book's unifying model, "stairway to heaven," consists of five stages of growth: traditional development, agile development, continuous integration, continuous deployment, and R&D as an innovation system. The last stage is created when the company's R&D is focused only on what differentiates the company. (The author's research indicates that in most companies, only a small part of the software development being done results in increasing the company's competitive advantage.)