ALM (Application Lifecycle Management)

ALM provides a framework for setting requirements and establishing processes, governance and methodologies before deploying software. In essence, it supplies the scaffolding within which software gets developed, tested and maintained.

By design, it also includes safeguards and checkoffs to ensure software meets compliance, governance, efficiency, usability, performance and other benchmarks before being released into production. Finally, ALM provides ongoing opportunities to review and adjust costs to meet changing budget requirements and productivity assessments.

Application lifecycle management tools

ALM tools essentially function as project management tools that help you bring people and processes together. Look for a tool that includes version control, the ability for teams to communicate in real time, requirements management features, estimation and project planning, source code management, and test management.

You may find all of the features you need in 1 tool, or you may need to integrate with additional tools—developer-specific tools, for example. The ALM tool you choose should also support your development process, whether it's agile, waterfall, DevOps, or something else.

Examples of ALM tools:

• Atlassian Jira

• IBM ALM solutions

• CA Agile Central

• Microsoft Azure DevOps Server

• Tuleap

• Basecamp

Benefits of ALM:-

1. Streamlined collaboration and communication

One of the primary advantages of ALM is its ability to foster seamless collaboration and communication among cross-functional teams. ALM tools provide a centralized platform where developers, testers, project managers, and stakeholders can collaborate in real time. This reduces communication gaps, minimizes misunderstandings, and ensures that all team members are on the same page throughout the development lifecycle. Whether it's sharing requirements, tracking progress, or discussing issues, ALM encourages transparency and teamwork, leading to higher-quality outcomes.

2. Better visibility

ALM offers end-to-end visibility into the software development process. With traceability features, you can easily track the evolution of requirements, changes, and defects across various stages of development. This is particularly beneficial in maintaining compliance with industry standards and regulations. Moreover, the ability to trace back to specific requirements or code changes enables quicker identification and issue resolution, reducing the risk of costly errors in the final product.

3. Project planning and management

The key to successful software development is proper planning and management. ALM tools enable teams to create and manage project plans, allocate resources, set priorities, and estimate timelines more accurately. By breaking down complex projects into manageable tasks and assigning responsibilities, ALM ensures that development efforts are aligned with business goals. Project managers can monitor progress, identify bottlenecks, and make informed decisions to keep projects on track.

4. Quality assurance and testing advantages

Quality assurance and testing are integral parts of software development that contribute to the overall reliability and performance of the application. ALM facilitates a structured approach to testing by providing tools to create test cases, manage test data, and automate testing processes. This results in more thorough and consistent testing, reducing the chances of defects reaching production. 

Additionally, ALM tools integrate with continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines, ensuring that code changes are thoroughly tested before deployment.

5. Efficient change management

In the ever-evolving world of software development, change is inevitable. ALM excels in managing change by offering features such as version control, configuration management, and change tracking. Developers can work on different versions of the code simultaneously, making it easier to experiment with new features or fixes without disrupting the main codebase. If a change leads to unforeseen issues, the ability to roll back to a previous version ensures a smoother recovery process.

6. Improved risk management

Risk is inherent in software development, ranging from technical challenges to shifting business priorities. ALM aids in risk management by providing a platform to identify, assess, and mitigate risks throughout the development cycle. By having a clear understanding of potential risks and their impact, teams can implement proactive measures to minimize disruptions and optimize decision-making.

7. Better resource allocation and utilization

Resource management is critical to ensure that projects are completed within budget and on time. ALM tools enable teams to allocate resources efficiently, whether it's assigning developers to specific tasks or optimizing hardware and software resources. This prevents resource shortages or overutilization, leading to improved productivity and cost savings.

8. Compliance and auditing support

In industries subject to strict regulatory requirements—such as healthcare or finance—compliance is non-negotiable. ALM provides the necessary tools to document processes, track changes, and maintain an audit trail. This level of documentation simplifies compliance audits and ensures that the development process adheres to industry standards and guidelines.

9. Continuous improvement through data insights

Data-driven insights are invaluable for enhancing software development processes. ALM tools generate a wealth of data, including metrics related to project progress, defect rates, and development cycle times. Analyzing these metrics enables teams to identify areas for improvement and implement iterative changes that lead to enhanced efficiency and higher-quality outcomes.

10. Future-proofing development practices

Technology trends and methodologies are constantly evolving. ALM supports the adoption of modern practices like DevOps and Agile, enabling teams to incorporate new approaches into their development process seamlessly. This adaptability ensures that your software development practices remain relevant and competitive in a constantly challenging business landscape.