This presentation was created for the SATURN conference series and does not necessarily reflect the positions and views of the Software Engineering Institute.

The trends of outsourcing software development and introducing Agile practices are not new. However, there is a growing emphasis on combining outsourcing with Agile to achieve greater total combined benefits. This fusion of benefits has the potential for major productivity gains in both commercial and government enterprises; however, if the acquisition model is not also transformed to be agile, the compound risks can overwhelm the benefits.

Agile software architecture practices are the pivotal element in transforming traditional acquisition into holistic Agile outsourcing. Architecture frameworks, reference models, and abstract release plans provide the necessary input to Agile contracting activities to define a clear vision, goals, and release cadence while allowing the flexibility in scope to realize the benefits of Agile and maintain an acceptable balance of risk. The resulting collaboration interface between client and supplier drives Agile practices.

This presentation will draw on current Agile enterprise-transformation efforts underway at various Hewlett-Packard clients in the commercial and government sectors to illustrate Agile outsourcing scenarios and degrees of agility introduced into an outsourcing enterprise.

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PRESENTATION