ISBN : 978-81-963532-2-3 (E-Book) The spiral model is called a meta model since it encompasses all other life cycle models. Risk handling is inherently built into this model. The spiral model is suitable for development of technically challenging software products that are prone to several kinds of risks. However, this model is much more complex than the other models – this is probably a factor deterring its use in ordinary projects. The different software life cycle models can be compared from the viewpoint of the customer. Initially, customer confidence in the development team is usually high irrespective of the development model followed. During the lengthy development process, customer confidence normally drops off, as no working product is immediately visible. Developers answer customer queries using technical slang, and delays are announced. This gives rise to customer resentment. On the other hand, an evolutionary approach lets the customer experiment with a working product much earlier than the monolithic approaches. Another important advantage of the incremental model is that it reduces the customer’s trauma of getting used to an entirely new system. The gradual introduction of the product via incremental phases provides time to the customer to adjust to the new product. Also, from the customer’s financial viewpoint, incremental development does not require a large upfront capital outlay. The customer can order the incremental versions as and when he can afford them. REQUIREMENTS ANALYSIS AND SPECIFICATION Before we start to develop our software, it becomes quite essential for us to understand and document the exact requirement of the customer. Experienced members of the development team carry out this job. They are called as system analysts. The analyst starts requirements gathering and analysis activity by collecting all information from the customer which could be used to develop the requirements of the system. He then analyzes the collected information to obtain a clear and thorough understanding of the product to be developed, with a view to remove all ambiguities and inconsistencies from the initial customer perception of the problem. The following basic questions pertaining to the project should be clearly understood by the analyst in order to obtain a good grasp of the problem: 20 Software Engineering Keerthana P, Manasa KN, Ganga D Bengal
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