Microsoft Solutions Framework Essentials (Pro-Developer (Paperback))
| 2006-09-01 00:00:00 | | 0 | Programming
Get the hands-on guidance you need to understand how to work with the Microsoft Solutions Framework (MSF), Version 4. MSF is a deliberate and disciplined approach to technology projects based on a defined set of principles, models, disciplines, concepts, guidelines, and proven practices from Microsoft. MSF has a long history of helping teams and organizations become more successful in delivering business-driven technology solutions to their customers. Written by an expert with extensive experience consulting and training people in the use of MSF during the software development lifecycle, this essential reference explains MSF in easy-to-understand terms with practical examples and case studies. It sets the stage for better understanding the specializations of MSF (such as MSF for Agile Software Development and MSF for CMMI® Process Improvement) that have been released as part of Microsoft Visual Studio Team System.
User review
Nice Microsoft Publication
This is one of the best books I've ever read of Microsoft Solutions Frameworks, it explains with real user cases in order to apply them to real life, It's a nice guiadance to begin using this methodology.
User review
Very Good
I purchased this book to help me on my job. It was in good condition and served its purpose.
User review
Very good process framework description
A very good description of the MSF processes. Concise and essential; before reading this book I even didn't know of the existence of Microsoft Solutions Framework: at the end of the book I have confidence with the processes and the models.
The only thing that could be emproved is the description of Principles and Mindsets, that I found a little bit abstract.
Anyhow I strongly reccomand this book for all MSF neofites.
User review
Many good ideas on the SDLC
This book explores version 4 of Microsoft's Solutions Framework, the high-level guidelines Microsoft follows for their software development lifecycle. MSF, and hence this book, is rather abstract. Therefore, it won't tell you step by step what you should do. But hopefully you are aware that there is no such thing as perfect SDLC process- each situation demands finding the best solution for the specific context involved.
This book has some great points - from the foundational principles such as `foster open communications` and `partner with customers` to the way project `phases` are renamed `tracks` to emphasize their overlap. And therein lies the strength of this book - it forces the reader to consider just about everything that should be considered from inception through delivery of a software project.
In terms of drawbacks, the biggest one is that the book focuses virtually exclusively on huge teams in huge projects. The paragraph or two talking about combining advocacies is entirely insufficient. Even when one person handles most of a project, all the aspects need to be considered and covered. One drawback the book avoided was focusing on Microsoft and/or Microsoft technologies. Aside from a couple of minor plugs for specific product, this book is technology and product agnostic.
Overall, this book is well-written and useful.
User review
Excellent material!
This is a mandatory reference to anyone who wants to use MSF in projects. In this book, Mike presents all the essential concepts and how to apply them.