Enterprise Release Management is a management system that is popular with big companies. Naturally, it sounds completely counterintuitive that anything related to it might be useful for a new startup that is just trying to secure its place under the sun. However, as unusual as it might sound, enterprise release management is actually based on very sound universal principles that can help run even significantly smaller operations. Here are some strategies based on ERM that you can adopt to give your emerging company a boost.
Optimal Time Management
If a company is working on different iterations of a piece of software, optimal time management is essential. Coordination between employees who are working on different aspects of a project is one of the most difficult aspects of management. For instance, if your backend developers are running late, your front-end guys might be forced to idle while waiting for them. That way costs are multiplying and the product is running late. Or perhaps all of your mobile apps are scheduled to roll out at the same time, but the teams are working at different speed. Transparency-based time management established in ERM is a perfect way to ensure a smooth process followed by a well-synchronized roll-out.
Prevent trouble by testing
Testing is an integral part of the ERM process which minimizes or eliminates problems completely. Whatever the size of the project, releasing software without a proper testing procedure can have disastrous results. Nowadays, frequent releases are the norm, and that creates plenty of room for error. Using a testing tool that covers the entire testing life cycle and supports agile and other modes of testing is a must.
Complete transparency
Enterprise release management is basically used to coordinate between teams and keep everything perfectly organized. Huge companies often have very complex projects where several teams are in the balance. For instance, one team might be working on the web application, one on the backend, one on the apps for Android, iOS and Windows phones, and one on a timely and precise software release management. While each of these teams has their own particular task, they are also all dependent on each other. Perfect and completely open communication between them is crucial, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to achieve. Even in smaller companies, where the employees might be in contact more often, precise communication is not always a given. That is why the ERM practice of complete transparency is perfect to set the scene for a successful cooperation between team members either in one or several teams.
A safety net
If push comes to shove and you realize that you have launched, but are now encountering serious problems despite all your efforts, it’s crucial that you have a safety net that you can fall back on. After all, mistakes happen, and it would be foolish not to prepare for any eventuality. ERM is focused on providing continuity. After all, in today’s IT world it is entirely unacceptable to have any, and especially longer periods of downtime. While huge companies have very obvious losses if they experience downtime, the truth is, startups can’t afford them either. The loss of revenue is not the only issue: downtime will also cost you in terms of reputation, credibility, and money for repairs (in terms of overtime). Preparing for a possible prompt roll-back is the safety switch that will minimize any unforeseen mistakes.
These strategies relate to the general organization of business and are sure to help any company no matter how big or small. After all, good communication, transparency, and a synchronized approach are crucial in any business, regardless of the field and the size of the company.
