Never-Ending Support Software Development Lifecycle Policy

Policy Statement

HeroDevs, Inc. is committed to delivering high-quality software products while adhering to rigorous security standards and best practices. This Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) Policy outlines the processes and procedures that govern the development, testing, deployment, and maintenance of our software offerings.

Scope

This policy applies to all Never-Ending Support software development activities, including the creation and maintenance of end of life software libraries distributed under commercial licenses. It encompasses the entire software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering to post-deployment maintenance.

Objectives

• Quality Assurance: Ensure the development of reliable, secure, and efficient software that meets the needs of our customers.
• Security: Embed security practices throughout the SDLC to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
• Consistency: Establish standardized procedures that ensure uniformity across all software projects.
• Transparency: Maintain clear documentation and communication channels to enhance collaboration and accountability.
• Governance: Perform all work in accordance with industry best practices, governance frameworks, and compliance requirements.

SDLC Phases

1. Requirements Gathering and Analysis

• Engage with stakeholders to understand and document project requirements.
• Evaluate feasibility, impact, and alignment with customer needs.
• Define clear and detailed specifications for the software.

2. Design

• Create a comprehensive software architecture and design that meets the specified requirements.
• Prioritize modularity, scalability, and maintainability.
• Incorporate security mechanisms based on industry best practices.

3. Implementation

• Develop code following coding standards and guidelines set by HeroDevs.
• Conduct regular code reviews to ensure quality and adherence to standards.
• Implement security measures, including input validation and protection against common vulnerabilities.

4. Testing

• Perform thorough testing, including unit, integration, and system testing.
• Execute security testing, including static and dynamic analysis, vulnerability scanning, and penetration testing.
• Address and rectify identified issues promptly.

5. Deployment

• Prepare and validate software for deployment in various environments.
• Follow standardized deployment procedures to minimize errors.
• Engage multiple parties, including development, security, and operational teams, for thorough review and multi-party approval before deployment.
• Monitor deployment for any anomalies and respond accordingly.

6. Maintenance

• Provide ongoing maintenance and support to ensure software remains functional and secure.
• Release timely updates and patches to address vulnerabilities and improve functionality.
• Manage end-of-life transitions for software libraries in alignment with customer needs.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Development Teams: Responsible for adhering to the SDLC phases, following coding standards, and implementing security measures.
• Security Teams: Provide guidance on security practices, conduct audits, and oversee security testing.
• Project Managers: Coordinate project activities, ensure compliance with the SDLC, and facilitate communication among teams.
• Stakeholders: Collaborate with development teams to provide clear requirements and feedback.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain detailed documentation for each SDLC phase, including specifications, design documents, and test results.
• Regularly report on project status, including progress, risks, and compliance, to relevant stakeholders.

Enforcement and Review

• Non-compliance with this policy may result in corrective actions, including retraining, process improvements, or escalation as necessary.
• Periodically review and update this policy to ensure alignment with evolving industry standards and company needs.

Policy Information

• Effective Date: August 1, 2023
• Supersedes: All prior policies and guidelines related to software development related to the Never-Ending Support program
• Policy Owner: David Welch, Chief Technology Officer

This policy outlines HeroDevs, Inc.'s commitment to delivering secure and reliable software, aligning with the needs of enterprise customers while maintaining compliance with industry best practices. The policy provides a framework for the entire software development lifecycle, focusing on quality, security, consistency, transparency, and compliance.