Agile Adoption – Crossing the Chasm

Business activities are rapidly changing nowadays and there are increasingly complex requirements set on programming solutions. That puts traditional software development methods also called heavyweight behind and leads to the need for different approaches. Modern approach is called agile or lightweight. Heavyweight methodologies, also considered as the traditional way to develop software, emphasis on comprehensive planning, detailed documentation, and expansive design. Unlike traditional methods, agile methodologies employ short iterative cycles, and rely on tacit knowledge within a team. What is new about Agile methods is not the practices they use, but their recognition of people as the main driving force which can lead to project success,. Heavyweight methodologies, also considered as the traditional way to develop software, emphasis on comprehensive planning, detailed documentation, and expansive design. Unlike traditional methods, agile methodologies employ short iterative cycles, and rely on tacit knowledge within a team. This paper described the characteristics of some agile methodologies and tries to understand what is the driving force behind adoption of these methodologies?’, what orgnisations have gained and lost after adopting these methodologies and what can be the future of these methodologies?