Hybrid software and system development in practice: Initial results from Austria

Abstract

The application of software process models in industry includes traditional processes, agile processes, and process variants that aim at balancing traditional and agile with focus on specific industry needs. To investigate the characteristics of such hybrid software and system development approaches that combine agile and traditional approaches the HELENA project was initiated. HELENA is based on a large international survey. Based on the first HELENA survey, conducted in 2016, in 2017 a second round of surveys has been launched. This paper focuses on initial results and discussions of the data from Austria where 22 persons participated. Results showed a good balance of small and medium enterprises and large organizations. Iterative development processes and Scrum are widely spread in these organizations where traditional approaches are often combined with some agile practices.