In the intricate world of software development, integrating new applications into a corporate network demands a strategic approach to mitigate security risks. Whether commercial or custom, software can pose threats to network security if not thoroughly vetted. Utilizing the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) framework enhances control and visibility, significantly increasing project success rates (Solomon, 2014).

Software Development Management Policies

• Initiation of Program Changes: The need for new software often arises from new organizational requirements or hardware upgrades. Identifying these needs accurately is crucial for initiating program changes effectively.
• Approval Process: Software installation requests should originate from management, with subsequent reviews by IT and security teams to assess compatibility and security implications.
• Evaluation Criteria: The necessity of new software should be justified, examining if existing applications can fulfill the requirement or if modifications are feasible without compromising security.
• Role Separation in Development: Differentiating roles within the software development process ensures a collaborative yet segregated approach to building secure applications:
  • Managers define software requirements.
  • Designers conceptualize the framework.
  • Developers code the application.
  • Administrators address security concerns and backend integration.
  • Testers validate functionality and security in controlled environments.
• Phases of Software Development: The development process encompasses several stages, each critical to the lifecycle of the software:
  • Analysis/Information Gathering: Assessing the feasibility and scope of the development project.
  • Design: Planning the software structure and flow.
  • Coding: Implementing the design through programming.
  • Testing: Ensuring the software meets functional and security standards.
  • Deployment: Introducing the software into a live environment.
  • Maintenance: Ongoing support and optimization of the software.

Transition Between Phases

Effective communication is essential when transitioning between development phases to maintain project cohesion and alignment with the original goals.

Following these guidelines not only streamlines the software development process but also fortifies the security posture of the applications being introduced to the network.

References

• Solomon, M. (2014). Security strategies in Windows platforms and applications. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Meschankina, I. (2019, February 26). Control Your Development Process Like a Pro: A Guide to SDLC.