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The article focuses on efficient information technology (IT) development in government sector in the U.S. It discusses how a mix of agile and lean thinking can bring more efficient IT development. It argues that agile development and lean management can lead to more cost-effective, timely production of information technology that better meets users' needs.

The article reflects on the U.S. Army's agile process which is the new approach for development, acquisition and accomplishment of war missions. It mentions that process includes assessment and evaluation of military personnel's for their preparation to undergo combat military operations. An overview of the modernization techniques of the armed forces through development of necessary software and associated warfare equipments for success in the war field is also included.

Today's DoD acquisition environment relies on the DoD 5000 series of guidelines. Nothing in the DoD 5000 series precludes the use of Agile methods. In fact, Agile methods provide both tactical and strategic benefits. However, achieving these benefits is not likely to occur without changes to the traditional DoD mindset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the execution a multiproduct distributed environment of GE Healthcare's Imaging Solution in the U.S. It mentions that the program implementation has experienced some challenges such as the length of the cycle time on projects, the ability to integrate customer-requested modifications, and marketing and engineering barriers. To deal with such issues, the waterfall software development methodology of the unit has been replaced by an agile-based scrum approach.

The article discusses the trends that are producing a change in business intelligence (BI) in the U.S. It states that one factor in this change is the employment of BI departments of agile development due to the economic recession. Another trend that is shaping the future of BI is the operationalization, where business intelligence systems and operational systems are brought together. It also notes that predictive analytics is the key to the future of BI.

The article discusses the significance of lean approaches for agile development in the U.S. It is noted that the agile approach was formed due to the need of building a software quickly and at a higher-quality level. It reveals that the lean principles has helped in coming up with solutions to several cultural and organizational problems related to software development.

The article discusses the various factors involved in the agile development of computer software in the U.S. It explores the recommendations provided by the authors of the "Manifesto for Agile Software Development" which provides assistance to developers in enhancing the performance of computer software. These include considering customers in the application of process and equipment to be included in the development process, meeting the needs of customers of customers in making software design, and revising plans. It states that considering the ways will help developers prevent the failures involved in software development.

The DoD is facing challenges to rapidly deploy operational capabilities in complex environments where bridging legacy and new technologies are key to success. The challenges arise as a result of diminishing budgets and the need for new capabilities to operate in war environments, including the global war on terrorism. To balance this imperative need with rapid response, we found that our developed Agile life-cycle paradigm was a viable solution to meet challenges brought about by changes in the environment. This article demonstrates how a DoD program used an Agile approach, throughout every phase of the program's life cycle, to rapidly field capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statistics are presented from an Accenture-NASCIO study in the U.S. entitled "Unleash the New: State Governments Get Agile," on state governments' use of agile practices on information technology (IT) projects.

The article tackles the Sentinel case management project of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FDI). It notes that Lockheed Martin is demoted into a support role as the FDI is working to reduce its reliance on contractors. It also offers information on agile development projects and states that the programming teams working for the projects develop capabilities in increments as a way of staying closely aligned with business requirements.

The article discusses the release of Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) technique for the U.S. government from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). It states that the technique focuses on the strategic technologies development which includes electronic warfare (EW), communications and networking, and positioning, navigation and timing (PNT). It also mentions that the agency is searching for system approaches for EW techniques for advanced networked and agile systems.

An interview with Scott W. Ambler, an International Business Machines Corp. practice leader for agile development in the U.S., is presented. Ambler points out the importance of scalability in most organizations which involves team distribution, regulatory compliance and organization culture. He cites that bureaucracy is considered a significant cultural challenge to agile adoption.

The article focuses on the move of government agencies to turn to Agile development methodologies as it face shutdown threats and the inability of the Congress to pass an annual budget in the U.S. The move speed up software projects to demonstrate the value of new systems. It features Agile development methodology's iterative format with short development cycles designed to produce deliverables in an ongoing basis and emphasizes on collaboration among developers.