Efficient and Flexible: Software Product Development with A12

Efficient development and long-term adaptability are central challenges for product managers and developers. How can time-to-market shorten without sacrificing quality and scalability? How can a product remain technically modern and easy to maintain over years?

The A12 development platform by mgm addresses these issues directly. It was instrumental in creating the Q12-TMT test management tool—a software product that continuously evolves and stays flexible thanks to A12. “We quickly realized that A12 was the right choice. It let us focus on the software’s business aspects while leveraging proven solutions,” says Oliver Storch, Project Manager, mgm Q12-TMT.

A12 offers companies a tested foundation for building durable software products. During the development of Q12-TMT, the platform provided the necessary tools. “A12 enabled us to represent most of the business logic in models, allowing us to focus on the logic and processes required for the test management tool,” Storch adds.

Advantages of Product Development with A12

A12 implements the Model-Driven Software Engineering (MDSE) approach comprehensively. Business requirements translate directly into models, often bypassing traditional specification documents. Subject-matter experts can independently create models that accurately reflect processes and structures. This separation of business logic and technology offers significant benefits:

  • Faster Adaptations: Business changes can be implemented without altering the code.
  • Future-Proofing: Technical innovations progress independently of business models.
  • Lower Maintenance Costs: Development efforts remain manageable over the long term.

One real-world example demonstrates how A12 delivers these advantages. Q12-TMT was developed in only nine months—from requirements analysis to Minimum Viable Product (MVP). A12 provided the technological basis for rapid, sustainable results.

Q12-TMT Development: Rapid Results with A12

Development began in October 2021. The goal was to replace Testrail with a tailored solution for large enterprise projects. A proof of concept (PoC) was ready in just 12 weeks, validating the feasibility and core requirements.

A12 Platform: Reduced project costs through aligned standards, a future-proof foundation, and model-driven processes

The MVP followed nine months later, featuring key functions like creating, managing, planning, and executing test cases. A small team of two developers, two domain experts, and one test automation specialist achieved this using the A12 platform. The integrated CI/CD pipeline reduced the need for additional DevOps support.

The “eat your own dog food” approach helped mgm continuously improve the tool’s quality and usability by using it internally.

Efficiency Through Templates and Tools

Templates and tools played a key role in the success of Q12-TMT. A12 offers a comprehensive development framework ready from day one:

  • A12 Project Template: Standardized frameworks that can be customized.
  • CI/CD Pipeline: Fully integrated pipelines for continuous software delivery.
  • Helm A12 Stack: Deployment-ready on Kubernetes clusters, saving time and resources.
  • Q12 Quality Landscape: A toolset for test data generation, UI test automation, performance, and security testing.

These tools minimize initial development efforts while ensuring long-term quality and maintainability.

The A12 Platform: A Solid Technical Foundation

A stable backbone drives innovative software development. The A12 platform offers a robust, proven foundation based on open-source technologies, maintained and updated regularly. For the Q12-TMT project team, this meant they could focus on business requirements while the A12 team managed the platform’s maintenance and updates.

A Continuously Improving System

Unlike custom projects, where post-launch adjustments occur but the technical foundation often stagnates, A12 ensures ongoing evolution through regular updates. Security vulnerabilities get addressed, new features roll out, and flexibility grows without compromising stability.

Flexibility Meets Standardization

A12’s open architecture balances stability and flexibility. Tailored extensions are possible at every level, with numerous extension points easing customization. In unique cases, A12 allows access to underlying open-source technologies.

Thanks to the open architecture, a product developed with A12 can be expanded at any level.

This flexibility comes with responsibility—extensive customizations can complicate future platform updates. Finding a balance ensures long-term benefits, allowing customization without disrupting the update process.

“Q12-TMT continues to evolve,” emphasizes Storch. “Every A12 upgrade brings new features and innovations. We benefit not only from these improvements but also from experiences gained in other projects. This platform approach provides a future-proof foundation that delivers rapid technological advancements and integrates ongoing developments.”

Curious about how A12 can transform your product development?

Talk to our A12 expert!

Thomas Kneist

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