Realities and Perspectives of Software Development in Puerto Rico: A New Analysis

Abstract

Currently, within the field of Software Engineering (SE), it has been proposed to integrate four variables to develop quality software: i.) A flexible development methodology (traditional, agile, or hybrid) and adapted to the context particular to each application, ii.) a work team (trained, experienced, highly innovative, and with leadership), iii.) cutting-edge technologies, represented in the quality of the equipment and tools (automated or semi-automated) facilitating the planning, design, and manufacturing processes of products and, iv.) the inclusion of usability techniques in the process, as a guarantee to manufacture products according to customer needs. A literature search indicates that in Puerto Rico so far, there are no published articles that allow knowing the state of the art of the SE on the Island and, therefore; the organizational schemes and the type of workgroup that predominates in software development companies are unknown. Almost twenty years after the promulgation of the Agile Manifesto, in Puerto Rico, the degree of adoption of the new paradigms is still unknown. It is necessary to search for information within companies to understand what strategies are used by developers and what benefits report with their use. This new study seeks to evaluate, synthesize and present the empirical findings on software development in Puerto Rico (PR), to contrast or update the previously collected data and to know the type of applications that are carried out on the Island, what methodologies of work are the most used, how agile methods are perceived and if the approach towards usability techniques has changed in recent decades. These aspects are central to proposing to software developers an integration framework according to their needs and the demands of their clients.