Planning and Documenting Your Solution

In this chapter, we introduce you to the concepts of solution design and planning. The majority of the chapter covers design. We explain what design really is, as seen from a rather wide perspective, and the implications of design to a software solution. We also introduce the Microsoft Solutions Framework (MSF) 3.0 design process and explain how Microsoft advises you to design your solutions. You’ll see why solution design is so important and what it means if you choose to skip solution design. You’ll also learn how design affects the cost and quality of your final software solution. You might even restrict yourself from selling your solution to certain customers if your design doesn’t fulfill some specific design requirements. For example US federal agencies must purchase software that is designed according to the “508”1 design standard, making it accessible to employees and the members of the public who are disabled. If you fail to meet these demands, you may lose the contract.