Internet Software Engineering: A Different Class of Processes

This paper describes empirical research into Internet software development practices. The focus of our study is to develop an understanding of the features that characterize Internet software development. Based on a Grounded Theory analysis of data collected in nine US software development organizations, we identify three factors that influence Internet software development processes: demand for rush to market, operating in a different kind of market environment and the lack of experience developing such products. Though many of the characteristics of the development processes identified in our study may be observed in traditional software development, the intensity with which they apply and together distinguish Internet software development. The differences include a distinct collection of methods, tools, and management techniques for software engineering, and embody a unique development culture and negotiable software quality.