A Model for Global Software Development with Cloud Platforms

Cloud Computing (CC) is a technological phenomenon that is becoming more and more important. Also Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) can increase their competitiveness by taking advantage of CC. This new computing approach promises to provide many advantages, and many SMEs are encouraged to use it. However, CC is still in its early stage - for this reason we think that it is very important to study and assess its impact on SMEs´ management processes. In this paper we propose a model for studying how Global Software Development can be facilitated using Cloud development environments, compared to a more traditional development environment. We use system dynamics to model and simulate how effective Cloud-based software development environments are for Global Software Development performed by a SMEs. Both studied environments assume a development process based on Scrum agile methodology. The proposed model could be used as a tool by the project managers to understand how Cloud Development Environments might facilitate Global Software Development.