| Many theoretical development practices exist for creating multimedia systems. Most of these development models are orientated towards building traditional information systems, where the requirements are usually well understood. Multimedia systems, like the industry itself, are evolving rapidly, therefore new tools and techniques are constantly being published. Such rapid change results in clients of such systems lacking full awareness of the capabilities of multimedia systems, thus making it difficult to define their requirements. Some of the current models are able to respond to scenarios such as this, but others cannot. This research surveyed multimedia developers within Australia in order to find the most widely used development model(s) within the industry, and the rationale for their use. The results indicate that there is no specific approach to creating multimedia systems. Developers tend to use a range of different methodologies. The motives for using a variety of approaches are also examined.
The development of any computer software system has a common characteristic: a software development life cycle. This life cycle is a period of time that commences at the proposal to develop a system, and usually terminates when the system is complete and handed over to the client. It involves analysing the requirements of the system; designing and implementing a solution; testing and installation. In many cases, an ongoing support stage occurs, where the system may be modified or updated should the need arise. These stages may be performed repeatedly, or overlap with each other.
Developers of traditional Information Systems (IS) use a range of software engineering methodologies. With the progressive escalation of multimedia applications, it remains unclear if developers are applying these same methodologies. This paper investigates the most widely used methodologies to develop multimedia systems, and the reasons for their adoption. |