SDLC-I: Software requirements

Software requirements are the requirements that are given to the developer based on which they build new software. Software requirements could be functional or technical in nature. Broadly software requirements can be divided in two parts as – business process and business rules. Software requirements lifecycle can be defined in following steps:
1. Initial discussions – in this phase the top officials of the two parties (customer and vendor) discuss broadly the business requirements that are required to be built in the software.
2. Detailed discussions – this phase comprises of a team from vendor side that goes to meet the respective process owners of customer to understand the details of each process and the rules to build in.
3. Documentation – the requirements (process and rules) in the above process need to be documented in a clear manner because this is going to be the basis of software.
4. Forms and Reports – any forms and reports that are in business practice and have to be built in the software will have to be collected.
5. Sign Off – Never forget to get the complete document signed off by customer key users and top management