agile development lifecycle displayed as a wheel.

IFTDSS is Agile!

We are developing IFTDSS by prescribing to the Agile Development Principles. Agile describes a set of principles for software development under which requirements and solutions evolve through the collaborative effort of self organizing functional teams. It advocates adaptive planning, evolutionary development, early delivery and continuous improvement, and it encourages rapid and flexible response to change.

In short, agile development allows us to iterate quickly to produce functionality that our users need when they need it. With a focus on a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) the development team works to build the application leveraging User Stories that come from you, the user.

The Wildland Fire Management RD&A Program is responsible for the oversight of the development process and the group has contracted with IBM to build the IFTDSS app. After a fairly short amount of time the development team has meshed with the support team and the design team to create a powerful workforce to deliver functionality to out users. This collaborative environment allows us to respond to change rapidly and turn ideas into software quickly.

In May 2024, IFTDSS Geospatial Architect Geta Popa was awarded a position in IBM's Advanced Technical Eminence (ATE) program. The ATE is a nomination-only program offered to high-performing diverse technical professionals to leverage their talent and prepare them for technical leadership roles.

Those in the ATE program learn more about IBM’s technical profession paths leading to a technical leadership role. Participants identify ways to improve social and technical eminence and expand their operational, personal, and strategic networks. They explore topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Together with senior technical leaders, they develop tangible action plans to ensure readiness for their next career milestone.

Congratulations Geta!