ZAP Development uses a standard software development methodology when developing applications and services.  Further explanation of the methodology is included below.  Adhering to this approach has enabled us to deliver successfully on many different projects. 

Microsoft Expertise - Our expertise lies with the .NET platform and the Microsoft architecture in general.  Over the years we have developed and honed our skills with almost every iteration of Microsoft software and product.  We have been developing with .NET since its commercial release more than 2 years ago.  During that time, we have developed a deep understanding of its underlying architecture and limitations.  We have worked with numerous component add-ins with .NET, and built our own.  From a Microsoft standpoint, here is a list of all of the applications, products, and technologies we have worked with:

All versions of Microsoft Operating Systems	Sharepoint
.NET	IIS
Microsoft Access	ADO
Microsoft Office	COM/DCOM
Visual Basic	Exchange
Active Server Pages	Outlook/Outlook Express
Visio	Javascript / VBScript
SQL Server	SOAP
XML/XSL	Web Services
CMS	ODBC
	Wireless Application Development

  We have developed all types of applications on these platforms or with these products including:

• our own content management system
• secure credit card/e-commerce applications
• search tools
• tracking systems and notification tools
• scanning applications
• event management/calendars
• digital asset management tools
• attraction management
• email newsletter tools
• media relations management system

We like to employ an object-oriented approach to development.  We will maximize code re-use and extensibility whenever possible.  In addition, we develop with performance in mind, utilizing both the .NET environment and the underlying database architecture (usually SQL Server) to maximize efficiencies and increase performance. 

The following are a few of the standard practices we utilize for all projects, pertaining to the technical development as well as communication within a project. 

Software development methodology

We employ a standard software development methodology when developing applications and services.  Below is a brief description of the methodology that we follow.

For the majority of our technical projects, we typically follow a standard Software Development Life Cycle process to complete the project.  The primary development process steps are listed below:

1. Discovery and Requirements Gathering:  We will gather the system requirements for any additional customizations during initial project discovery meetings.  We realize as the project progresses, new requirements or requests may arise.  These new requirements or requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
2. Specifications: Following the formal discovery and requirements gathering phase, we will develop any additional information architecture diagrams and system specifications.
3. Design and Build: From this specification and framework, we will strive to maximize code re-use and extensibility.  As modules are built, we will periodically review to insure adherence to requirements and needs.
4. Testing:  As modules are completed, we will unit test the particular modules with any external integration points.  Finally, when all modules are complete, we will perform integrated testing on the entire application from start to finish.
5. Implementation:  After final testing is complete, we will install the application into a production environment.  After undergoing a final production test, the system will be complete and ready for use.