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{{Primary sources|date=December 2010}}

'''Microsoft Solutions Framework''' (MSF) is a set of principles, models, disciplines, concepts, and guidelines for designing [[Application software|application]]s from [[Microsoft]].

[[Category:{{Software development]] process}}

'''Microsoft Solutions Framework''' ('''MSF''') is a set of principles, models, disciplines, concepts, and guidelines for delivering [[information technology]] services from [[Microsoft]]. MSF is not limited to developing applications only; it is also applicable to other IT projects like deployment, networking or infrastructure projects. MSF does not force the developer to use a specific [[methodology]] (such as the [[waterfall model]] or [[agile software development]]).

== Goals ==

== GoalsHistory ==

Microsoft Solutions [[Framework]] (MSF) is a set of [[software engineering]] [[process]]es, principles, and proven practices intended to enable [[Software developer|developer]]s to achieve success in the [[software development life cycle]] (SDLC). MSF provides an adaptable guidance, based upon experiences and [[best practice]]s from inside and outside of Microsoft, to increase the chance of successful delivery of an [[information technology]] solution to the customer by working fast, decreasing the number of people on the [[project team]], averting [[Risk management|risk]], while enabling high [[Quality Assurance|quality]] results.

MSF was first introduced by Microsoft as version 1.0 in 1993, and a version 2.0 was released in 1997.

== Components ==

In 2002, MSF version 3.0 was released. It modified version 2.0 in the following ways:

The Microsoft Solution Framework version 4.0 is a combination of a metamodel which can be used as a base for prescriptive software engineering processes, and two customizable and scalable software engineering processes. The MSF metamodel consists of foundational principles, a team model and cycles and iterations.

* Combined previously separate models into unified Team and Process models designed for application across a variety of project types including deployment, enterprise software integration, and development projects.

* Folded the Application Development and Infrastructure Deployment models into a single Process Model consisting of five phases.

* Added Project Management and Readiness Management Disciplines.

* Made changes to the Risk Management Discipline.

* Added links between MSF and the Microsoft Operations Framework (MOF).

* Added an MSF Practitioner Program designed to train individuals to lead or participate in MSF projects.<ref name="keeton">{{cite book |last=Keeton |first=Marlys |title=Microsoft Solutions Framework (MSF): A Pocket Guide |publisher= Van Haren Publishing |date=April 2006 |isbn=90-77212-16-7 |page=15}}[https://www.infinitygroup.co.uk]</ref>

MSF version 4.0 was released in 2005. The release was a major refresh of the Process Model (now called the Governance Model) and the Team Model.<ref>{{cite book |last=Turner |first=Michael S. V. |title=Microsoft Solutions Framework Essentials: Building Successful Technology Solutions |publisher=Microsoft Press |date=2006-08-30 |url=https://archive.org/details/microsoftsolutio00turn |isbn=0-7356-2353-8 |url-access=registration }}</ref> MSF 4.0 included techniques for two separate methodologies: MSF for [[Agile software development|Agile Software Development]] (MSF Agile) and MSF for [[Capability Maturity Model Integration|CMMI Process]] Improvement (MSF4CMMI).<ref>{{citation|url=https://geekswithblogs.net/cyoung/archive/2005/12/16/63354.aspx|title=MSF 4.0 and Microsoft Team Services}}</ref>

MSF 4.0 provides a higher-level framework of guidance and principles which can be mapped to a variety of prescriptive process templates. It is structured in both [[Prescription and description|descriptive and prescriptive]] [[Methodology|methodologies]]. The descriptive component is called the MSF 4.0 [[metamodel]], which is a theoretical description of the SDLC best practices for creating SDLC methodologies. Microsoft is of the opinion that organizations have diverging dynamics and contrarily priorities during their [[software development]]; some organizations need a responsively and adaptable software development environment, if others need a standardized, repeatable and more controlled environment. To fulfil these needs, Microsoft represent the metamodel of MSF 4.0 in two prescriptive methodology templates that provide specific process guidance, named Microsoft Solutions Framework for Agile Software Development (MSF4ASD) and Microsoft Solutions Framework for Capability Maturity Model Integration Process Improvement (MSF4CMMI). Note that these software engineering processes can be modified and customized to the preferences of organization, customer and project team.

== Components ==

The MSF philosophy holds that there is no single structure or process that optimally applies to the requirements and environments for all sorts of projects. Therefore MSF supports multiple process approaches, so it can be adapted to support any project, regardless of size or complexity. This flexibility means that it can support a wide degree of variation in the implementation of software engineering processes while retaining a set of core principles and mindsets.

The Microsoft Solution Framework versionMSF 4.0 is a combination of a metamodel which can be used as a base for prescriptive software engineering processes, and two customizable and scalable software engineering processes. The MSF metamodel consists of foundational principles, a team model and cycles and iterations.

The Microsoft Solutions Framework Process Model consists of series of short development cycles and iterations. This model embraces rapid [[Iterative and incremental development|iterative development]] with continuous learning and refinement, due to progressive understanding of the business and project of the [[stakeholder]]s. Identifying requirements, product development, and testing occur in overlapping iterations resulting in incremental completion to ensure a flow of value of the project. Each iteration has a different focus and result in a stable portion of the overall system.

MSF 4.0 provides a higher-level framework of guidance and principles which can be mapped to a variety of prescriptive process templates. It is structured in both [[Prescription and description|descriptive and prescriptive]] [[Methodology|methodologies]]. The descriptive component is called the MSF 4.0 [[metamodeling|metamodel]], which is a theoretical description of the [[Systems development life cycle|SDLC]] best practices for creating SDLC methodologies. Microsoft is of the opinion that organizations have diverging dynamics and contrarilycontrary priorities during their [[software development]]; some organizations need a responsivelyresponsive and adaptable software development environment, ifwhile others need a standardized, repeatable and more controlled environment. To fulfilfulfill these needs, Microsoft representrepresents the metamodel of MSF 4.0 in two prescriptive methodology templates that provide specific process guidance, named Microsoft Solutions Framework for Agileagile Softwaresoftware Developmentdevelopment (MSF4ASD) and Microsoft Solutionsfor Framework forthe [[Capability Maturity Model Integration Process Improvement]] (MSF4CMMI). Note that theseThese software engineering processes can be modified and customized to the preferences of organization, customer and project team.

=== Foundational Principles ===

The MSF philosophy holds that there is no single structure or process that optimally applies to the requirements and environments for all sorts of projects. Therefore, MSF supports multiple process approaches, so it can be adapted to support any project, regardless of size or complexity. This flexibility means that it can support a wide degree of variation in the implementation of software engineering processes while retaining a set of core principles and mindsets.

The following are the eight foundational principles, which form the backbone for the other models and disciplines of MSF:

The MicrosoftMSF Solutionsprocess Framework Process Modelmodel consists of series of short development cycles and iterations. This model embraces rapid [[Iterative and incremental development|iterative development]] with continuous learning and refinement, due to progressive understanding of the business and project of the [[Project stakeholder|stakeholders]]s. Identifying requirements, product development, and testing occur in overlapping iterations resulting in incremental completion to ensure a flow of value of the project. Each iteration has a different focus and result in a stable portion of the overall system.

1. Foster open communication

== References ==

2. Work toward a shared vision

{{reflist}}

== External links ==

3. Empower team members

*[httphttps://wwwtechnet.microsoft.com/techneten-us/itsolutions/msflibrary/bb497060.aspx Microsoft Solution Framework home page]

4. Establish clear accountability and shared responsibility

5. Focus on delivering business value

6. Stay agile, expect change

7. Invest in quality

8. Learn from all experiences

=== MSF Models ===

MSF consists of two models:

1. MSF Team Model. It describes the role of various team members in a software development project.

2. MSF Process Model. It describes the different stages in processing for a project.

=== MSF for Agile Software Development methodology ===

The MSF for [[Agile software development|Agile Software Development]] (MSF4ASD) is intended to be a light weight, iterative and adaptable process.

The MSF4ASD uses the principles of the agile development approach formulated by the [[Agile Alliance]]. The MSF4ASD provides a process guidance which focuses on the people and changes. It includes learning opportunities by using iterations and [[evaluation]]s in each iteration.

=== MSF for Capability Maturity Model Integration Process Improvement methodology ===

The MSF for [[Capability Maturity Model Integration|Capability Maturity Model® Integration]] Process Improvement (MSF4CMMI) has more artifacts, more processes, more signoffs, more planning and is intended for projects that require a higher degree of formality and ceremony.

The MSF4CMMI is a [[Formal methods|formal methodology]] for software engineering. [[Capability Maturity Model]]® was created at the [[Software Engineering Institute]] of [[Carnegie Mellon University]], and is a process improvement approach that provides organizations with the essential elements of continuous process improvement resulting in a reduced SDLC, improved ability to meet the cost and schedule targets, building products of high quality. The MSF4CMMI has extended the MSF4ASD guidance with additional formality, [[Software review|review]]s, [[Formal verification|verification]] and [[Software quality audit|audit]]. This results in a SEP that relies on process and conformance to process rather than relying purely on trust and the ability of the individual team members. The MSF4CMMI has more mandatory documents and reports than the agile version, and this more formal development process reduces risk on large software projects and provides a measurable status. One of the benefits of using the CMMI process is the standard evaluation by which one can compare the ability to develop software in other organizations.

==External links==

*[http://www.microsoft.com/technet/itsolutions/msf/ Microsoft Solution Framework home page]

*[http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/teamsystem/msf/ Microsoft Solution Framework in Visual Studio 2005 Team System]

*[http://www.microsoft.com/mspress/books/10250.aspx MSF Essentials book]

*[http://www.NorthStarAnalytics.com/msf MSF Resources at North Star Analytics]

[[Category:Microsoft|Solutions Framework, Microsoft]]

[[Category:Microsoft development tools|Solutions Framework, Microsoft]]

[[Category:Project management]]

[[Category:Software development]]

[[Category:Agile software development]]

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