Classifying collaborative approaches for cloud based collaborative software development

TL;DR: This paper reviews literature with an aim of presenting a classification for collaborative approaches towards context-aware Cloud-based software development, and concludes that there is no “one size fits all” approach.

Abstract: Software development is an activity involving a remix set of different people, tools, practice culture, etcetera, and working towards an end goal. Achieving the goal necessitates that all these aspects work together towards the end goal. Furthermore, the size, complexity, longevity and tight delivery timelines of software projects, form part of the rationale for collaboration in software development processes. With the advent of Cloud computing, these factors have become more pronounced. Other factors such as increased distribution, have also become part of the rationale increasing the need for better collaborative approaches. Collaboration can take numerous forms and dimensions, but that does not necessarily mean that any form of collaborative approach is good for every scenario or context. There is no “one size fits all” approach. Different development contexts may require different collaborative approaches for greater effectiveness. So, which collaborative approach is right, and which is wrong, for Cloud-based software development lifecycle? This paper reviews literature with an aim of presenting a classification for collaborative approaches towards context-aware Cloud-based software development.