Agile Software Development and Ticketsolve

8 years ago the Ticketsolve founders were running a technology consultancy company. Their goal was to improve software process and production at companies such as Vodafone, BT and the like - specifically using Agile software methods. Along the way, they worked with companies large and small creating software and harnessing new technologies and innovations.

"We met Jameson Dublin International Film Festival some 8 years ago. At that time, we were solidly a technology company, working to improve software processes and building customer software ourselves for a variety of clients. This meant we had some of the best and brightest in software development working with us. Our development team - then and now - really understands how software can improve businesses. How it needs to be user friendly, efficient and utilise technology not for the sake of it - but for real results." - Sean Hanly

But back to JDIFF. They needed ticketing and box office software that could support multiple venues, be reliable, scale for big sell outs and be affordable. They looked in the marketplace - but there was nothing that met their needs. They tasked us with building them ticketing and box office software that fulfilled their needs well into the future.

That early collaboration set the pattern for how Ticketsolve is run today. When we started working with JDIFF, we of course used Agile. The methodology stresses iterative development and close collaboration between developers and customers. It is focused on building working software and responding changes quickly.

As the manifesto states: Individuals and interactions over Processes and tools Working software over Comprehensive documentation Customer collaboration over Contract negotiation Responding to change over Following a plan.

What that means is that customers get working software faster, which means they can see it in action quickly, give feedback quickly and get a new iteration back - quickly. It is not all about speed however, Agile uses extensive, regular (think every day/hour) testing to ensure the software is of top quality.

For us, Agile fits seamlessly into our collaborative way of working. We work very closely with our customers to ensure they get exactly what they need to deliver results. Agile allows to create this close working relationship with each of our customers.

From a business point of view, it means we have really streamlined our software process - we do a lot with less. Since our early days, over 160 customers are now using Ticketsolve everyday as a core part of their business. Ticketsolve has evolved into more than just a box office solution and provides deep CRM, marketing and sales and reporting functionality as well.

As for JDIFF? We are proud to still have them onboard with Ticketsolve.