Enterprise-Scale Agile Software Development is the collective sum of knowledge accumulated during the full-scale transition of a 1400-person organization to agile development-considered the largest implementation of agile development and Scrum ever attempted anywhere in the world. Now James Schiel, a certified Scrum trainer and member of the Scrum Alliance, draws from his experience at the helm of that global four-year project to guide you and your organization through the transition. He lends his insight on how you can use Scrum as an organizational framework and implement XP practices to define how software is written and tested. He provides key information and tools to assess potential outcomes and then make the best corresponding choices in any given situation. Schiel sequences chapters to match typical developmental progression, and in addition to practical guidance, he provides a tool kit from which you can take ideas and select what works for you. Covering quality development practices based on ISO 9001, which help you create consistently high-quality software in a cost-efficient manner, this invaluable resource shows you how to- Improve project management practices and product quality assurance Adopt new management methods and requirements Involve your current customers in development, while inviting new ones Much more than a mere "body of knowledge," this volume goes beyond standardizing agile and Scrum practices. It breaks up the process into manageable tasks, illustrating how to set the stage for the change, plan it, and then initiate it. Using the methods and information presented, any organization should be able to achieve a nearly seamless transition to agile.

This book deals with a topical issue relating to the use of script in Japan, one which has the potential to reshape future script policy through the mediation of both orthographic practices and social relations. It tells the story of the impact of one of the most significant technological breakthroughs in Japan in the latter part of this century: the invention and rapid adoption of word-processing technology capable of handling Japanese script in a society where the nature of that script had previously mandated handwriting as the norm. The ramifications of this technology in both the business and personal spheres have been wide-ranging, extending from changes to business practices, work profiles, orthography and social attitudes to writing through to Japan's ability to construct a substantial presence on the Internet in recent years.

The hybrid/heterogeneous nature of future microprocessors and large high-performance computing systems will result in a reliance on two major types of components: multicore/manycore central processing units and special purpose hardware/massively parallel accelerators. While these technologies have numerous benefits, they also pose substantial performance challenges for developers, including scalability, software tuning, and programming issues. Researchers at the Forefront Reveal Results from Their Own State-of-the-Art Work Edited by some of the top researchers in the field and with contributions from a variety of international experts, Scientific Computing with Multicore and Accelerators focuses on the architectural design and implementation of multicore and manycore processors and accelerators, including graphics processing units (GPUs) and the Sony Toshiba IBM (STI) Cell Broadband Engine (BE) currently used in the Sony PlayStation 3. The book explains how numerical libraries, such as LAPACK, help solve computational science problems; explores the emerging area of hardware-oriented numerics; and presents the design of a fast Fourier transform (FFT) and a parallel list ranking algorithm for the Cell BE. It covers stencil computations, auto-tuning, optimizations of a computational kernel, sequence alignment and homology, and pairwise computations. The book also evaluates the portability of drug design applications to the Cell BE and illustrates how to successfully exploit the computational capabilities of GPUs for scientific applications. It concludes with chapters on dataflow frameworks, the Charm++ programming model, scan algorithms, and a portable intracore communication framework. Explores the New Computational Landscape of Hybrid Processors By offering insight into the process of constructing and effectively using the technology, this volume provides a thorough and practical introduction to the area of hybrid computing. It discusses introductory concepts and simple examples of parallel computing, logical and performance debugging for parallel computing, and advanced topics and issues related to the use and building of many applications.

Whether you're already in the cloud, or determining whether or not it makes sense for your organization, Cloud Computing and Software Services: Theory and Techniques provides the technical understanding needed to develop and maintain state-of-the-art cloud computing and software services. From basic concepts and recent research findings to future directions, it gathers the insight of 50 experts from around to present a global perspective on the range of technical topics related to cloud computing and Software as a Service (SaaS). The book also: Reviews real cases and applications of cloud computing Discusses the infrastructure cloud and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) Considers data- and compute-intensive environments Examines security and reliability in the cloud Witten in a manner that makes this complex subject easy to understand, this is an ideal one-stop reference for anyone interested in cloud computing. The accessible language and wealth of illustrations also make it suitable for academic and research-oriented settings. The comprehensive coverage supplies you with the understanding of cloud computing technologies and trends in parallel computing needed to establish and maintain effective and efficient computing and software services.

Build 12 robotics models using LEGO WeDo 2.0. This book features models created especially to introduce LEGO enthusiasts to hardware and software concepts while creating robots inspired by natural wildlife. You'll learn the basics behind different mechanisms and principals required to build walking robots. Simultaneously, make your model "come to life" by incorporating powerful yet simple programming techniques. For every model, go through all the phases to explore each robot's functionality, solve problems using creativity, identify issues, and propose solutions. The authors's expertise working in education, mathematics, programming, electronic, and robotics came together to produce this book. The methodology used is designed to help you discover new knowledge, that has been used historically in science. It relies on observation, measurement, experimentation and formulation, analysis, and modification of hypotheses. All activities are carried out following the methodology created by the authors called 5 phases of educational robotics (5PER), which are: design, construction, programming, testing and, finally, documenting and sharing With Robotics Models Using LEGO WeDo 2.0 you'll create solutions to specific, tangible problems while building fun and engaging LEGO models and learning to program them to accomplish basic tasks. What You'll Learn Create your own LEGO WeDo 2.0 inventions using the design principles in this book Understand the mechanics behind animal motions by developing robotic prototypes and how they interact with our environment through the use of sensors and actuators Solve problems by using an iconographic programming language for the implementation of algorithms Who This Book Is For LEGO enthusiasts and students who want to prototype solutions to challenges using mechanical and computer science engineering. Teachers and parents of younger LEGO enthusiasts will also find the book a helpful guide to introducing the world of robotics in a dynamic and fun way.

Although sophisticated wireless radio technologies make it possible for unlicensed wireless devices to take advantage of un-used broadcast TV spectra, those looking to advance the field have lacked a book that covers cognitive radio in TV white spaces (TVWS). Filling this need, TV White Space Spectrum Technologies: Regulations, Standards and Applications explains how white space technology can be used to enable the additional spectrum access that is so badly needed. Providing a comprehensive overview and analysis of the topics related to TVWS, this forward-looking reference contains contributions from key industry players, standards developers, and researchers from around the world in TV white space, dynamic spectrum access, and cognitive radio fields. It supplies an extensive survey of new technologies, applications, regulations, and open research areas in TVWS. The book is organized in four parts: Regulations and Profiles-Covers regulations, spectrum policies, channelization, and system requirements Standards-Examines TVWS standards efforts in different standard-developing organizations, with emphasis on the IEEE 802.22 wireless network standard Coexistence-Presents coexistence techniques between all potential TVWS standards, technologies, devices, and service providers, with emphasis on the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) recent regulations and policies, and IEEE 802.19 coexistence study group efforts Important Aspects-Considers spectrum allocation, use cases, and security issues in the TVWS network This complete reference includes coverage of system requirements, collaborative sensing, spectrum sharing, privacy, and interoperability. Suggesting a number of applications that can be deployed to provide new services to users, including broadband Internet applications, the book highlights potential business opportunities and addresses the deployment challenges that are likely to arise.

This book provides techniques for offshore center managers and head office managers to motivate and manage globally distributed teams, which are spread across the offshore center and the head office, and thereby achieve higher productivity. Readers learn how to integrate the offshore center with the head office to make the offshore team an extension of the head office. While integrating teams with the head office, offshore center managers can still retain independence and authority to meet team aspirations. The book provides insight into devising new organizational structures to balance the authority and responsibilities of offshore center and head office managers. Head office managers responsible for managing globally distributed projects learn how to achieve a higher success rate on their projects and be better rewarded for their efforts in offshoring. Head office managers also learn techniques to make more significant contributions in their expatriate assignments to the offshore center. This book guides both the offshore center managers and the head office managers to fully realize the potential of the offshore center, which can result in higher revenues and profitability.

Mastering cluster technology-the linking of servers-is becoming increasingly important for application and system programmers and network designers, administrators, and managers. With Microsoft's Windows NT cluster server being the first to tie cluster technology with a major operating system, it appears destined to take a leadership position in the industry. Introduction to Microsoft Windows NT Cluster Server provides all you need to know to develop your abilities for this essential technology. The author provides both introductory and advanced material focused on the three basic functions: fault tolerant computing (failover), load balancing, and centralized administration and monitoring. He guides the reader from the basics of cluster servers, through Microsoft's cluster server set-up, communication, programming, and administration. Written for professionals who are familiar with the Windows NT operating system and have programming experience, Introduction to Microsoft Windows NT Cluster Server contains information instrumental in helping you achieve zero downtime.

"The International Handbook of Computer Security" is designed to help information systems/computer professionals as well as business executives protect computer systems and data from a myriad of internal and external threats. The book addresses a wide range of computer security issues. It is intended to provide practical and thorough guidance in what often seems a quagmire of computers, technology, networks, and software.
Major topics discussed are: security policies; physical security procedures; data preservation and protection; hardware and software protection and security; personnel management and security; network security, internal and external systems; contingency planning; legal and auditing planning and control.

A bold, visionary, and mind-bending exploration of how the geometry of chaos can explain our uncertain world - from weather and pandemics to quantum physics and free will Covering a breathtaking range of topics - from climate change to the foundations of quantum physics, from economic modelling to conflict prediction, from free will to consciousness and spirituality - The Primacy of Doubt takes us on a unique journey through the science of uncertainty. A key theme that unifies these seemingly unconnected topics is the geometry of chaos: the beautiful and profound fractal structures that lie at the heart of much of modern mathematics. Royal Society Research Professor Tim Palmer shows us how the geometry of chaos not only provides the means to predict the world around us, it suggests new insights into some of the most astonishing aspects of our universe and ourselves. This important and timely book helps the reader makes sense of uncertainty in a rapidly changing world.

Fifteen years ago, a company was considered innovative if the CEO and board mandated a steady flow of new product ideas through the company's innovation pipeline. Innovation was a carefully planned process, driven from above and tied to key strategic goals. Nowadays, innovation means entrepreneurship, self-organizing teams, fast ideas and cheap, customer experiments. Innovation is driven by hacking, and the world's most innovative companies proudly display their hacker credentials. Hacker culture grew up on the margins of the computer industry. It entered the business world in the twenty-first century through agile software development, design thinking and lean startup method, the pillars of the contemporary startup industry. Startup incubators today are filled with hacker entrepreneurs, running fast, cheap experiments to push against the limits of the unknown. As corporations, not-for-profits and government departments pick up on these practices, seeking to replicate the creative energy of the startup industry, hacker culture is changing how we think about leadership, work and innovation. This book is for business leaders, entrepreneurs and academics interested in how digital culture is reformatting our economies and societies. Shifting between a big picture view on how hacker culture is changing the digital economy and a detailed discussion of how to create and lead in-house teams of hacker entrepreneurs, it offers an essential introduction to the new rules of innovation and a practical guide to building the organizations of the future.

Experts from Andersen Consulting show you how to combine computing, communications, and knowledge to deliver a uniquely new-and entirely indispensable-competitive advantage.

Lead, Follow, or get out of the way
Your company's ability to sustain a competitive advantage is in jeopardy. Your competitors can imitate and improve faster than ever. You need to find ways to help your company discover and deliver and astounding solution, control its costs, and move on the next astounding solution.

Web-based computing is the vital technology enabler for today's most important business opportunities, like E-Commerce. It is also the flexible foundation for future solutions. However, because of the complexities and difficulties it represents, it can be critical hurdle for IT shops and for an entire business.

Enterprise Systems Architecture: Building Client/Server and Web-Based Systems is your guide through these complexities as you integrate your technology capabilities with your strategy, people, and processes to deliver astounding solutions. It
· Introduces you to basic principles and concepts, provides an overview of state-of-the-art in client/server and Web-based computing models, and develops a solid business case for implementation.
· Acquaints you with various technologies involved and describes a comprehensive network computing architecture.
· Details crucial analysis, design, and implementation issues, including design specifics for architectures, applications, and network; rollout strategies; and ongoing management of distributed operations.
· Explores emerging technologies and their likely impact on the future of netcentric computing.

Here you'll find detailed information on the architectures and frameworks for network-based computing … strategies for designing and implementing solutions … strategies and methods for security. It also provides a full framework for testing applications, and in-depth discussion of transition frameworks for these environments, detailed costs and frameworks for managing the client/server environment, and much more.

Today's enterprise cannot effectively function without a network, and today's enterprise network is almost always based on LAN technology. In a few short years, LANs have become an essential element of today's business environment. This time in the spotlight, while well deserved, has not come without a price. Businesses now insist that LANs deliver vast and ever-increasing quantities of business-critical information and that they do it efficiently, flawlessly, without fail, and most of all, securely. Today's network managers must consistently deliver this level of performance, and must do so while keeping up with ever changing, ever increasing demands without missing a beat. At the same time, today's IT managers must deliver business-critical information systems in an environment that has undergone radical paradigm shifts in such widely varied fields as computer architecture, operating systems, application development, and security.

The Local Area Networks Handbook focuses on this collective environment, in which networking and information technology work together to create LAN-based enterprise networks. Topics have been selected and organized with this in mind, providing both depth and breadth of coverage. The handbook will provide you not only an understanding of how LANs work and how to go about selecting and implementing LAN products, but also of how to leverage LAN capabilities for the benefit of your enterprise.

The Systems Development Handbook provides practical guidance for the r ange of new applications problems, featuring contributions from many i ndustry experts. The book provides step-by-step charts, tables, schema tics, and a comprehensive index for easy access to topics and areas of related interest. Topics include cooperative processing; the transiti on to object-oriented development; rapid application development tools and graphical user interfaces (GUIs); database architecture in distri buted computing; development tools and techniques, including design, m easurement, and production; and more.

Concurrent systems are generally understood in terms of behavioral notions. Models for Concurrency analyzes the subject in terms of events and their temporal relationship rather than on global states. It presents a comprehensive analysis of model theory applied to concurrent protocols, and seeks to provide a theory of concurrency that is both intuitively appealing and rigorously based on mathematical foundations.
The book is divided into three main sections. The first introduces the required concepts from model theory, details the structures that are used to model concurrency, gives an in-depth description and explanation of the semantics of a simple language that allows concurrent execution of sequential programs, and deals with the question of resolving executions into higher-level and lower-level granularities. The second and third sections apply the theory developed to practical examples, and an exposition of the producer/consumer problem with details of two solutions is given. The author also deals with message passing, as opposed to shared memory.

All Inventory is not created equal. Inventory classification is the backbone of distribution profitability. Important inventory management criteria such as customer service level, margin, days supply and EOQ can not be applied across the board by vendor or product category. Therefore, different types of items must be managed differently. Inventory Classification Innovation: Paving the Way for Electronic Commerce and Vendor Managed Inventory takes a quantum leap forward and explores inventory classification techniques used successfully in large multi-branch distribution for over 25 years. In his book Broeckelmann develops the innovative concepts of Type and Stock Code classifications.
Type classification is based on the fundamental characteristics of an SKU - Cost and Demand. The author details a proven method of segmenting inventory by cost and demand to recognize the difference in SKUs; thereby allowing appropriate classification and the ability to treat different SKUs differently. Type allows implementation of the important inventory management criteria to classes of items that are homogeneous, independent of vendor or product category. Stock Code deals with the quantitative/subjective differences of how a product could be purchased and distributed in a multi-branch environment. Stock Code ignores vendor and product categories and allows purchasing and distribution based on item fundamentals such as 'required inventory' and 'central warehouse stock only', etc.
Timing is critical. Don't rely on ineffective ABC methods, or worse try to reinvent the wheel for e-commerce. This book presents a new and unique method for inventory management and pricing matrix development to meet the needs of the virtual marketplace. You will find the techniques to start thinking beyond the one-size-fits-all approach of the ABC Inventory Method, and begin using the innovative Type & Stock Method. Inventory Classification Innovation truly paves the way for electronic commerce and Vendor Managed Inventory.

BTEC National for IT Practitioners: Systems Units has been written specifically to cover the systems pathway of the BTEC National specifications. This book caters for one of the most popular pathways in the BTEC National specifications, bringing together all the key specialist units for students who have chosen the systems route, including the core units specific to this pathway that aren't covered in the core unit book. When used alongside its companions for the core units and business pathways, this series delivers the most accessible and usable student textbooks available for the BTEC National. Units covered: Unit 11 - Data Analysis and Design Unit 22 - Network Management Unit 13 - Human Computer Interaction Unit 28 - IT Technical Support Unit 16 - Maintaining Computer Systems Unit 29 - IT Systems Troubleshooting and Repair Written by an experienced tutor, each unit is illustrated with assessment activities, end-of-chapter questions, case studies and practical exercises. The result is a clear, straightforward textbook that encourages independent study and acts as a reference to various topics within the qualification.

This volume contains information about the automatic acquisition of biographic knowledge from encyclopedic texts, Web interaction and the navigation problem in hypertext.

The book presents the current standards of digital multiplexing, called synchronous digital hierarchy, including analog multiplexing technologies. It is aimed at telecommunication professionals who want to develop an understanding of digital multiplexing and synchronous digital hierarchy, in particular, and the functioning of practical telecommunication systems, in general. The text includes all relevant fundamentals and provides a handy reference for problem solving or defining operations and maintenance strategies. The author covers digital conversion and TDM principles, line coding and digital modulation, signal impairments, and synchronization, as well as emerging systems.

Piezoelectric Materials and Devices: Applications in Engineering and Medical Sciences provides a complete overview of piezoelectric materials, covering all aspects of the materials starting from fundamental concepts. The treatment includes physics of piezoelectric materials, their characteristics and applications. The author uses simple language to explain the theory of piezoelectricity and introduce readers to the properties and design of different types of piezoelectric materials, such as those used in engineering and medical device applications. This book: Introduces various types of dielectrics and their classification based on their characteristics Addresses the mathematical formulation of piezoelectric effects and the definition of various piezoelectric constants Describes the structure and properties of practical piezoelectric materials such as quartz, lead zirconate titanate, barium titanate, zinc oxide, and polyvinylidene fluoride Covers the entire gamut of piezoelectric devices used in engineering and medical applications Discusses briefly the use of piezoelectric materials for energy harvesting and structural health monitoring Explores new developments in biomedical applications of piezoelectric devices such as drug delivery, blood flow and blood pressure monitoring, robotic operating tools, etc. Elaborates on design and virtual prototyping of piezoelectric devices through the use of FE software tools ANSYS and PAFEC Giving design engineers, scientists, and technologists the information and guidance they will need to adopt piezoelectric materials in the development of smart devices, this book will also motivate engineering and science students to initiate new research for developing innovative devices. Its contents will be invaluable to both students and professionals seeking a greater understanding of fundamentals and applications in the evolving field of piezoelectrics.

As the dividing line between traditional computing science and telecommunications quickly becomes blurred or disappears in today's rapidly changing environment, there is an increasing need for computer professionals to possess knowledge of telecommunications principles. Telecommunications and Networking presents a comprehensive overview of the interaction and relationship between telecommunications and data processing. The book's early chapters cover basic telecommunications vocabulary, common nomenclature, telecommunications fundamentals, as well as the important relationships among coding, error detection and correction, and noise. Later chapters discuss such topics as switching, timing, topological structures, routing algorithms, and teleprocessing. Other topics covered in detail include specific concerns inherent to computer communications, such as protocols, error detection and correction, network monitoring and security, and system validation. System designers and programmers can no longer be effective simply by understanding the tradeoffs between hardware and software. Telecommunications and Networking provides both computing professionals and students the fundamental computer communications concepts necessary to function in today's computer industry.

The fourth in the "Inside" series, this volume includes four theses completed under the editor's direction at the Institute for the Learning Sciences at Northwestern University. This series bridges the gap between Schank's books introducing (for a popular audience) the theories behind his work in artificial intelligence (AI) and the many articles and books written by Schank and other AI researchers for their colleagues and students. The series will be of interest to graduate students in AI and professionals in other academic fields who seek the retraining necessary to join the AI effort or to understand it at the professional level.
This volume elaborates the Case-Based Teaching Architecture. A central tenet of this architecture is the importance of acquiring cases, and being able to retrieve and use those cases to solve new problems. The theses address the problems of building case bases, indexing large amounts of data contained within those case bases, and retrieving information on a need-to-know basis. They also reflect the work of researchers at the Institute to design tools that enable software programs to be built more effectively and efficiently.

Parallel Supercomputing in MIMD Architectures is devoted to supercomputing on a wide variety of Multiple-Instruction-Multiple-Data (MIMD)-class parallel machines. This book describes architectural concepts, commercial and research hardware implementations, major programming concepts, algorithmic methods, representative applications, and benefits and drawbacks. Commercial machines described include Connection Machine 5, NCUBE, Butterfly, Meiko, Intel iPSC, iPSC/2 and iWarp, DSP3, Multimax, Sequent, and Teradata. Research machines covered include the J-Machine, PAX, Concert, and ASP. Operating systems, languages, translating sequential programs to parallel, and semiautomatic parallelizing are aspects of MIMD software addressed in Parallel Supercomputing in MIMD Architectures. MIMD issues such as scalability, partitioning, processor utilization, and heterogenous networks are discussed as well.This book is packed with important information and richly illustrated with diagrams and tables, Parallel Supercomputing in MIMD Architectures is an essential reference for computer professionals, program managers, applications system designers, scientists, engineers, and students in the computer sciences.

Classical and Fuzzy Concepts in Mathematical Logic and Applications provides a broad, thorough coverage of the fundamentals of two-valued logic, multivalued logic, and fuzzy logic. Exploring the parallels between classical and fuzzy mathematical logic, the book examines the use of logic in computer science, addresses questions in automatic deduction, and describes efficient computer implementation of proof techniques. Specific issues discussed include: oPropositional and predicate logic oLogic networks oLogic programming oProof of correctness oSemantics oSyntax oCompletenesss oNon-contradiction oTheorems of Herbrand and Kalman The authors consider that the teaching of logic for computer science is biased by the absence of motivations, comments, relevant and convincing examples, graphic aids, and the use of color to distinguish language and metalanguage. Classical and Fuzzy Concepts in Mathematical Logic and Applications discusses how the presence of these facts trigger a stirring, decisive insight into the understanding process. This view shapes this work, reflecting the authors' subjective balance between the scientific and pedagogic components of the textbook. Usually, problems in logic lack relevance, creating a gap between classroom learning and applications to real-life problems. The book includes a variety of application-oriented problems at the end of almost every section, including programming problems in PROLOG III. With the possibility of carrying out proofs with PROLOG III and other software packages, readers will gain a first-hand experience and thus a deeper understanding of the idea of formal proof.

The fourth in the "Inside" series, this volume includes four theses completed under the editor's direction at the Institute for the Learning Sciences at Northwestern University. This series bridges the gap between Schank's books introducing (for a popular audience) the theories behind his work in artificial intelligence (AI) and the many articles and books written by Schank and other AI researchers for their colleagues and students. The series will be of interest to graduate students in AI and professionals in other academic fields who seek the retraining necessary to join the AI effort or to understand it at the professional level.
This volume elaborates the Case-Based Teaching Architecture. A central tenet of this architecture is the importance of acquiring cases, and being able to retrieve and use those cases to solve new problems. The theses address the problems of building case bases, indexing large amounts of data contained within those case bases, and retrieving information on a need-to-know basis. They also reflect the work of researchers at the Institute to design tools that enable software programs to be built more effectively and efficiently.