IT contracts and agile method

Update of 24 March 2023 click here

What is the agile method in IT contracts?

The agile method, described in the "Agile Manifesto", is sparkling computing, or dancing, where you don't bother too much with plans, documentation, tests, negotiations, you develop live and we see if it works. It's IT in action, on the field, like in rugby (“scrum” or “scrum” method), requiring “sprints” and using dynamic project management, adapted to “sprints”. Thus, today's project management software has its “sprint” version.

The measurement of the effort deployed: measurement by points and not by day/man or by result achieved, based on an estimate by the service provider of the duration and complexity required to develop the functionality, without guarantee of a result of predetermined set at a given time.

It is immediacy that is sought, adaptation to changing needs, maximum client/provider cooperation. Thus the “agile” service order IT contract, the “Agile Contract” must reflect these specificities.

The service provider team acts very close to the sponsor, which distorts the usual assessments in terms of responsibility and invoicing. The service provider does not benefit from any guarantee of turnover or sustainability of the relationship.