MSF Introduction

Microsoft Solutions Framework (MSF) is a highly customizable, scalable, fully integrated set of software development processes, principles, and proven practices designed to deliver the type of guidance desired by the user when and where it is needed. MSF harvests proven guidance from inside and outside of Microsoft and provides a seamless experience with Visual Studio 2005 Team System for process automation and guidance within the software development life cycle (SDLC).

MSF provides a customized and scalable set of software development guidelines for application development improvement. MSF supports multiple process approaches, which allows the user to select the most suitable path. MSF's flexible framework can be adapted to meet the needs of any project, regardless of size or complexity. The MSF philosophy holds that there is no single structure or process that optimally applies to the requirements and environments for all projects. Yet it also recognizes that the need for guidance exists. MSF provides this guidance without imposing prescriptive detail and allows the user to customize the content provided. MSF components can be applied individually or collectively to improve success rates for the many types of projects.

The MSF vision is to provide process guidance developed for software professionals by software professionals that is productive, integrated, and extensible.

  • Productive: One of the key visions of MSF is to make people more productive. Productivity is supported through MSF's streamlined and customized presentation of process guidance. Using checklists and guidelines instead of detailed content, the user can quickly determine the requirements to complete a task or activity.
  • Integrated: Solutions and guidance are presented within the tool, via seamless integration of entire toolsets and the integration of help and MSF content. All of these elements are easily updated within MSDN and across all aspects of the tool set. The content itself is organized for easy maintenance.
  • Extensible: Process guidance and help are fully customizable within MSF. Users chose an agile or more structured approach, incorporate scenario-based development, and determine their own path through the content.

Visual Studio 2005 Team System will include two MSF methodology templates, which you can use "as-is", customize to fit your needs, or use as a foundation for creating your own process template:

  • MSF for Agile Software Development
  • MSF for CMMI® Process Improvement

CMMI® is a registered trademark of Carnegie Mellon University.