Agile methods have been typically associated with software development. However, considerable growth and maturity of the commercial application marketplace has prompted many organizations to adopt the policy of "package first, custom development second" in fulfilling business application needs. Fitting these commercial systems to customer requirements remains problematic.

Bob Faught will provide an overview of a case study whereby Agile techniques were adapted for package selection and integration of a mission critical system involving multiple business units and stakeholders. The end result was delivery of a quality product that met customer expectations using the values of the Agile Manifesto.

In this presentation we will explore how the basic elements of Agile methods were adapted to the application solution decision process. We will examine how Agile techniques were applied to discovery, evaluation, selection, configuration and pilot testing.

As we move forward in the commercial software arena with the evolution of component-based software engineering, Agile methods will play an increasing role in selection and adoption of solutions that fit customer use patterns.