Development of the Android operating system is one of the recent successful projects. Android is an operating system developed in 2003 for mobile devices and tablet computers (McWhwerter and Gowell, 2012). The project was launched in 2007 to counter market domination by Apple, create a better and more efficient operating system, and improve standards of software development.
Android is open source software that allows developers and manufacturers to customize it to their liking. Therefore, device manufacturers and software developers can modify and sell it or customize it to specifications of customers. The project was very successful because of four main reasons. First, the operating system was compatible with many software applications.
In 2012, the Android version available was compatible with approximately 700,000 applications (McWhwerter and Gowell, 2012). Second, it was the first time affordable phones that operated on open source software were available in the market. Third, Android is open source software. Anyone can modify it to personal preferences or specifications.
As a result, many software developers abdicated other operating systems that were only used in accordance with specifications of developers. The number of users is a sign of its success. For example, android has dominated the Smartphone market because it controls over 75% of the Smartphone market. As of 2012, it was installed in 750 million mobile phone devices with an average rate of 1.5 million activations daily.
Fourth, Android was lightweight software that could be used in high-tech mobile gadgets. It was lighter compared to operating systems such as Symbian (McWhwerter and Gowell, 2012). As a result, many developers have used it to develop projects that improve its application in various devices.
Examples of PMBOK areas of project management include project scope management, cost management, time management, human resource management, communications management, risk management, quality management, and integration management. Project scope management involves defining required features and work requirements of a project.
Android was meant to provide a platform for touch screen mobile devices and tablet computers. It was aimed at providing a more efficient platform than the one provided by other operating systems (McWhwerter and Gowell, 2012). Project quality management involves development of quality products and maintenance of a quality project process.
Developers involved in the project ensured that they used the most advanced source codes to develop the operating system. Project risk management involves assessment of opportunities and threats that are encountered while undertaking a project. When Android was being developed, several risks were apparent.
Other established phone operating systems such as Symbian, Bada, Mobile Linux, Windows Mobile, S60, and IOS were available in the market (McWhwerter and Gowell, 2012). Therefore, competition was high and success of android was uncertain. People were using existing operating systems and it was difficult to predict Android’s chances of success in the software market.
However, developers include a feature that gave it a competitive advantage in the market. They made it into open source software and made it compatible with many applications than any other operating system. The project needed a lot of money to complete. Since developers could not raise the money required, Google offered to help. Google financed the project from beginning to end.
Afterwards, it acquired the project in 2005. Developers knew that the mobile phone operating systems market was awash with similar products. Therefore, they created a unique and quality product. This was the basis of Android’s success in the market.
In conclusion, individual skills are necessary for effective and successful teamwork. Personal skills include proper time management, creativity, and personal responsibility. For a team to work effectively, it is important to develop standards that include efficient and open communication, assignment of tasks to every member, open discussion and resolution of problems, and focus on timely completion of individual tasks.
Android is one of the recent successful projects. Its success was based on its features that included compatibility with many applications, its open source nature, and applicability in affordable mobile devices.
Reference
McWhwerter, J., and Gowell, S. (2012). Professional Mobile Application Development. New York: John Wiley & Sons.