Few weeks back, Microsoft Azure published a white paper about a Proof Of Concept (POC) guide for developers. Intent of the paper is to share what POC is and how it would help minimize risk and reduce cost while exploring new technology or an idea.
Guide uses Azure application as an example on how to create and execute a POC.
POC guide can be downloaded from here.
Brief Overview
Guide touch-bases and share details around:
- POC Introduction
- Steps of a POC
- Example 1: Sample Azure web app
- Example 2: Sample Azure chatbot
Additionally, it covers overview of Azure and where to find interactive learning path for beginners. It also shares additional resources that can help develop an Azure based application.
What is Proof of Concept?
Proof of concept (POC) is validating an idea or a concept about it’s feasibility, capability and provides helpful insights. They are scoped to limited features and are generally done in a quick and dirty manner to acquire some metrics.
A proof of concept is an important first step in cultivating business innovations.
How to prepare for and start your POC?
We can get a good POC following a defined set of basic steps:
- Defining a goal with success criteria
- Setting up a timeline and cost boundaries
- Scoping the feature(s) for the POC
- Designing, Implementing & Testing
- Measure metrics to deduce insights
- Take decisions based on the insights
Closing Thoughts
POCs are great way to validate an idea or a technology or a concept. With it, we can take a data back decision for a project that would reduce risk, provide a higher success probability and a conscious cost decision. It also help gauge probable next steps needed once adopted as a mainstream solution.
Provided document is a nice compile and provides a systematic approach for building a POC. With couple of examples, it demonstrates the steps in action. Definitely worth a read.
Don’t ever shy away from building and using a POC to explore and learn.
Keep exploring!