| Inception Phase | Preliminary Iteration | Defines business model, product requirements, Software Development Plan, and business case. | Business Case Review | Clarifies user requirements up front. Develops realistic Software Development Plans and scope. Determines feasibility of project from a business point of view. |
| Elaboration Phase | E1 Iteration - Develop Architectural Prototype | Completes analysis & design for all high risk requirements. Develops the architectural prototype. | Architectural Prototype | Architectural issues clarified. Technical risks mitigated. Early prototype for user review. |
| Construction Phase | C1 Iteration - Develop R1 Beta | Implement and test key R1 requirements to provide the R1 Beta Version. Assess if the release is ready to go for beta testing. | Initial Operational Capability (R1 Beta Code Complete) | All key features from a user and architectural perspective implemented in the Beta. |
| Transition Phase | T1 Iteration - Develop/Deploy R1 Release | Deploy the R1 Beta. Fix defects from Beta, and incorporate feedback from Beta. Implement and test remaining R1 requirements. Package, distribute, and install R1 Release. Remaining low-risk R2 use cases fully detailed. | R1 Beta Test Complete R1 Code Complete R1 Product Release | User feedback prior to release of R1. Product quality should be high. Defects minimized. Cost of quality reduced. Two-stage release minimizes defects. Two-stage release provides easier transition for users. R1 fully reviewed by user community. |
| T2 Iteration - Develop R2 Internal 1 | Design, implement, and test R2 Internal 1 requirements. Incorporate enhancements and defects from R1. Deploy the R2 Internal 1. | R2 Internal 1 Test Complete | If needed, R2 Internal 1 could be released to address R1 defects, to help address customer satisfaction. |
| T3 Iteration - Develop R2 Internal 2 | Design, implement, and test R2 Internal 2 requirements Incorporate enhancements and defects from R2 Internal 2. Deploy the R2 Internal 2. | R2 Internal 2 Test Complete | R2 Internal 1 informally reviewed by user community. If needed, R2 Internal 1 could be released to address R1 defects, to help address customer satisfaction. |
| T4 Iteration - Develop/Deploy R2 Release | Package, distribute, and install R2 Release. | R2 Code Complete R2 Product Release | R2 Internal 2 informally reviewed by user community. Two-stage release provides easier transition for users. |