Simon & Schuster’s audio division saw an opportunity to leverage existing Pimsleur language lesson content into a new iPhone application. The new product would be tailored to the iPhone mobile platform with features useful to travelers on-the- go. The business case for the new app was based on low-cost reuse of existing intellectual property in a new format – gaining profits from a sunk cost. They would need to limit the development cost, and release the new app as soon as possible in order to beat other brand-name language products to the iPhone market.

ThoughtWorks used its Offshore Agile development capability to minimize cost and meet the schedule. Midway through the 10-week timeline, the business users recognized an issue with one of the user interface elements. ThoughtWorks’ Offshore Agile with its reliance on frequent business team showcases of real functionality meant that the team was able to address the issue as soon as it came up, and the original 10-week schedule was maintained. S&S’ audio division was able to launch the product, beating other brand name competitors to market.

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