ThoughtWorks started experimenting with Agile methods in 1999. Why? We had discovered (the hard way) that the whole Enterprise software environment was shifting underneath our feet -- new products & services required shorter time to market than traditional schedules would permit, IT solutions were becoming unmanageable in complexity, and cutting-edge technology wasn't making up the difference fast enough.

We asked our people to find a new way. A way to get new software to market as fast as possible, integrate complex sub-components into a simpler design, and leverage technology where necessary to become more efficient. We didn't just learn how to apply Agile methods; we made breakthroughs in how to deliver high-quality software quickly and reliably.

By 2001, Agile methods had spread virally across ThoughtWorks. Since then, we've been learning our share of tricks to make it work across the complex projects, distributed teams, and varying technologies we work with. The best learning: one size does NOT fit all. We adapt Agile methods to meet our clients' needs, not the other way around.

We often help our clients build their own strong foundation of software quality & delivery. As we introduce Agile methods to stabilize and enhance IT performance, our clients learn to see once-hidden barriers that continue to limit the potential of the enterprise:

• IT assets & projects that consume unnecessary resources instead of creating value
  
• Organizational structures, processes, and rewards that create dysfunction and internal competition instead of maximizing enterprise performance
• Goals, KPIs and initiatives divorced from the realities of work instead of breakthrough strategies based on operational excellence.
  

This kind of waste paralyses most companies. That's why ThoughtWorks uses Lean thinking to eliminate waste and reclaim the resources needed for our clients to delight their customers.

In order to build effective IT solutions, we look at shortest route to the end result – satisfying the customer – and we go straight across functional divisions and barriers. When we align requirements with the purpose of the enterprise, our solutions link business strategy to people, organizational structure, processes and culture. This allows IT to influence innovation in the entire company.

So building enterprise software isn't just about writing code; it's a chance to explore new ways for your business to grow.

ThoughtWorks creates solutions to meet the evolving demands of people who do real work and empower them to continuously improve. Combining Agile & Lean, we can help the whole enterprise adapt just as easily.