Executive Summary
This white paper explores the transformative impact of generative AI (GenAI) on the software development life cycle (SDLC). The integration of GenAI is posited to significantly reduce manual efforts, cut development times, and enhance software quality and security by automating complex tasks and providing predictive insights. The key hypothesis is that GenAI can reduce manual efforts by up to 50%, significantly decrease development times, and improve the quality and security of software across its life cycle. The improvements vary by phase of the life cycle and an enterprise’s maturity level. In addition, as with any new technology, its application requires specialized knowledge and skills to avoid pitfalls that could impede the software development life cycle.
This paper combines the industry standard frameworks for Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) and Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) with multiple surveys and interviews conducted by ISG to assess the impact of GenAI on software development.