What Is This?

The purpose of this site is to provide an “encyclopedia” of information about Agile and related methods. Although the site is presently supported only by the Scrum Alliance, it is not intended to be a Scrum-only site in any way. We propose to provide as broad and deep a view of all the information topics relating to Agile, Lean, and even plan-based methods. We propose to cover as many named as we can: Scrum, XP, Kanban. Who knows, perhaps even DSDM.

This site is based in part on the Agile Skills Project, which identified nine “pillars”, classifying skills that Agile teams and individuals would find valuable. There are at least that many more areas where skills have been identified. We hope to cover them all. Material from the Agile Skills Project will be moved here in some form. Mechanics for that are yet to be determined.

The "center" of the site is "Core Scrum". This is a Scrum Alliance supported description of Scrum. It is consistent with other definitive descriptions, and is the basis for the Scrum Alliance's CSM test. Surrounding the Core, we have many authors' “primer” view of Scrum. We believe that this combination provides a better sense of what Scrum really is, on the ground and in the minds of its practitioners, than any single document might.

Site Organization

Surrounding the "Core", we have GASPs -- Generally Accepted Scrum Practices. These are practices and ideas which are generally believed to be consistent with Scrum, and to be useful in many cases. As with all the sections, this one will be growing over time.

Then there is "Commentary". Commentary includes the Scrum Primers, but also includes other articles relating to Scrum, Agile, Lean, and so on. 

We also envision a "Controversy" section, where topics are described and discussed where there is still active discussion and disagreement. At this writing, there's nothing there yet. You could be the first!

Project Status

We are using LeanKit to track our progress on the project. There are two boards, one for work on the site itself, Agile Atlas Site Development, and one for editorial work, Agile Atlas Editorial Flow. [Clicking the links will take you to the LeanKit site, which does not require registration, but will ask for your timezone.]

Comments and Feedback

We want constructive feedback from anyone who has it, and will welcome article proposals from anyone who would like to submit. Inquire via contacts, or direct email to Ron Jeffries and Chet Hendrickson if you would like to write an article for us. We will negotiate with you on the subject and input format, and wok with you through the acceptance process. 

Enjoy!!