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LeSS vs SAFe - Choose the Right Agile Framework

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LeSS vs SAFe - Choose the Right Agile Framework

Explore the differences between LeSS and SAFe agile frameworks to determine the best fit for your organization's needs and goals
Blog Author
Published on
Mar 13, 2024
Views
3115
Read Time
15 Mins
Table of Content

 

Scaling an organization while maintaining agility has always been one of the biggest problems in the business environment. Among the many scaling frameworks available, two major frameworks: LeSS (Large-Scale Scrum) and SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework)stand out the most. While both aim to tackle the challenges of scaling agile practices, they do so in different ways, with unique philosophies and impacts on organizational dynamics. In this detailed article, we'll explore the origins, core principles, market presence, certification programs, organizational impacts, team structures, and more of LeSS and SAFe.

Master SAFe Agilist Certification in Bangalore with StarAgile – Enroll Now to Boost Your Career with Hands-On Training and Industry-Recognized Certification!

Origins and Evolution

SAFe, conceived by Dean Leffingwell, a distinguished entrepreneur and software development methodologist, made its debut in 2011. Dean's extensive consultancy experience with major players in the industry, including Rational Software and Rally Software, provided the fertile ground for the development of SAFe. Over the years, SAFe underwent several iterations, each aimed at refining and enhancing its scalability and applicability in diverse organizational contexts.

On the other hand, LeSS emerged from the collaborative efforts of Craig Larman and Bas Vodde, seasoned software developers with a profound understanding of large-scale product development environments. Although officially introduced as a framework in 2015, LeSS's foundations were laid much earlier through the publication of seminal books on large-scale product development. This rich history underscores the depth of knowledge and practical insights embedded within the LeSS framework.

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Major Difference between LeSS and SAFe

Aspect

LeSS

SAFe

Origins

Co-founded by Larman and Vodde, software developers.

Created by Leffingwell, entrepreneur and methodologist.

Market Presence

Relatively modest.

Widely recognized.

Certification

Basics, Practitioner, Executives.

Multiple versions, role-specific.

Consultancy Impact

Less recognition, challenges traditional structures.

Favored for compatibility with existing hierarchies.

Tooling Partnerships

Neutral stance, prioritizes simplicity.

Strong partnerships, facilitates adoption.

Organizational Design

Leaner, flatter structure.

Accommodates various layers, structured.

Team Structure

Cross-functional, minimal coordination.

Specialized, requires coordination.

Backlogs

Single shared backlog.

Multi-tiered, requires coordination.

Product Ownership

Strategic decision-making, transcends boundaries.

Delineated roles for management.

Stakeholder Engagement

Direct engagement.

Structured interactions.

Integration/Release

Decentralized, team responsibility.

Centralized coordination.

 

Market Presence and Certification Programs

SAFe's dominant presence in the market is a testament to its adaptability and scalability, catering to the diverse needs of organizations ranging from small startups to large ent

 

Scaling an organization while maintaining agility has always been one of the biggest problems in the business environment. Among the many scaling frameworks available, two major frameworks: LeSS (Large-Scale Scrum) and SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework)stand out the most. While both aim to tackle the challenges of scaling agile practices, they do so in different ways, with unique philosophies and impacts on organizational dynamics. In this detailed article, we'll explore the origins, core principles, market presence, certification programs, organizational impacts, team structures, and more of LeSS and SAFe.

Master SAFe Agilist Certification in Bangalore with StarAgile – Enroll Now to Boost Your Career with Hands-On Training and Industry-Recognized Certification!

Origins and Evolution

SAFe, conceived by Dean Leffingwell, a distinguished entrepreneur and software development methodologist, made its debut in 2011. Dean's extensive consultancy experience with major players in the industry, including Rational Software and Rally Software, provided the fertile ground for the development of SAFe. Over the years, SAFe underwent several iterations, each aimed at refining and enhancing its scalability and applicability in diverse organizational contexts.

On the other hand, LeSS emerged from the collaborative efforts of Craig Larman and Bas Vodde, seasoned software developers with a profound understanding of large-scale product development environments. Although officially introduced as a framework in 2015, LeSS's foundations were laid much earlier through the publication of seminal books on large-scale product development. This rich history underscores the depth of knowledge and practical insights embedded within the LeSS framework.

SAFe Agilist

Certification Course

2 Days of live virtual training

View course
 

Major Difference between LeSS and SAFe

Aspect

LeSS

SAFe

Origins

Co-founded by Larman and Vodde, software developers.

Created by Leffingwell, entrepreneur and methodologist.

Market Presence

Relatively modest.

Widely recognized.

Certification

Basics, Practitioner, Executives.

Multiple versions, role-specific.

Consultancy Impact

Less recognition, challenges traditional structures.

Favored for compatibility with existing hierarchies.

Tooling Partnerships

Neutral stance, prioritizes simplicity.

Strong partnerships, facilitates adoption.

Organizational Design

Leaner, flatter structure.

Accommodates various layers, structured.

Team Structure

Cross-functional, minimal coordination.

Specialized, requires coordination.

Backlogs

Single shared backlog.

Multi-tiered, requires coordination.

Product Ownership

Strategic decision-making, transcends boundaries.

Delineated roles for management.

Stakeholder Engagement

Direct engagement.

Structured interactions.

Integration/Release

Decentralized, team responsibility.

Centralized coordination.

 

Market Presence and Certification Programs

SAFe's dominant presence in the market is a testament to its adaptability and scalability, catering to the diverse needs of organizations ranging from small startups to large ent

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About Author
Ishwin Khokhar

Corporate Trainer

Experienced Agile Coach with more than a decade of experience in transforming organizations through Agile methodologies. Specializing in SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework), I guide teams to drive continuous improvement, enhance collaboration, and achieve business agility at scale. Passionate about fostering a culture of innovation.    

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