Methods And Tools For Software Configuration Management

A comprehensive guide to the principles and practice of configuration management--the management of software system components during updating or replacement of elements. Features of commercially available tools are described enabling critical evaluation of their effectiveness. Designed primarily as a reference for professional system designers and project managers, it will also be useful to software engineering students. Covers the entire project lifecycle and goes on to discuss topics such as version management, configuration identification, change control, the software library, automated system building and more.

Stereotypes portray software engineers as a reckless lot, and stereotypes paint software configuration management (SCM) devotees as inflexible. Based on these impressions, it is no wonder that projects can be riddled with tension! The truth probably lies somewhere in between these stereotypes, and this book shows how proven SCM practices can foster a healthy team-oriented culture that produces better software. The authors show that workflow, when properly managed, can avert delays, morale problems, and cost overruns. A patterns approach (proven solutions to recurring problems) is outlined so that SCM can be easily applied and successfully leveraged in small to medium sized organizations. The patterns are presented with an emphasis on practicality. The results speak for themselves: improved processes and a motivated workforce that synergize to produce better quality software.

The basics of configuration management; An introduction to configuration management; Basic configuration management concepts; what next?; What tool do I use to get started?; Configuration management for the individual; Introduction to configuration management for the individual; Nightly development operations with RCS; Release operations; Maintenance operations; Beyond the basics; Choosing a tool for yourself; Recommendations for projects and problems; Next steps for the individual...; Configuration management for the team; Introduction to configuration management for the team; Getting the rest of the team involved with the process; Daily individual development operations with RCS; Daily team interactions; Group activities - pulling it all together; Group activities - getting something out the door again; Beyond the basics; Choosing a tool for your team; Recommendation for teams and team projects; Next steps for a team; Tools; What software is available for configuration management; Tool comparisons; Free, public domain, and shareware tools; Commercial tools; Appendices; Index.

An effective systems development and design process is far easier to explain than it is to implement. A framework is needed that organizes the life cycle activities that form the process. This framework is Configuration Management (CM). Software Configuration Management discusses the framework from a standards viewpoint, using the original

Anne Mette Jonassen Hass explains the principles and benefits of a sound configuration management strategy. This volume is designed to help the professional put that strategy into action.

Successfully Implement High-Value Configuration Management Processes in Any Development Environment As IT systems have grown increasingly complex and mission-critical, effective configuration management (CM) has become critical to an organization’s success. Using CM best practices, IT professionals can systematically manage change, avoiding unexpected problems introduced by changes to hardware, software, or networks. Now, today’s best CM practices have been gathered in one indispensable resource showing you how to implement them throughout any agile or traditional development organization. Configuration Management Best Practices is practical, easy to understand and apply, and fully reflects the day-to-day realities faced by practitioners. Bob Aiello and Leslie Sachs thoroughly address all six “pillars” of CM: source code management, build engineering, environment configuration, change control, release engineering, and deployment. They demonstrate how to implement CM in ways that support software and systems development, meet compliance rules such as SOX and SAS-70, anticipate emerging standards such as IEEE/ISO 12207, and integrate with modern frameworks such as ITIL, COBIT, and CMMI. Coverage includes Using CM to meet business objectives, contractual requirements, and compliance rules Enhancing quality and productivity through lean processes and “just-in-time” process improvement Getting off to a good start in organizations without effective CM Implementing a Core CM Best Practices Framework that supports the entire development lifecycle Mastering the “people” side of CM: rightsizing processes, overcoming resistance, and understanding workplace psychology Architecting applications to take full advantage of CM best practices Establishing effective IT controls and compliance Managing tradeoffs and costs and avoiding expensive pitfalls Configuration Management Best Practices is the essential resource for everyone concerned with CM: from CTOs and CIOs to development, QA, and project managers and software engineers to analysts, testers, and compliance professionals.