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Software Configuration
Management SCM System
Software configuration
management SCM system is more than just tool implementation. These
days you can pretty well find a tool that does almost anything, or
at least if you believe the marketing ‘hype’ they do. Even if you
have the best tools in place, it comes mainly back to the process
itself. I can hear you saying “I’ve heard all this before!” But
every time I hear statements like that the next thing I hear is
something like “The tool does not support us the way it
should”.
Typically this is true
but deeper analysis uncovers that there is no process underneath. So
the tool will never do what you need it to, if there are no
supporting processes.
A few hints here,
nothing new here for most of you but sometimes it helps to state the
obvious.
Software configuration
management SCM system – My 10 hints
- Allow the process to
drive the tool. Select a toolset that really does compliment your
process. If none exist, you may have to consider developing your
own or making some customizations to an 'off-the-shelf'
product.
- Make sure all
responsibilities are well understood. Cover off any underlying
issues with other teams ahead of time.
- Make certain that
your developers buy-in to both the process and the supporting
tools selected.
- Create a quick
method approach into the process but be very specific about the
criteria that a task needs to meet to qualify.
- Be pragmatic, and
practical as well as managing the expectations about what is
achievable and what is not.
- Have a plan. It may
be a later release before you can get that CM tool deployed and
working. Have both strategic and tactical objectives defined and
solutions prepared. Then ensure the operational measures directly
support each of these.
- Don’t overestimate
the ability of your users or underestimate the amount of training
that will be required.
- Define your
requirements; let the requirements determine the process.
- Ensure everyone in
your organization understands the process even those who have no
direct connection to it.
- Keep the end goals
of your organization in mind. Don't over develop a process at the
expense of getting the software delivered on time. There may be
tradeoffs to be made.
THE ASSET MANAGEMENT TOOLKIT
Each
item included is of the highest quality, tailor made to cover a
different aspect and issue. It includes presentations,
questionnaires, guidelines, fact sheets.... and whole gamut of
material specifically put together to both introduce and take you
through Asset Management.
It comprises the
following components (click here)
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