Software Configuration Management (SCM) is a concept that enables the development team to safely manage changes on software and the deliveries. Rational SCM artefacts are integrated with the leading development environments such as WebSphere Studio, Eclipse and .Net and therefore enable the teams to have an instant access to change requirements and source code, at all times and all places.
IBM Rational ClearCase is the market’s leading tool for version and configuration management. ClearCase has several releases of which some are intended for medium sized projects while others for large and geographically scattered teams (MultiSite). ClearCase in combination with other development tools allows for a safe and immediate cooperation in a team environment.
IBM Rational ClearQuest is a flexible artefact for requirement and error tracking, as well as for efficient change tracking during the application’s life cycle. The force of ClearQuest is in its ability to adjust to the customer needs, and can therefore adjust to working with small, medium sized, large and geographically scattered teams (MultiSite). Aside from viewing reported requirements ClearQuest enables the possibility of generating reports on the reported requirements as well as tracking the status of the requirements via customized diagrams. Additional advantage of ClearQuest is in that it offers clients for different data access platforms (e.g. web client and Windows application), intended for different team members, depending on the needs and requirements.
Picture 1: Screenshot from IBM Rational ClearQuest Tool
Rational Unified Change Management (UCM) is a concept that enables integration of ClearCase and ClearQuest. Thus, enabling a quicker and simpler implementation of SCM process in projects of various scope, based on best practices.
