"No previous build experience is necessary: Lee thoroughly explains everything from configuring SCM environments and defining build scripts through to release packaging and deployment. He offers solutions and techniques for both Base ClearCase and Unified Change Management (UCM)-IBM Rational's best practice Software Configuration Management usage model. Key techniques are presented in real-world context, through a full-fledged three-tier application case study. Book jacket."--Jacket.

In an IT world in which there are differently sized projects, with different applications, differently skilled practitioners, and on-site, off-site, and off-shored development teams, it is impossible for there to be a one-size-fits-all agile development and testing approach. This book provides practical guidance for professionals, practitioners, and researchers faced with creating and rolling out their own agile testing processes. In addition to descriptions of the prominent agile methods, the book provides twenty real-world case studies of practitioners using agile methods and draws upon their experiences to propose your own agile method; whether yours is a small, medium, large, off-site, or even off-shore project, this book provides personalized guidance on the agile best practices from which to choose to create your own effective and efficient agile method.

“There is no doubt that this is a truly original and groundbreaking work in applying the Theory of Constraints. I run a services company and learned some things about the services business. Anyone involved in large services companies needs to look at what John is proposing. I will definitely quote this material frequently.” Chad Smith, Managing Partner, Constraints Management Group “The information presented in this book is badly needed by service providers who struggle to balance supply and demand with their resources.” Carol A. Ptak, CFPIM, CIRM “The techniques that John brings to light in this book are the bridge from the vision of Dr. Goldratt’s work to the successful implementation in a range of services firms.” From the Foreword by Erik Bush, Vice President, IBM Global Services Discover the powerful Theory of Constraints (TOC), and use it to drive continuous performance improvement in any services organization Identify the hidden constraints that are limiting your organization, and manage or eliminate them Use TOC to improve the way you manage resources, projects, processes, finance, marketing, and sales Determine whether your organization faces an internal or external constraint, manage that constraint accordingly, and anticipate where the next constraint will arise Release latent capacity shrouded by common business practices Simplify processes that have grown unmanageably complex Optimize your enterprise as a whole rather than suboptimizing individual business units Get buy-in to fundamental changes in strategy, tactics, and operations Managing services is extremely challenging, and traditional “industrial” management techniques are no longer adequate. In Reaching the Goal, Dr. John Arthur Ricketts presents a breakthrough management approach that embraces what makes services different: their diversity, complexity, and unique distribution methods. Ricketts draws on Eli Goldratt’s Theory of Constraints (TOC), one of this generation’s most successful management methodologies...thoroughly adapting it to the needs of today’s professional, scientific, and technical services businesses. He reveals how to identify the surprising constraints that limit your organization’s performance, execute more effectively within those constraints, and then loosen or even eliminate them. This book’s relentlessly practical techniques reflect several years of advanced IBM research and consulting with enterprise clients. Step-by-step, Ricketts shows how to apply them throughout your most crucial business functions...from project management to finance, process improvement to sales and marketing. Whatever your role in improving service delivery, processes, or profitability, this book gives you the tools to reach your goals...and go beyond them Identify, manage, and overcome your key constraints Five steps to uncovering and addressing the real obstacles to improved performance Optimize core business functions, one step at a time Improve the way you manage resources, projects, processes, finance, and marketing Implement TOC rapidly and effectively Get buy-in, deploy infrastructure, and provide the right IT support?

A practical guide to DB2 z/OS database administration that is 100 percent focused on running DB2 in z/OS environments The only comprehensive preparation guide for the IBM Certified Database Administrator for DB2 Universal Database V8 z/OS certification Covers database planning, design, implementation, operation, recovery, security, performance, installation, migration, and more Sample test questions help you prepare for both IBM DB2 DBA Tests 700 and 702 IBM DB2 Universal Database Version 8 for z/OS offers enterprises unprecedented opportunities to integrate information, deliver it on demand, and manage it simply and cost-effectively. Now, one of the world's leading DB2 consultants presents the definitive guide to administering DB2 UDB V8 databases in z/OS environments. DB2 for z/OS Version 8 DBA Certification Guide also serves as a key tool for anyone preparing for IBM Certified Database Administrator for DB2 Universal Database V8 for z/OS certification. IBM Gold Consultant Susan Lawson presents hundreds of practical techniques, expert guidelines, and useful tips for every facet of DB2 UDB database administration, including database implementation, operation, recovery, security, auditing, performance, installation, migration, SQL, and more. Coverage includes Understanding the DB2 product family, architecture, attachments, and the DB2 z/OS environment Securing enterprise-class DB2 installations and applications Using SQL to create and manage database objects, and manipulate and retrieve information Mastering key DBA tasks, including loading, reorganizing, quiescing, repairing, and recovering data; recovering and rebuilding indexes; and gathering statistics Implementing data sharing in Parallel Sysplex environments Learning the fundamentals of DB2 application development from the DBA's perspective Leveraging advanced DB2 functions, including stored procedures and other object-relational extensions Optimizing DB2 applications and the DB2 engine for maximum performance Whether you are administering DB2 UDB V8 in z/OS environments, planning to do so, or preparing for DB2 UDB V8 DBA certification, DB2 for z/OS Version 8 DBA Certification Guide will be your single most valuable resource.

DB2® 9 builds on the world's number one enterprise database to simplify the delivery of information as a service, accelerate development, and dramatically improve operational efficiency, security, and resiliency. Now, this new edition offers complete, start-to-finish coverage of DB2 9 administration and development for Linux®, UNIX®, and Windows® platforms, as well as authoritative preparation for the latest IBM DB2 certification exam. Written for both DBAs and developers, this definitive reference and self-study guide covers all aspects of deploying and managing DB2 9, including DB2 database design and development; day-to-day administration and backup; deployment of networked, Internet-centered, and SOA-based applications; migration; and much more. You'll also find an unparalleled collection of expert tips for optimizing performance, availability, and value. Coverage includes: Important security and resiliency enhancements, including advanced access control; fine-grained, label-based security; and the new security administrator role Breakthrough pureXMLTM features that make it easier to succeed with service-oriented architecture Operational improvements that enhance DBA efficiency--including self-tuning memory allocation, automated storage management, and storage optimization Table-partitioning features that improve scalability and manageability Powerful improvements for more agile and rapid development, including the new Eclipse-based Developer Workbench and simple SQL or XQuery access to all data Whatever your role in working with DB2 or preparing for certification, DB2 9 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows, Sixth Edition is the one book you can't afford to be without. Download Complete DB2 V9 Trial Version Visit ibm.com/db2/9/download.html to download a complete trial version of DB2, which enables you to try out dozens of the most powerful features of DB2 for yourself: everything from pureXML support to automated administration and optimization. Straight from IBM, the ultimate guide to running DB2 9 and preparing for the latest IBM DB2 certification exam! Covers powerful DB2 9 enhancements ranging from automated management to improved compression Covers the full spectrum of DBA responsibilities, including server management, data placement, XML concepts, activity analysis, high availability, and security Presents expert tips and best practices from the DB2 customer support organization

How to design and implement the right software build and release process for your environment. The Buildmeister's Guide researches and documents the build process in detail. It's aim is to increase awareness of the build process and to raise the level and quality of discussion that occurs around it. The book looks at how the build process affects and is affected by different software development languages and methods, and what intrinsic value a "well defined" build process can bring to an organization. It defines the set of skills and capabilities that implementers of the build process should posses, and also a framework for a generic best practice build process with tips and guidelines on how to implement it. Whether you are a software developer, manager or integrator, this book will help you understand the importance of the build process to your organization and what role you will need to play in it.

The Easy, Visual Way to Master IBM® DB2 for Linux®, UNIX®, and Windows®—Fully Updated for Version 9.5 IBM DB2 9 and DB2 9.5 provide breakthrough capabilities for providing Information on Demand, implementing Web services and Service Oriented Architecture, and streamlining information management. Understanding DB2: Learning Visually with Examples, Second Edition, is the easiest way to master the latest versions of DB2 and apply their full power to your business challenges. Written by four IBM DB2 experts, this book introduces key concepts with dozens of examples drawn from the authors' experience working with DB2 in enterprise environments. Thoroughly updated for DB2 9.5, it covers new innovations ranging from manageability to performance and XML support to API integration. Each concept is presented with easy-to-understand screenshots, diagrams, charts, and tables. This book is for everyone who works with DB2: database administrators, system administrators, developers, and consultants. With hundreds of well-designed review questions and answers, it will also help professionals prepare for the IBM DB2 Certification Exams 730, 731, or 736. Coverage includes Choosing the right version of DB2 for your needs Installing and configuring DB2 Understanding the DB2 environment, instances, and databases Establishing client and server connectivity Working with database objects Utilizing breakthrough pureXMLTM technology, which provides for nativeXML support Mastering administration, maintenance, performance optimization, troubleshooting, and recovery Understanding improvements in the DB2 process, memory, and storage models Implementing effective database security Leveraging the power of SQL and XQuery