Software configuration management (SCM) is one of the scientific tools that is aimed to bring control to the software development process. This new resource is a complete guide to implementing, operating, and maintaining a successful SCM system for software development. Project managers, system designers, and software developers are presented with not only the basics of SCM, but also the different phases in the software development lifecycle and how SCM plays a role in each phase. The factors that should be considered and the pitfalls that should be avoided while designing the SCM system and SCM plan are also discussed. In addition, this third edition is updated to include cloud computing and on-demand systems. This book does not rely on one specific tool or standard for explaining the SCM concepts and techniques; In fact, it gives readers enough information about SCM, the mechanics of SCM, and SCM implementation, so that they can successfully implement a SCM system.

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.

Configuration Management Metrics: Product Lifecycle and Engineering Documentation Control Process Measurement and Improvement provides a comprehensive discussion of measurements for configuration management/product lifecycle processes. Each chapter outlines one of the most important measures of merit – the need for written policy and procedures. The best of the best practices as to the optimum standards are listed with an opportunity for the reader to check off those that their company has and those they do not. The book first defines the concept of configuration management (CM) and explains its importance. It then discusses the important metrics in the major CM and related processes. These include: new item release; order entry/fulfillment; request for change; bill of material change cost; and field change. Ancillary processes which may or may not be thought of as part of these major processes are also addressed, including deviations, service parts, publications and field failure reporting. - Provides detailed guidance on developing and implementing measurement systems and reports - Demonstrates methods of graphing and charting data, with benchmarks - A practical resource for the development of Engineering Documentation Control processes - Includes basic principles of Product Lifecycle processes and their measurement

Frank B. Watts

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.

Configuration Management for Senior Managers is written to help managers in product manufacturing and engineering environments identify the ways in which they can streamline their products and processes through proactive documentation control and product lifecycle management. Experienced consultant Frank Watts gives a practitioner’s view tailored to the needs of management, without the textbook theory that can be hard to translate into real-world change. Unlike competing books that focus on CM within software and IT environments, this engineering-focused resource is packed with examples and lessons learned from leading product development and manufacturing companies, making it easy to apply the approach to your business. Developed to help you identify key policies and practices needing attention in your organization to establish and maintain consistency of processes and products, and to reduce operational costs Focused on configuration management (CM) within manufacturing and engineering settings, with relevant examples from leading companies Written by an experienced consultant and practitioner with the knowledge to provide real-world insights and solutions, not just textbook theory

The overwhelming majority of a software system’s lifespan is spent in use, not in design or implementation. So, why does conventional wisdom insist that software engineers focus primarily on the design and development of large-scale computing systems? In this collection of essays and articles, key members of Google’s Site Reliability Team explain how and why their commitment to the entire lifecycle has enabled the company to successfully build, deploy, monitor, and maintain some of the largest software systems in the world. You’ll learn the principles and practices that enable Google engineers to make systems more scalable, reliable, and efficient—lessons directly applicable to your organization. This book is divided into four sections: Introduction—Learn what site reliability engineering is and why it differs from conventional IT industry practices Principles—Examine the patterns, behaviors, and areas of concern that influence the work of a site reliability engineer (SRE) Practices—Understand the theory and practice of an SRE’s day-to-day work: building and operating large distributed computing systems Management—Explore Google's best practices for training, communication, and meetings that your organization can use