What This Document Is
This document presents a detailed case study focused on the practical improvement of a Configuration Management (CM) system within a software engineering organization. It’s a report detailing a real-world implementation and evaluation of changes made to manage software development artifacts, tracing the process from initial practices to a modernized system. The study originates from CAD-UL AG, a company specializing in software tools for embedded systems, and specifically examines their participation in the European Systems & Software Initiative Process Improvement Experiment (ESSI-PIE).
Why This Document Matters
This report is valuable for students and professionals involved in Software Project Management, Software Engineering, and IT infrastructure. It’s particularly relevant for those seeking to understand the challenges and benefits of implementing robust configuration management practices. Individuals tasked with improving existing CM systems, evaluating new tools, or needing a practical example of process improvement will find this a useful resource. It offers insights into the complexities of managing software versions, dependencies, and releases in a commercial setting.
Topics Covered
* Initial Configuration Management Practices and their limitations
* The rationale and objectives behind implementing a new CM system
* The application of process improvement methodologies in a software development context
* Client-Server based Configuration Management systems
* Integration of CM with defect tracking and customer access systems
* Management of multiple target systems and host platforms
* The role of specific technologies (CVS, RCS, ODBC, Perl) in a CM system
What This Document Provides
* A detailed account of a company’s experience with CM system improvement.
* An overview of the technical objectives driving the CM system upgrade.
* Discussion of the benefits sought through improved configuration control and consistency.
* Context regarding the company’s product lines and organizational structure.
* Insights into the challenges of managing software development for embedded systems.
* References to relevant industry initiatives and standards.
