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Standards? Who needs standards? |
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From the Editor
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Written by Bob Aiello
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One of the challenges with implementing a CM solution is deciding whether or not you should investigate industry standards for use by your organization. Many companies don't bother with standards and maybe that's actually a good idea. I have spent a considerable amount of time studying and working to implement industry standards and frameworks. Sometimes, they have lots of extra work that may not seem necessary or even valuable. Yet standards exist for good reasons. So should you consider using standards and frameworks when you implement your CM solution? Read on if you want to understand the do's and don'ts of adopting industry standards and frameworks.
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From the Editor
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Written by Bob Aiello
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Implementing a large scale SCM solution is an exciting, challenging and event daunting task. I worked in one company which had spent a lot of money on a particular commercial SCM tool that was for the most part not being used by the members of the firm due to the complexity of implementing the tool and the lack of support resources within the firm. Two consulting agencies had already been in and had not helped the organization setup and train the developers on the successful use of this tool. I started to help out informally with supporting the SCM effort and pretty soon found myself implementing this SCM solution from scratch. By the time I was done, I had 700+ developers using the tool with over 1700 source code repositories worldwide. We used an implementation methodology that I began calling my "FastTrack" for SCM solutions. If you would like to get on the FastTrack with me, then please read on as we share best practices for architecting successful SCM Solutions!
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From the Editor
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Written by Bob Aiello
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This is my first post in my new position as Editor-in-Chief of CM Crossroads and I would like to start by telling you a little bit about my background and the way that I approach my work. Most of my career has been dedicated to helping organizations solve problems that impact their productivity and profitability. I have always worked as a full-time employee and actively participate as a hands-on member of the technical team. That means that I am usually the admin support for the source code management tools (e.g. ClearCase/Multisite), build and release the code and (when I am really having fun) get to build the Unix machines and actively participate in the technical support of the key development, qa and production systems. Most "process improvement" professionals do not attempt to be hands-on. I try to stay technical, in part, because I love having a hands-on role so much. It also keeps me honest and only implementing processes that I am willing to live with myself. By staying technical, I get to "walk the walk" instead of just "talking the talk."
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What does teamwork have to do with Agile? |
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Practical Teamwork for Agile Developers
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Written by Bob Aiello
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Teamwork should be an essential requirement for any group of people who want to get the work done and accomplish their goals. Many of us went through phases where we thought that the only way to improve software development processes was through major efforts using heavy duty frameworks such as the CMMi and ISO. Today almost none of the NYC based financial services firms use these heavy methodologies any longer (Six Sigma has survived but only when it pervasive throught the entire organization.) Agile has certainly hit the software development community in a big way. But does Agile really foster teamwork and, if so, how?
If I sign onto the Agile Manifesto will my projects start getting done on time and within budget? Will my colleagues feel that we are all working together as an effective team? Is Agile the new way or just another process model? So what exactly do I need to do then on a day to day basis?
I would like to know from my colleagues if there is interest in working on this topic in a blog format with input from each of you. If there is then I will be glad to offer my view (from my backgound in Industrial Psychology) that probably is not at all what you are expecting to hear.
Folks - shall we blog this topic out??
Bob Aiello
Senior Editor
CM Crossroads
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Domain Specific Best Practices? |
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School of Hard Knocks
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Written by Curtis Yanko
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While attending SB Best 2007 it became painfully apparent that the Build & Deploy track just wasn't delivering the goods to it's audience. Sitting in the seats were programmers, release managers, QA folks and a buildmeister or two all looking for something to sink their teeth into. Everyone wanted that answer to "How do I... <insert typical question here>" to which we invariable don't answer. Instead the answer begins with, "Well... it depends..." and once pressed for an answer the solution doesn't seem to fit since their problem is bigger or just different and unique.
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"Ready To Build" labels in StarTeam |
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StarTeam Container Hierarchy |
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SCM andDave
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Written by David Hegland
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It's often useful to remember this hierarchy.
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Performance Impact of StarTeam Labeling Strategies |
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SCM andDave
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Written by David Hegland
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Discussion of how "View" and "Revision" labels are stored in StarTeam and the performance implications of same.
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Branching Views for Releases |
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SCM andDave
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Written by David Hegland
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This is my personal recommendation for structuring branches to maintain multiple releases using StarTeam. This recommendation is not necessarily consistent with all of Borland's recommendations, but it is pretty close, and I would argue that it is the best possible hybrid of the various recommendations from Borland, Starbase, and customers over the years.
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Even Generic-er Property Setting |
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SCM andDave
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Written by David Hegland
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Dave, Your generic property setting instructions work great for CR and Task but not for Requirements. Why can't I see properties for requirements?
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If you need something doing... |
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Some Assembly Required
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Written by Mark Bools
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They say that if you need something doing, give it to a busy man. (Of course they also say that if you need something doing, do it yourself.)
Well, taking both pieces of advice to heart I've taken on another 'little job'.
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Some Assembly Required
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Written by Mark Bools
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As you may have noticed I've not posted very much this year. This is actually good news (for me) I'm just too busy to post. Anyway, I finally found a few minutes so I'll bring you up to date and provide a few bits of information you may (or may not) be interested in.
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Configure This!
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Written by Carson Lucky
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Dear Readers,
I regret to inform you that Carson's story must end here on this blog. This project has turned into a complete novel, and it can not be sold if posted on the Internet.
Many parts of the story have been rewritten and improved, and hopefully it will be picked up by a publisher soon. I have asked the administrators of CM Crossroads if I may promote the book here on CM Crossroads, and hopefully they will agree.
If you would like to receive news directly on the publication of this story, please reply to this post and send me an email address where you can be contacted.
I apologize to those who have been following the story. I hope you have enjoyed the journey so far.
Sincerely,
Carson Lucky's Creator
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Chapter 10.2: The Outsourcing |
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Configure This!
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Written by Carson Lucky
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After Gruber's hasty retreat, the numbed crowd got to their feet and made their way to the exits. Carson darted over to where he last saw Rebecca and wove through the throng of people to catch up with her. Attempting to appear nonchalant, he managed to reach her as she joined the line at the information table.
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Chapter 10.1: The Employee Meeting |
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Configure This!
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Written by Carson Lucky
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Carson attends an "all hands" employee meeting where the Big Brass announces the second quarter results for the year along with some big news: Ominvan will no longer outsource software work to India. Is it really good news, or does management have another trick up their sleeve? Join Carson to find out!
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Blogs 
