Configuration Management - An AutomatedSolution

Abstract

Historically, the performance of Configuration Management tools has not been particularly impressive. Their roles have usually been restricted to various forms of version control, coupled with some control mechanisms for managing releases and controlling the application of changes, but few have incorporated more elaborate configuration control functions, such as partitioning, parallel development and document cross-referencing Further, in common with their Project Management and CASE tool counterparts, Configuration Management tools have been singularly inadequate in addressing the two essential attributes of functionality and usability, which are of key importance in any computer-based development support product. This is particularly true in the area of build management, where parallel development environments, problem tracking and correction and reversionary build functions may need to be controlled concurrently These tools have not properly addressed the definition and management of process in the context of IT development activities. Traditionally, the tool has assumed that all relevant processes were either fully defined, or that they had no significance for their use However, over recent years, the development of CM tools has resulted in a much more complete coverage of the required scope in supporting project environments, including distributed computing architectures such as Client Server systems. Also, tools are now available which are based on a processdriven approach, but which do not restrict the type of process model adopted. This paper will address the required characteristics of a Configuration Management tool, particularly in distributed computing environments, including an outline of the approach to the implementation of a CM product, discussing the issues associated with the importance of managing the migration from the current environment to one controlled by the tool. Transactions on Information and Communications Technologies vol 11, © 1995 WIT Press, www.witpress.com, ISSN 1743-3517