SNESCM

Scandinavian Network of Excellence
in
Software Configuration Management

Speakers' Corner:

Aron Lidé: Model merge on the XMI level: an empirical study.
Abstract:
When it comes to Version Control for development with models there are a few different ways to go about, even though they to some extent are similar. The merging process needs to take into account that the output file must not only be syntactically correct, but preferably also as semantically correct as possible. Of course, if conflicts arise in the merge it will probably be impossible for the computer itself to make these changes; it will be hard enough without them.
In his thesis, Martini presented an abstract algorithm for merging models on the XMI level. He argued that he covered all specific cases of conflicts that could appear when merging and why those he didn’t cover wouldn’t appear. However, he didn’t actually implement and test the algorithm. Thus it is not certain that it’s possible to do so, nor is it certain that it will work as specified. Nor are there any test cases specified for testing it. There are also plenty of other model merging tools that have been implemented; none of them is completely satisfactory yet, though.

Marc Girod, Tanya Shpichko: ClearCase - Master the tool that monitor, analyze, and manage software configurations.
Abstract:
Undeniably, IBM Rational ClearCase is one of the major Software Configuration Management (SCM) tools on the market, and an integral part of a development environment. It introduced significant novelties into SCM, making it an original and insightful tool, and it's precisely these features that are often underutilized by ClearCase users.
This book will show readers how to use ClearCase to its full potential and take advantage of its build auditing and dependency analysis applied to derived objects, workspace management with dynamic views, and its support for distributed development with ClearCase MultiSite.
Through mastering ClearCase tools, this book will demonstrate that ClearCase is for users, and not only for the administrators.

René Schaap: "RAM Capability Matrix" - an agile and versatile approach to assess IT disciplines
Abstract:
After the economic crisis many organisations still struggle with the balance between short term result-driven approaches and process improvement models. Although almost none of the organisations doubt the benefits of improving to a higher process maturity, the usage of current models like CMMi and SPICE, are for some organisations an overkill to assess organisation units or even specific processes. Organisations also hesitate because these models are focused on processes and not specifically on human and technology implementation aspects; these aspects are considered elements of processes.
Based on experience, the presenter developed the RAM Capability Matrix providing improvement projects maturity indicators of individual disciplines through an easy way to assess these disciplines. The approach can be used for any IT supporting disciplines like change, configuration, defect and test management. The new approach combines the following elements:

• A Capability Matrix based on two dimensions with each three values:
  • implementation aspects: human, process, technology
  • decision levels: strategic, tactical, operational
• A Requirements Assessment Model defining for each cell in the matrix objectives to achieve and the specific requirements to comply with. These objectives and requirements are based on best practices and can be tailored to specific needs within a defined scope of the discipline.
• A Maturity Calculation Method rating the requirements according to ISO15504/SPICE standard and calculating a maturity level based on the level of achievement of the requirements. Maturity levels can be used independently or in combination with current models like SPICE and CMMi.