"Configuration management (CM) is an important, but often neglected, practice that allows application developers and project managers to better identify potential problems, manage changes, and track the progress of software projects. An effective CM strategy—one that adheres to the practice's complexity while harnessing its depth—can be the cornerstone of fast, flexible development. However, CM practitioners often rely too heavily on commercial CM tools, and fail to understand the concept as a whole. While CM is not an easy discipline, it need not be a difficult one.
Configuration Management Principles and Practice explains the elements and benefits of a sound CM strategy and shows how to put that strategy into action. Through configuration examples and recommendations drawn from the author's considerable experience, this practical guide will help readers to better manage and deliver projects."
Guide to the Software Engineering Body of Knowledge (SWEBOK) - In this Guide, the IEEE Computer Society establishes for the first time a baseline for the body of knowledge for
the field of software engineering, and the work partially fulfills the Society’s responsibility to promote the
advancement of both theory and practice in this field. In so doing, the Society has been guided by the experience of
disciplines with longer histories but was not bound either by their problems or their solutions.
"This book answers all those 'how-to' questions about CM that you hear asked in large and small businesses around the world. It provides 'best CM practices' for both manual and automated CM systems (hardware and software), covered in exacting detail, with important concepts summarized (italics) after the topic text coverage. PCM III is filled with figures, illustrations, templates, lessons learned, Q&A, examples, plus pitfalls to be avoided to assure that the CM 'newbie' as well as the CM veteran obtains the information they need. This book will provide you with the information you need to: understand the CM discipline, learn basic and advanced CM processes and procedures, establish 'best CM Practices' in your organization, automate your CM processes, implement Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Product Data Management (PDM) solutions in your business, establish and maintain control of your hardware and software development activities, comply with CMM and CMMi guidelines and initiatives, improve communications with internal organizations, subcontractors, vendors and customers, employ proven risk mitigation techniques, and enhance process control and productivity."
This book is especially written for those programming or using Visual Studio .NET.
From the web site:
"If you're a beginning to intermediate programmer who's had configuration management suddenly thrust upon you, this book is for you. Designed with the beginning programmer's needs in mind, it gives extensive coverage of the basics before launching into more advanced topics. More experienced programmers will also find this book highly beneficial, however&emdash;particularly with regard to author Sean Kenefick's excellent coverage of the more intricate points of Visual Studio, Visual SourceSafe, and CVS".
From the web site:
"The only book on the market to offer complete coverage of the topic, Software Configuration Management explores the full spectrum of configuration management techniques. It delineates a common approach to problems that any team-based development environment requires. Managers and members of development teams can then use a common, multipurpose approach to overcome everyday obstacles encountered in controlling software projects. The book teaches how development problems can be identified or avoided and discusses management, planning, and measurement. Written in an easy-to-read style, the book emphasizes simple techniques, uses real-world examples, and offers a wealth of templates and samples."
"Leon, a software consultant, integrates software configuration management (SCM) principles, advanced topics, and implementation procedures in this resource for professionals. He maps the integration of SCM activities within the software development life cycle, and explores the latest advances in SCM tools, SCM organization, operation and maintenance of the SCM system, and the level of automation needed. There is also detailed guidance on determining and implementing SCM tools and standards, and a list of vendors is included. This second edition has new chapters on documentation control, product data management, and software process improvement models."
"Effective software configuration management (SCM) strategies promote a healthy, team-oriented culture that produces better software. Software Configuration Management Patterns alleviates software engineers' most common concerns about software configuration management—perceived rigidity and an overemphasis on process.
Through the use of patterns, the authors show that a properly managed workflow can avert delays, morale problems, and cost overruns. The patterns approach illustrates how SCM can be easily and successfully applied in small- to mid-size organizations. By learning how these patterns relate to each other, readers can avoid common mistakes that too often result in frustrated developers and reduced productivity."
The Agony and Ecstasy of Configuration Management - This tutorial covers the following configuration management topics:
CM overview, evaluating tools, benefits, technology adoption, version
control, etc.
DACS Gold Practice Initiative
