Personal tools

Implement Configuration Management

From WackyWiki

RobinMastenbroek.com > Blog Posts > Implement Configuration Management
Jump to: navigation, search
Software development is a complex process. Configuration management (CM) helps to control and guide that process. It can help you produce better, more reliable products faster; but only if you implent it correctly. Designing a good CM process and implement the process as well as a supporting system is a long-term commitment and requires proper and complete education of those who will be following and using the system so that they understand not only how to, but why they must perform certain steps and the benefit to them of doing so.

A part of Software CM is is based around version or revision control, but CM is more. Take a look at the following definitions

Configuration management 
A discipline applying technical and administrative direction and surveillance to: identify and document the functional and physical characteristics of a configuration item, control changes to those characteristics, record and report change processing and implementation status, and verify compliance with specified requirements. [ IEEE 610.12 ]
Version control
A process for keeping different versions in a Configuration Item class, without formal control of the changes between versions.

Version control is a basic activity needed within configuration management. But if you still think it's the same, then prepare to stumble when I ask:

Why is your production version nowhere to be found in your version control system?

Trust me.... It happens.... Seen it.... Multiple times...

Name (required):

Website:

Comment:

Comments on Implement Configuration Management

Egypt said ...
04:50, 18 August 2011 (CEST)
Your article perfectly shows what I needed to know, tahkns!