1. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 1Blanko ‘98, October 98 Distributed Configuration Management Solution in LIFESPAN™ Environment and Experiences of the VISCOUNT Project Nigel Gibson BAeSEMA Limited www.baesema.co.uknigel.gibson@baesema.co.uk

2. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 2Blanko ‘98, October 98 Presentation Topics Company BackgroundCompany Background Virtual Software CorporationsVirtual Software Corporations The VISCOUNT ProjectThe VISCOUNT Project LIFESPAN™LIFESPAN™ VISCOUNT Project BenefitsVISCOUNT Project Benefits

3. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 3Blanko ‘98, October 98 Company Background Jointly owned British Aerospace & Sema GroupJointly owned British Aerospace & Sema Group 1,500 staff, revenues £160m1,500 staff, revenues £160m Markets include:Markets include: –C 4 I –Naval Engineering –Warship Prime Contracting –Software Engineering British Aerospace buying out Sema GroupBritish Aerospace buying out Sema Group

4. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 4Blanko ‘98, October 98 What is a VSC? OrganisationOrganisation –internal/external –competitive/collaborative GeographyGeography –local/international RelationshipRelationship –contractual/non-contractual

5. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 5Blanko ‘98, October 98 Traditional Partnership Model Customer Supplier Subcontractor

6. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 6Blanko ‘98, October 98 VSC Partnership Model Supplier Third Party Customer Supplier Customer

7. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 7Blanko ‘98, October 98 VSC Key Attributes Collaborative processCollaborative process Disparate organisationDisparate organisation Temporary structureTemporary structure Dynamically forming partnershipsDynamically forming partnerships Each partner has clear area of expertiseEach partner has clear area of expertise Mutual accountabilityMutual accountability One customerOne customer

8. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 8Blanko ‘98, October 98 VSC Risks Differing business driversDiffering business drivers Communications breakdownCommunications breakdown Lack of timely co-ordinated informationLack of timely co-ordinated information SecuritySecurity –Project/organisation Cultural Differences in:Cultural Differences in: –Procedures –Organisations –Countries Different tools in different organisationsDifferent tools in different organisations

9. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 9Blanko ‘98, October 98 VSC Benefits Quick project startupQuick project startup Minimal infrastructure investmentMinimal infrastructure investment Flat communication structureFlat communication structure No complex management structuresNo complex management structures Each partner does what it does bestEach partner does what it does best Profitability optimisedProfitability optimised...Improved productivity

10. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 10Blanko ‘98, October 98 Distributed Configuration Mgt Important for an efficient VSCImportant for an efficient VSC Differing information states:Differing information states: –private (no external read access) –proprietary (general read access) –shared (general read and write access) Common infrastructureCommon infrastructure –Developers/managers ideally use the same tools –Reality means reconciling differences/standards..the above are addressed by the VISCOUNT project

11. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 11Blanko ‘98, October 98 The VISCOUNT Project Improving distributed configuration managementImproving distributed configuration management International partnershipInternational partnership Testing different VSCs in the real worldTesting different VSCs in the real world Improving LIFESPAN™ configuration management tool support for VSCsImproving LIFESPAN™ configuration management tool support for VSCs VISCOUNT is a VSC!VISCOUNT is a VSC!

12. THE VISCOUNT PROJECT CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT PROCESSES VSC METRICS REQUIREMENTS TECHNOLOGIES SUPPORT Customers VSC MEET ADDRESS ProductivityOrganisationCommunicationSpecialisation QualityConsistencySecurity Local Data CM Tool Goals Risks

13. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 13Blanko ‘98, October 98 The VISCOUNT Partners BAeSEMA - UKBAeSEMA - UK VTT, Valmet - FinlandVTT, Valmet - Finland debis - Germanydebis - Germany SIA - ItalySIA - Italy Glasgow Caledonian University - UKGlasgow Caledonian University - UK

14. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 14Blanko ‘98, October 98 VISCOUNT Project Details Esprit Framework IV supportedEsprit Framework IV supported 27 mths duration27 mths duration Phased, prototype approachPhased, prototype approach –Gather requirements –Technology analysis –Implement prototype –Test usability –Develop new prototype

15. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 15Blanko ‘98, October 98 VISCOUNT Project Areas Product DevelopmentProduct Development –BAeSEMA User OrganisationsUser Organisations –Valmet, SIA, debis Technology AnalysisTechnology Analysis –GCU, VTT Process Improvement, MetricsProcess Improvement, Metrics –VTT

16. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 16Blanko ‘98, October 98 VISCOUNT is a VSC! Collaborative approach, single customerCollaborative approach, single customer Dynamic partnershipsDynamic partnerships Project tasksProject tasks Exploitation by partnersExploitation by partners Concentration on core area of expertiseConcentration on core area of expertise Geographically dispersedGeographically dispersed Mutually accountableMutually accountable

18. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 18Blanko ‘98, October 98 LIFESPAN™ Background 20 years in Configuration Management20 years in Configuration Management Developed for internal useDeveloped for internal use Targeted at external marketTargeted at external market Originally VAX-basedOriginally VAX-based 150+ customer sites - 3000+ users150+ customer sites - 3000+ users UK defence electronics focusUK defence electronics focus Customers in defence, telecoms, power, transportationCustomers in defence, telecoms, power, transportation

19. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 19Blanko ‘98, October 98 What is Configuration Management? z z z z z z z z z z z z z

20. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 20Blanko ‘98, October 98 The Real Definition... Disciplines forDisciplines for –Configuration identification –Baselining –Status Accounting Procedures for controlling changeProcedures for controlling change Quality & process improvementQuality & process improvement –Development, production & maintenance “The discipline of identifying all components in a continually evolving system for the purpose of maintaining integrity, evolving system for the purpose of maintaining integrity, traceability and control over change through its lifecycle.” BS 6488 - Configuration Management of Computer-Based Systems

21. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 21Blanko ‘98, October 98 Scope RequirementsRequirements DesignsDesigns CodeCode Test specificationsTest specifications Platform specificationsPlatform specifications User documentationUser documentation StandardsStandards …Whole Lifecycle Support for all Project “Objects”

22. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 22Blanko ‘98, October 98 Why Automated CM? Management of complexityManagement of complexity Risk reductionRisk reduction Security of data assetsSecurity of data assets Containment of costsContainment of costs Conformance with standardsConformance with standards Productivity improvementProductivity improvement Quality improvementQuality improvement...an Essential, Integral Component of your Project

23. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 23Blanko ‘98, October 98 What is LIFESPAN™ ? Automated CM systemAutomated CM system Straightforward operationStraightforward operation Proven in useProven in use Secure, predictable file based controlSecure, predictable file based control No complex set upNo complex set up Platforms: OpenVMS, Unix & Microsoft WindowsPlatforms: OpenVMS, Unix & Microsoft Windows Easy to useEasy to use Workflow managementWorkflow management Teamworking supportTeamworking support

24. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 24Blanko ‘98, October 98 LIFESPAN™ - Key Facilities (I) Version controlVersion control Configuration controlConfiguration control Change controlChange control Fault reportingFault reporting Software build managementSoftware build management Release managementRelease management

25. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 25Blanko ‘98, October 98 LIFESPAN™ - Key Facilities (II) Impact analysisImpact analysis Process supportProcess support Reporting & audit trailsReporting & audit trails Archive systemArchive system ConfigurabilityConfigurability

26. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 26Blanko ‘98, October 98 Integrate your environment API Interface Query CLI GUI CLIENT LIFESPAN™ SERVER Application Programming Interface Class Library Automate CM operations Tool interface 3rd Party Tool Integration Flexible I/O SCCS Metriflame Reporting Fast online reports Ad hoc, repeatable queries Detailed or summary Command Line Interface Automate common operations Fast project take-on User Interfaces Fully object oriented Iconic manipulation Drag & drop Optional interface for VT terminals

27. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 27Blanko ‘98, October 98 Client-Server Architecture SERVER VMS VAX, Alpha Solaris HP-UX Windows NT CLIENTS Forms (VT100 compatible) Windows NT Windows 95/98 HP-UX Motif Solaris OpenLook & Motif OpenVMS DECwindows TCP/IP or DECnet

28. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 28Blanko ‘98, October 98 LIFESPAN™ - Change Control Change Control Unapproved Store Approved Store QA Approval Issue Access Control

29. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 29Blanko ‘98, October 98 User Roles & Privileges LIFESPAN™ Manager Team Leader 1Team Leader 2 Designer 1Designer 2 Prog 1 Prog 2Tester Project Manager 1 Project Manager 2QA Manager Privileges: QA Privileges: DC operations QA

30. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 30Blanko ‘98, October 98 LIFESPAN™ ’s e-mail System Project Manager 1 QA Manager Team Leader 1 Team Leader 2 Designer 1 Designer 2 Prog 1Prog 2 Tester 1 LIFESPAN™ Manager

31. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 31Blanko ‘98, October 98 Basic Configuration Item Module CM Data MODULE TYPE MODULE NAME VERSION (HISTORY) DESCRIPTION Module Body SOURCE Program Code Text FOREIGN Binary Graphics PROCESS MODEL eg Latest Version First Version A A 2.1

32. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 32Blanko ‘98, October 98 Structured Configuration Item Package CM Data MODULE TYPE PACKAGE MODULE NAME P VERSION (HISTORY) DESCRIPTION PACKAGE MEMBERS MODULE L X N L 1.4 X 3.7 N 2.6 P Package 4.1 P L N X

33. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 33Blanko ‘98, October 98 Example of Package Hierarchies Common software module Data handling subsystem Interface subsytem Communications system Target engagement system B S A P X Y D L N X P M X V S E

34. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 34Blanko ‘98, October 98 Hierarchical Version Control Module X Updated Package P must also be updated L 1.4 X 3.7 N 2.6 P Package 4.1 L 1.4 X 3.8 N 2.6 P Package 4.2

35. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 35Blanko ‘98, October 98 LIFESPAN™ - Change Control Change Control Unapproved Store Approved Store QA Approval Issue Access Control

36. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 36Blanko ‘98, October 98 LIFESPAN™ - the Key Benefits Comprehensive CM coverage:Comprehensive CM coverage: –Version control –Configuration control –Secure change control –Fault reporting/tracking –Build/release management Access/run on multiple platformsAccess/run on multiple platforms Highly secure databaseHighly secure database Effective process supportEffective process support Configurable accessConfigurable access Impact analysisImpact analysis Assuring Quality, Improving Productivity and Control of the Development Process

37. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 37Blanko ‘98, October 98 LIFESPAN™ Within VISCOUNT Configuration management key element within VSCsConfiguration management key element within VSCs LIFESPAN™ strategy to support the new paradigmLIFESPAN™ strategy to support the new paradigm Improve features and usabilityImprove features and usability Test technology and featuresTest technology and features User feedback paramountUser feedback paramount

38. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 38Blanko ‘98, October 98 Improving support for VSCs Flexible process modellingFlexible process modelling –integrate different processes across organisations Metrics supportMetrics support –continuous process improvement monitoring and control Distributed Software DevelopmentDistributed Software Development –process support –configuration management support

39. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 39Blanko ‘98, October 98 Support for metrics VTT Metriflame integrationVTT Metriflame integration –report based –on-demand –don’t “re-invent the wheel” Adoption of GQM/Pr²imer methodologyAdoption of GQM/Pr²imer methodology

40. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 40Blanko ‘98, October 98 Integration with other tools Typical need within VSCTypical need within VSC –disparate organisations –different methods, tools and processes –temporary hence no mandated conformity Configuration management toolsConfiguration management tools STEP-like generic transfer modelSTEP-like generic transfer model

41. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 41Blanko ‘98, October 98 Technology Issues Process modellingProcess modelling MetricsMetrics Distribution mechanismsDistribution mechanisms Web deploymentWeb deployment SecuritySecurity Agent technologyAgent technology Interchange formatsInterchange formats

42. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 42Blanko ‘98, October 98 VISCOUNT Lessons Learned Leading edge not necessarily best (yet)Leading edge not necessarily best (yet) –Java not industrial strength for VSC support Security remains an issueSecurity remains an issue –Encryption problems –Infrastructure demands! Iterative prototyping invaluableIterative prototyping invaluable –Incremental product development –Limited, immediate, real user feedback VSCs Work!VSCs Work! –Project collaboration and focus remain high

43. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 43Blanko ‘98, October 98 VISCOUNT Benefits VSCsVSCs –Improved Service Velocity –Quicker time to market –Improved Customer satisfaction (reqts, flexibility, speed) –Cost reduction in project development –Improved quality VISCOUNTVISCOUNT –Proving different VSC implementations –Improving VSC support tools BAeSEMABAeSEMA –All the above, plus –Improved LIFESPAN™ product

44. BA SEMA e e Slide No: 44Blanko ‘98, October 98 Summary VSC - the organisational structure of the futureVSC - the organisational structure of the future VISCOUNT is testing and will exploit the VSC conceptVISCOUNT is testing and will exploit the VSC concept Fundamental benefits to business:Fundamental benefits to business: –improved service velocity –improved quality –improved profitability

45. THE VISCOUNT PROJECT CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT PROCESSES VSC METRICS REQUIREMENTS TECHNOLOGIES SUPPORT Customers VSC MEET ADDRESS ProductivityOrganisationCommunicationSpecialisation QualityConsistencySecurity Local Data CM Tool Goals Risks