19.2 MultiplatformMultiplatform problems arise when products must be developed, used, and maintained on different computers and/or operating systems. Multiplatform products may be those that must run on both UNIX workstations and Windows PCs, for example, or those that must "merely" run on different versions of UNIX, (SunOS, HP-UX), or different versions of Windows (Windows 98 or NT). Multiplatform problems are also found in embedded systems, where the software is developed and maybe tested on a PC platform and subsequently placed in an apparatus. Multiplatform products may be created in connection with initial requirements or with maintenance, where a product must be transferred to a newer platform. Configuration Management ConsiderationsMultiplatform development is a special form of multivariant development (where configuration items are developed centrally) and/or multisite development (where configuration items are "owned" by a platform). Although multiplatform products will naturally be developed with some degree of decentralization, it's practical to perform configuration management centrally . This may be done by choosing one platform from which configuration management takes place. Some tools support this. IdentificationWhen defining conventions, it should be possible to use the names on all the platformsthe number and types of permitted characters must be considered specially. |