26.3 Selecting a Configuration Management Tool

Defining requirements for a configuration management tool is the first step toward introducing it successfully. Such a selection process is, in principle, no different than for any other tool. It may include the following steps:

• Forming an evaluation group

• Describing an evaluation method

• Producing a prioritized list of requirements for the tool

• Studying all sources of information on configuration management tools

• Selecting a number of candidates

• Selecting two finalists

• Performing detailed evaluations of the finalists

• Nominating the winner

Some of these steps are described below.

Evaluation Group

The evaluation group should be put together as broadly as possible, with representatives from all potential users of the tool. This may be project managers, analysts, designers, developers, and people responsible for tools. These representatives can contribute their view of the evaluation method and their requirements.

Evaluation Method

The evaluation group must agree on how evaluation is to be carried out and what will be decisive to selection. An evaluation method includes describing both the scale to be used for fulfilling the requirements (e.g., fully, almost, partly, notor a scale from 0% to 100%) and the selection criteria (e.g., all priority 1 requirements fulfilled at least 80% and at least half of priority 2 requirements fulfilled 100%). It's a good idea to define different evaluation methods for different selection phases, such as most restrictive in selection of the winner.

Requirements

Like any other software product, a configuration management tool must fulfill a number of requirements. These may be functional as well as non-functional requirements, such as usability and requirements regarding the supplier. All requirements should be taken into consideration in the evaluation, not just the functional requirements and the price.

Detailed Evaluation

The two final candidates should undergo a detailed evaluation that includes at least a demonstration and preferably a trial period, to test the tools in as realistic an environment as possible.

Nomination of the Winner

and they lived happily ever after!

Unfortunately, this is not necessarily the case. After selecting the tool, the real work begins. Now the tool is to be used, usage must be sustained, and the tool must be maintained .