Nigel Gibson BAeSEMA Limited baesema.co.uk [email protected]

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Slide No: 1Blanko ‘98, October 98

Distributed Configuration Distributed Configuration Management Solution in Management Solution in

LIFESPAN™ Environment and LIFESPAN™ Environment and Experiences of the VISCOUNT Experiences of the VISCOUNT

ProjectProject

Nigel GibsonNigel Gibson

BAeSEMA LimitedBAeSEMA Limited

www.baesema.co.ukwww.baesema.co.uk

[email protected]@baesema.co.uk

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Presentation TopicsPresentation Topics

• Company BackgroundCompany Background• Virtual Software Virtual Software

CorporationsCorporations• The VISCOUNT ProjectThe VISCOUNT Project• LIFESPAN™LIFESPAN™• VISCOUNT Project BenefitsVISCOUNT Project Benefits

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Company Background Company Background

• Jointly owned British Aerospace & Jointly owned British Aerospace & Sema GroupSema Group

• 1,500 staff, revenues £160m1,500 staff, revenues £160m• Markets include:Markets include:

– CC44II– Naval EngineeringNaval Engineering– Warship Prime ContractingWarship Prime Contracting– Software EngineeringSoftware Engineering

• British Aerospace buying out British Aerospace buying out Sema GroupSema Group

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What is a VSC?What is a VSC?

• OrganisationOrganisation– internal/externalinternal/external– competitive/collaborativecompetitive/collaborative

• GeographyGeography– local/internationallocal/international

• RelationshipRelationship– contractual/non-contractualcontractual/non-contractual

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Traditional Partnership ModelTraditional Partnership Model

CustomerCustomer

SupplierSupplier

SubcontractorSubcontractor

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VSC Partnership ModelVSC Partnership Model

SupplierSupplier Third PartyThird Party

CustomerCustomer

SupplierSupplier

CustomerCustomer

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VSC Key AttributesVSC Key Attributes

• Collaborative processCollaborative process• Disparate organisationDisparate organisation• Temporary structureTemporary structure• Dynamically forming Dynamically forming

partnershipspartnerships• Each partner has clear area of Each partner has clear area of

expertiseexpertise• Mutual accountabilityMutual accountability• One customerOne customer

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VSC RisksVSC Risks

• Differing business driversDiffering business drivers• Communications breakdownCommunications breakdown• Lack of timely co-ordinated informationLack of timely co-ordinated information• SecuritySecurity

– Project/organisationProject/organisation

• Cultural Differences in:Cultural Differences in:– ProceduresProcedures– OrganisationsOrganisations– CountriesCountries

• Different tools in different organisationsDifferent tools in different organisations

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VSC BenefitsVSC 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...Improved productivity

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Distributed Configuration MgtDistributed Configuration Mgt

• Important for an efficient VSCImportant for an efficient VSC• Differing information states:Differing information states:

– private (no external read access)private (no external read access)– proprietary (general read access)proprietary (general read access)– shared (general read and write access)shared (general read and write access)

• Common infrastructureCommon infrastructure– Developers/managers ideally use the same Developers/managers ideally use the same

toolstools– Reality means reconciling Reality means reconciling

differences/standardsdifferences/standards

..the above are addressed by the VISCOUNT project..the above are addressed by the VISCOUNT project

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The VISCOUNT ProjectThe VISCOUNT Project

• Improving distributed configuration Improving distributed configuration managementmanagement

• International partnershipInternational partnership• Testing different VSCs in the real worldTesting different VSCs in the real world• Improving LIFESPAN™ configuration Improving LIFESPAN™ configuration

management tool support for VSCsmanagement tool support for VSCs• VISCOUNT is a VSC!VISCOUNT is a VSC!

THE VISCOUNT PROJECT

CONFIGURATION

MANAGEMENT

PROCESSESPROCESSES

VSC VSC

VSCVSC

METRICSMETRICS

REQUIREMENTSREQUIREMENTSTECHNOLOGIESTECHNOLOGIES

SUPPORTSUPPORT

CustomersCustomersVSCVSC

MEETMEET

ADDRESSADDRESS

ProductivityOrganisationOrganisation

CommunicationCommunicationSpecialisationSpecialisation

QualityConsistencyConsistency

SecuritySecurityLocal DataLocal Data

CM ToolCM ToolGoalsGoals

RisksRisks

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The VISCOUNT PartnersThe VISCOUNT Partners

• BAeSEMA - UKBAeSEMA - UK• VTT, Valmet - FinlandVTT, Valmet - Finland• debis - Germanydebis - Germany• SIA - ItalySIA - Italy• Glasgow Caledonian Glasgow Caledonian

University - UKUniversity - UK

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VISCOUNT Project DetailsVISCOUNT Project Details

• Esprit Framework IV supportedEsprit Framework IV supported• 27 mths duration27 mths duration• Phased, prototype approachPhased, prototype approach

– Gather requirementsGather requirements– Technology analysisTechnology analysis– Implement prototypeImplement prototype– Test usabilityTest usability– Develop new prototypeDevelop new prototype

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VISCOUNT Project AreasVISCOUNT Project Areas

• Product DevelopmentProduct Development– BAeSEMABAeSEMA

• User OrganisationsUser Organisations– Valmet, SIA, debisValmet, SIA, debis

• Technology AnalysisTechnology Analysis– GCU, VTTGCU, VTT

• Process Improvement, MetricsProcess Improvement, Metrics– VTTVTT

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VISCOUNT is a VSC!VISCOUNT is a VSC!

• Collaborative approach, single Collaborative approach, single customercustomer

• Dynamic partnershipsDynamic partnerships• Project tasksProject tasks• Exploitation by partnersExploitation by partners• Concentration on core area of Concentration on core area of

expertiseexpertise• Geographically dispersedGeographically dispersed• Mutually accountableMutually accountable

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LIFESPAN™ BackgroundLIFESPAN™ 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-based Originally VAX-based • 150+ customer sites - 3000+ users150+ customer sites - 3000+ users• UK defence electronics focusUK defence electronics focus• Customers in defence, telecoms, Customers in defence, telecoms,

power, transportationpower, transportation

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What is Configuration Management?What is Configuration Management?

zzzzz

zz

zz

zz

z

z

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The Real Definition...The Real Definition...

• Disciplines forDisciplines for– Configuration identificationConfiguration identification– BaseliningBaselining– Status AccountingStatus Accounting

• Procedures for controlling change Procedures for controlling change • Quality & process improvementQuality & process improvement

– Development, production & maintenanceDevelopment, production & maintenance

““The discipline of identifying all components in a The discipline of identifying all components in a continuallycontinually

evolving system for the purpose of maintaining integrity, evolving system for the purpose of maintaining integrity,

traceability and control over change through its traceability and control over change through its lifecycle.” lifecycle.” BS 6488 - Configuration Management of Computer-Based Systems

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ScopeScope

• RequirementsRequirements• DesignsDesigns• CodeCode• Test specificationsTest specifications• Platform specificationsPlatform specifications• User documentationUser documentation• StandardsStandards

……Whole Lifecycle Support for all Whole Lifecycle Support for all Project “Objects”Project “Objects”

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Why Automated CM?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 ...an Essential, Integral Component of your ProjectComponent of your Project

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What is LIFESPAN™ ?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 Platforms: OpenVMS, Unix & Microsoft

WindowsWindows• Easy to useEasy to use• Workflow managementWorkflow management• Teamworking supportTeamworking support

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LIFESPAN™ - Key Facilities (I)LIFESPAN™ - Key Facilities (I)

• Version controlVersion control• Configuration controlConfiguration control• Change controlChange control• Fault reportingFault reporting• Software build managementSoftware build management• Release managementRelease management

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LIFESPAN™ - Key Facilities (II)LIFESPAN™ - Key Facilities (II)

• Impact analysisImpact analysis• Process supportProcess support• Reporting & audit Reporting & audit

trailstrails• Archive systemArchive system• ConfigurabilityConfigurability

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Integrate your environmentIntegrate your environment

API

Interface

Query

CLI

GUICLIENT

LIFESPAN™ SERVER

Application Programming Interface• Class Library• Automate CM operations• Tool interface

3rd Party ToolIntegration• Flexible I/O• SCCS• Metriflame

Reporting• Fast online reports• Ad hoc, repeatable queries• Detailed or summary

CommandLine Interface• Automate common operations• Fast project take-on

User Interfaces• Fully object oriented• Iconic manipulation• Drag & drop• Optional interface for VT terminals

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Client-Server ArchitectureClient-Server Architecture

SERVERVMSVAX, AlphaSolarisHP-UXWindows NT

CLIENTS

Forms(VT100 compatible)

Windows NTWindows 95/98

HP-UXMotif

SolarisOpenLook &

Motif

OpenVMSDECwindows

TCP/IP or DECnet

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LIFESPAN™ - Change ControlLIFESPAN™ - Change Control

Change Control

UnapprovedStore

Approved Store

QA Approval

Issue

Access Control

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User Roles & PrivilegesUser Roles & Privileges

LIFESPAN™ Manager

Team Leader 1 Team Leader 2

Designer 1 Designer 2

Prog 1 Prog 2 Tester

Project Manager 1 Project Manager 2QA Manager

Privileges:QA

Privileges:DC operations

QA

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LIFESPAN™ ’s e-mail SystemLIFESPAN™ ’s e-mail System

Project Manager 1 Project Manager 1QA Manager

Team Leader 1 Team Leader 2

Designer 1 Designer 2

Prog 1 Prog 2 Tester 1

LIFESPAN™ Manager

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Basic Configuration ItemBasic Configuration Item

Module CM DataMODULE TYPEMODULE NAMEVERSION (HISTORY)DESCRIPTION

Module BodySOURCE

Program CodeText

FOREIGNBinary Graphics

PROCESS MODEL

eg

eg

Latest Version

First VersionA

A2.1

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Structured Configuration ItemStructured Configuration Item

Package

CM DataMODULE TYPE

PACKAGEMODULE NAME

PVERSION (HISTORY)DESCRIPTIONPACKAGE MEMBERS

MODULE LMODULE XMODULE N

L 1.4

X 3.7

N 2.6

PPackage4.1

PL

N

X

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Example of Package HierarchiesExample of Package Hierarchies

Commonsoftwaremodule

Data handlingsubsystemInterface

subsytem

Communications system Target engagement system

B

S

A

P

X

Y

D

L

N

X

PM

X

V

S

E

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Hierarchical Version ControlHierarchical Version Control

Module XUpdated

Package P must alsobe updated

L 1.4

X 3.7

N 2.6

PPackage4.1

L 1.4

X 3.8

N 2.6

PPackage4.2

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LIFESPAN™ - Change ControlLIFESPAN™ - Change Control

Change Control

UnapprovedStore

Approved Store

QA Approval

Issue

Access Control

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LIFESPAN™ - the Key BenefitsLIFESPAN™ - the Key Benefits• Comprehensive CM coverage:Comprehensive CM coverage:

– Version controlVersion control– Configuration controlConfiguration control– Secure change controlSecure change control– Fault reporting/trackingFault reporting/tracking– Build/release managementBuild/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

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LIFESPAN™ Within VISCOUNTLIFESPAN™ Within VISCOUNT

• Configuration management key Configuration management key element within VSCselement within VSCs

• LIFESPAN™ strategy to support the LIFESPAN™ strategy to support the new paradigmnew paradigm

• Improve features and usabilityImprove features and usability• Test technology and featuresTest technology and features• User feedback paramountUser feedback paramount

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Improving support for VSCsImproving support for VSCs

• Flexible process modellingFlexible process modelling– integrate different processes across integrate different processes across

organisationsorganisations

• Metrics supportMetrics support– continuous process improvement monitoring continuous process improvement monitoring

and controland control

• Distributed Software DevelopmentDistributed Software Development– process supportprocess support– configuration management supportconfiguration management support

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Support for metricsSupport for metrics

• VTT Metriflame integrationVTT Metriflame integration– report basedreport based– on-demandon-demand– don’t “re-invent the wheel”don’t “re-invent the wheel”

• Adoption of GQM/Pr²imer Adoption of GQM/Pr²imer methodologymethodology

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Integration with other toolsIntegration with other tools

• Typical need within VSCTypical need within VSC– disparate organisationsdisparate organisations– different methods, tools and processesdifferent methods, tools and processes– temporary hence no mandated temporary hence no mandated

conformityconformity

• Configuration management toolsConfiguration management tools• STEP-like generic transfer modelSTEP-like generic transfer model

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Technology IssuesTechnology Issues

• Process modellingProcess modelling• MetricsMetrics• Distribution mechanismsDistribution mechanisms• Web deploymentWeb deployment• SecuritySecurity• Agent technologyAgent technology• Interchange formatsInterchange formats

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VISCOUNT Lessons LearnedVISCOUNT Lessons Learned

• Leading edge not necessarily best Leading edge not necessarily best (yet)(yet)– Java not industrial strength for VSC supportJava not industrial strength for VSC support

• Security remains an issueSecurity remains an issue– Encryption problemsEncryption problems– Infrastructure demands!Infrastructure demands!

• Iterative prototyping invaluableIterative prototyping invaluable– Incremental product developmentIncremental product development– Limited, immediate, real user feedbackLimited, immediate, real user feedback

• VSCs Work!VSCs Work!– Project collaboration and focus remain highProject collaboration and focus remain high

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VISCOUNT BenefitsVISCOUNT Benefits• VSCsVSCs

– Improved Service VelocityImproved Service Velocity– Quicker time to marketQuicker time to market– Improved Customer satisfaction (reqts, flexibility, Improved Customer satisfaction (reqts, flexibility,

speed)speed)– Cost reduction in project developmentCost reduction in project development– Improved qualityImproved quality

• VISCOUNTVISCOUNT– Proving different VSC implementationsProving different VSC implementations– Improving VSC support toolsImproving VSC support tools

• BAeSEMABAeSEMA– All the above, plusAll the above, plus– Improved LIFESPAN™ productImproved LIFESPAN™ product

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SummarySummary

• VSC - the organisational structure of VSC - the organisational structure of the futurethe future

• VISCOUNT is testing and will exploit VISCOUNT is testing and will exploit the VSC conceptthe VSC concept

• Fundamental benefits to business:Fundamental benefits to business:– improved service velocityimproved service velocity– improved qualityimproved quality– improved profitabilityimproved profitability

THE VISCOUNT PROJECT

CONFIGURATION

MANAGEMENT

PROCESSESPROCESSES

VSC VSC

VSCVSC

METRICSMETRICS

REQUIREMENTSREQUIREMENTSTECHNOLOGIESTECHNOLOGIES

SUPPORTSUPPORT

CustomersCustomersVSCVSC

MEETMEET

ADDRESSADDRESS

ProductivityOrganisationOrganisation

CommunicationCommunicationSpecialisationSpecialisation

QualityConsistencyConsistency

SecuritySecurityLocal DataLocal Data

CM ToolCM ToolGoalsGoals

RisksRisks

Documents

Nigel Gibson BAeSEMA Limited baesema.co.uk [email protected]