68 Tools Related To Configuration Management
Description
This article is from the Configuration Management Tools FAQ, by Dave Eaton dwe@arde.com with numerous contributions by others.
68 Tools Related To Configuration Management
Embedded In Other Tools
Many of the large and expensive case-tools have a version control
mechanism embedded within them. It may be sufficient to use such a
tool.
Araxis Merge
Araxis Merge, by Araxis, Ltd., is a visual file comparison/merging
(two and three way) and folder synchronization application for MS
Windows platforms. Softlab's Visual Enabler ships with Araxis Merge.
Full information about the product (including a trail version) is
available through their Web site at http://www.araxis.com/.
DateWise FileCompare
DateWise FileCompare is a patented (No. 6,236,993) file comparison
system that is able to compare files with expected differences without
providing detailed file specifications. For example, many compilers
and linkers embed several timestamps in their binary output (e.g.
Microsoft VC++). Every manufacturer of compilers and linkers place the
timestamps at different locations within the files, vary formats,
etc., making it impractical to try to write a comparison function for
a specific file type. Those timestamps have a side effect of
prohibiting CM personnel from independently verifying that modules
that the programmer states have not been changed are identical to
versions supplied with the last release. DateWise FileCompare will
compare the files, telling the user whether they match or not
(excluding any expected embedded timestamp differences) and in what
value range it found in the timestamps or where the unreconcilable
differences were within the file. Another example of CM usage is
verifying that compiler switches have not inadvertently been changed
when upgrading to a new development machine.
Technical/application info may be found at http://www.datewise.com/mt.
DateWise FileCompare is available as a utility for DOS/Windows, Linux,
Solaris, HP-UX, and MVS platforms from:
DateWise, Ltd
3192 Ebonywood Ct
Dublin, OH 43017
Email: info@datewise.com
Tel/FAX: 614-799-2521.
Merge Right
Merge Right is not a full fledged version or configuration management
tool, but it addresses one of the most important parts of such
systems, support for management and integration of multiple versions
and releases. While Merge Right does not provide check-in and
check-out it is designed to work closely with other tools that do:
integrations for RCS and SCCS are contributed, and integrations to
Continuus/CM and Atherton Technology Software BackPlane are supported
by those vendors. Integrations to other CM tools (Rational ClearCase,
TeamOne TeamNet, etc.) and even custom and internal tools are easy -
even if files are versioned only by different names or extensions.
Merge Right is available from:
Prescient Software, Inc.
3494 Yuba Avenue; San Jose, CA 95117-2967;
Email: mcgregor@netcom.com
tel: 408-985-1824; fax: 408-985-1936
Non-Software-Development Tools
There are a number of version management tools on the market which
address areas other than software development. Since these do not
include the capability to "build" software, in-depth coverage was not
considered FAQ. If, however, you have a project which is independent
of software development, it may make more sense to consider one of
those tools rather than force-fit that project into the same tool
being used for software.
Some examples of such tools are:
* ComponentSoftware RCS (CS-RCS) by ComponentSoftware Ltd.; 5
Bar-Ilan St.; Givat Shemuel; Israel 54101; tel: +972-3-5320085; A
GNU RCS compatible document revision control system for Windows
95/NT. See http://www.ComponentSoftware.com or write
info@ComponentSoftware.com.
* Data Management and Control Software (DMCS) by by Structural
Dynamics Research Corporation (SDRC); Milford, OH; 513-576-2400
* ERA by Salinas Technology; Montreal, Canada; tel.: 514-369-4161
* Implementor by Golden Coast Software; 15932 W. State Road 84; Ft.
Lauderdale, Florida 33326; tel: 305-389-7848
* Integrated Document Control System (IDoCS) by Micro Engineering
Solutions Inc.; Meriden, CT; tel.: 203-630-3630
* Document Management Solutions from IntraNet Solutions, Inc.; 9625
West 76th Street, Suite 150; Elden Prarie, MN 55344; tel.:
612-903-2000 or 800-989-8744
There are many other such tools. Check the appropriate industry
periodicals for additional listings.
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