The origin of SCM and the purpose of SCM

SCMOrigin and SCMPurpose

 

Chen nengtech

2007-10-16

 

From: Software Configuration Management in Agile Methods-Juha koskela

 

SCMOrigin and definition

Configuration management (CM) is a discipline used to control the development of complex systems. CM first appeared in the defense equipment industry in the United States to control the manufacturing process. As computers and software gradually enter the stage, people are forced to find ways to control their software development processes. In short, SCM is a CM dedicated to software development control.

 

There are probably two SCM differences: first, software can be changed more easily and quickly than hardware, and secondly, SCM has the potential to be automated. However, although there are some differences between configuration management applications and software and hardware, all the concepts of configuration management can be applied to all the items under control.

 

At present, many different SCM Standards have emerged in both the military and civil industries. The widely accepted standard is ANSI/IEEE 1042. It defines SCM as follows:

 

"Software CM is a discipline that manages the progress of computer program products, including in the initial stages of development and all maintenance stages of products ."

 

SCMGoals and Benefits

SCM is a key element of software engineering. We need SCM because the complexity of the software system is increasing and the requirements for software changes are increasing.

SCM can be used as a strategic weapon to bring to the Organization the advantages that organizations do not use SCM or do not use SCM effectively.

 

The effective use of SCM throughout the lifecycle of a product can identify software items to be developed to avoid confusion during software changes and provide necessary information about the development status, it also helps audit software and SCM processes. Therefore, it aims to help software development and achieve higher software quality. For example, SCM is an important element for higher software quality: