Customer Reviews

A Guide to Software Configuration Management (Artech House Computer Library)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book is not like the other books on SCM. It is written in an easy-to-read and jargon free style and explains the SCM concepts, advantages and benefits of SCM. It also tells you how to implement SCM and what are the problems that you should be aware off. The chapter on SCM tools is excellent and so is the chapter on SCM in very large projects. Overall a very practical and user-friendly book. As a project manager of a large development project (more than 60 people), I have greatly benefitied from this book.

You must be searching for SCM books because either you want to know more about it, or you are implementing SW at your organization, or you trying to achieve SEI level x assessment, or you are a researcher! "Am I right?" Then, don't miss to read this book. Unlike other books that seem like tutorials on SCM, this an excellent book that enables you to gain the confidence you need to understand, plan, implement, and manage SCM in your organization. The author has used jargon-free language to explain SCM in a practical manner. The best part of the book is the appendix where you can find more SCM resources that are available on the Internet! For those who are looking for successful, hassle free implementation of software systems, this is the most convenient roadmap!

This is simply the best book that teaches you about software configuration management. There is not a more thorough book on the market today that better covers the topic and anyone who is involved with ANY aspect of SCM, who has not read this book is missing out. Many difficult topics are made so easy to grasp and the author draws on his vast experience to give excellent examples to illustrate different concepts.

In short, this book is a great addition to your reference library.

Good introduction to the topic of software configuration management. The field attracts those who (there is no way to say this kindly) have rather dry writing styles, but this was more accessible than most.

The book focused on preparing for a CM system, and provided adequate food for thought on some of the relevenat topics. However, details of implementation, and actual CM system use were neglected. Also would have been nice to include some appendices providing model CM plans and model suporting processes / procedures, but the book did provide a thorough list of resources.

All-in-all, a quick, accomodating read. Good introduction to SCM.

This is definitely a "Start -here -first" type of book on a complex subject. The author provides a comprehensive yet easy to understand explanation of SCM and its importance in the software development life cycle. The phases and fundamental areas of SCM are covered and as added bonus, the author provides an extensive assessment of current tools available on the market to facilitate the implementation of SCM activities. This book serves well as a practitioner's guide for anyone embarking on a first effort to institute a SCM program in his or her software development environment.

This book is a "must read" for anyone new to the world of configuration management. It explains concepts in a very readable and easily understood way. If I could have given this book more than 5 stars, I would have!!!

This book covers the theory and practice of SCM in an easy-to-read style. The sections of theory and SCM tools are very useful for professionals, managers as well as tool users. The exhaustive bibliography and the section on SCM plan and SCM implementation have helped me in implementing SCM in my company. This book is a must read for all software professionals who are practicing configuration management in their projects, project leaders and project managers who want to develop a good software configuration management system in the projects/organizations and managers who are in-charge of tool selection and system implementation.

Alexis Leon's "A Guide to Software Configuration Management" is an excellent book on the SCM subject. His writing style if very clear and easy to read. Mr. Leon has taken what can be a very confusing subject and made it clear not only to the programmer types but also to anyone involved with system projects. The book in broken down into very logical and progressive chapters that fit together to give an entire overview of the SCM process. The chapters can also be read independently as a valuable reference tool. The end of the book includes appendices of SCM web sites, a glossary and descriptions of SCM tools available today. This book is a must for anyone working on a project.

The new revised, enlarged and updated edition of this book --Software Configuration Management Handbook, Second Edition (ISBN: 1580538827)--is now available at Amazon.

There are more comprehensive books on SCM, such as Jessica Keyes' "Software Configuration Management" (ISBN 0849319765), but none that will get you as quickly up-to-speed on the basics and key issues as this book.

Mr. Leon steps you through the what's, why's and how's of software configuration management in a clearly written manner that is refreshingly devoid of fluff or side trips into esoteric areas. He clearly explains the entire SCM cycle from identification to configuration Control to status accounting to audits and reviews. Each of these critical areas are explained in sufficient detail to allow you to thoroughly understand the scope and complexity of SCM without becoming overwhelmed.

Another strength of this book is the chapter on configuration management plans, which will provide the new SCM practitioner with a solid starting point and template from which to work. The chapters on SCM organization, implementation and SCM in large projects are also solid and quick reads with enough information to get you started.

Some of the material in this book is, unfortunately, out of date - the chapters on tools and Internet resources could use an update - or better, a supporting web site instead of inclusion in the book - but the chapter on standards is still applicable and is a good resource for further research.

If you're an experienced SCM practitioner I recommend you get Jessica Keyes' book I cited above; however, if you are new to SCM and want a quick-start guide that will give you the basics this is the best book on the subject.