Objective Alenia typical software development activities are complex systems with long operational and maintenance phase. Despite its high maturity level, a weak area is the Configuration Management (CM) supported by basic tools SCCS-like (on VAX-VMS CMS) and make-like (on VAX-VMS MMS). These tools provide only basic Configuration Management mechanisms not adequate for large and critical Air Traffic Control projects. The objective of the experiment is to improve the practice of Configuration Management by moving from a traditional and plain version control of sources (SCCS like) to a comprehensive Configuration Management System covering all process artefacts. This will be performed on a large and varied set of hardware/software platforms, assuring data integrity, inter-operability, improving security and automating the main and most critical process related to configuration management practices.THE EXPERIMENTThe needs for an advanced CM model will be identified and the existing CM tools (CMVC, Continuos, PCMS, etc.) will be appraised to select the tool to de deployed. A Product Model will be defined as resulting from the software development/maintenance process. The CM practices will be formalised, modelled and their enactment will be supported by a process/work-flow engine. Integration and consistency of the Process Model and the Product Model will be of primary concern. Conformance with ISO CM requirements (i.e. ISO 9004-6) is targeted.The identified baseline project (in the maintenance phase) will be migrated from the old practice of source control (SCCS like) to the new one. An expert consultant will support the experiment and a SPICE assessment will verify the achievement of the results.The baseline project of the experiment will be the Plot Buffer (PB) subsystem that executes many management functions of the Radar system resources. The RAT31SL Radar System employs 20 software people, 4 of them are involved in the PB team. EXPECTED IMPACT AND EXPERIENCEAchievement of the objectives will enhance the efficiency of the software maintenance and its reuse. These aspects will increase the overall competitiveness on the market. The experiment will provide, in the maintenance phase, a CM Product Model that will contribute at going on standardisation efforts; the LARGE Configuration Management practice is intended to be institutionalised as part of the company Quality System. Fields of science natural sciencescomputer and information sciencessoftwaresoftware developmentengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringinformation engineeringtelecommunicationsradio technologyradarsocial scienceseconomics and businessbusiness and management Programme(s) FP4-ESSI 2 - Software Best Practice initiative within the framework of the specific research and technological development programme in the field of Information Technologies, 1994-1998 Topic(s) 1.28 - Process Improvement Experiments Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme ACM - Preparatory, accompanying and support measures Coordinator Alenia Un'Azienda Finmeccanica SpA EU contribution No data Address Piazza Monte Grappa 4 00195 Roma Italy See on map Total cost No data
