Importance of OSLC Tools Integration
Software development process or software development lifecycle (SDLC) is a comprehensive framework that describes the various phases and the various activities that need to be performed at each phase of software development. It is a complicated process where the software development team has to go through various stages namely
* Initiation
* System Concept Development and Planning
* Requirements analysis
* Design
* Development
* Testing
* Implementation
* Maintenance
* Disposition
However, blind adherence to the various development stages will not guarantee success. The software development process must involve careful planning, meticulous execution, good communication and prompt reaction. Only then, the software development team can develop software that conforms to customer requirements.
The different stakeholders in the software development process namely requirements analysts, architects, developers, coders, testers, managers and operations personnel require various tools to manage and support the different phases of the software development process. The different tools required by the software development team include requirements management tools, test management tools, issues management tools, risk management tools, release management tools, and project management tools. Let us look at the role of some of these tools in software development process.
Team Foundation Server (TFS)
TFS is a tool that helps the development team in source control, data collection, reporting and project tracking. TFS integration platform facilitates integration between TFS and external systems like bug-tracking systems. This platform helps build toolsthat move data unidirectionally into TFS, and tools that manage data bidirectionally.
Visual Studio
An integrated development environment, Visual Studio includes a code editor, debugger, forms designer, web designer, class designer, data designer, and mapping designer. Since it allows plug-ins, compilers, editors and debuggers can enhance its functionalities at almost every level.
JIRA
JIRA is an issue-tracking tool that helps in issue tracking, bug tracking and project management.
Eclipse
An integrated development environment, Eclipse helps in developing applications in Java and with the help of various plug-ins, other programming languages such as C, C++, COBOL, Perl, PHP, Python, R, Ruby, Groovy, Scheme and so on.
SharePoint
A web application platform, it helps companies and organizations in managing their web requirements. As it is heavily integrated with the Office suite of tools, even non-experts can use this multipurpose web tool and its functions.
These are best of breed tools but these are siloed point function tools as well. Hence, though these tools provide great assistance to the various stakeholders, the lack of effective collaboration and synchronization between these tools affects team collaboration and communication very badly. Until recently, almost all companies faced such a problem but the development of Open Service for Lifecycle Collaboration (OSLC) initiative has succeeded in putting an end to this situation through effortless integration. Thanks to OSLC integration, the various stakeholders now have a clear picture regarding the overall application development activities and status.
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