This is the second edition of the book A Guide to Software Configuration Management. The change in name (it should have been A Guide to Software Configuration Management, Second Edition) is a little bit confusing, but the author explains why the name was changed–due to the change in scope, magnitude and coverage of the book.

Apart from the changed title, the book is a builds on the success of the first edition. The most endearing features of the first edition-the simple language, clear explanation of the fundamentals and lucid treatment of the advanced topics-are still there. The first edition was a book that would get you as quickly up-to-speed on the basics and key issues. The language and writing style is still simple and easy to read. The fundamental concepts and the basic SCM functions are explained in clear and jargon free language. All the good aspects of the first edition are retrained. But the chapters are revised, updated and enlarged to include the latest developments and to give a more thorough, comprehensive and in-depth coverage.

The book starts by giving an introduction to SCM, explanation about the common SCM myths and misconceptions, history of SCM, the benefits of SCM, need, importance and benefits of SCM and so on. There is a chapter that deals with SCM and Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and how SCM plays a role in the different phases of software development.

The chapter on SCM basics explains clearly and unambiguously the different SCM terms like baselines, check-in and check-out, versions and variants, parallel development and branching, naming of versions, source and derived items, system building, releases, deltas, SCM database, etc. Then there is an excellent chapter on the different phases of SCM implementation. This chapter covers the objectives, various phases and explains the reasons of many failed SCM implementations. The next section covers the various SCM activities from configuration identification to configuration audits in sufficient detail so that the reader gets a thorough understanding without getting bored. The chapter on the advanced SCM topics gives a comprehensive coverage of the topics like version control, system building, release management, interface control, subcontractor control, software libraries, etc.

The chapter on SCM standards is an excellent primer on the various military and commercial SCM standards. The strength and weakness of each standard is explained. The chart that compares the four representative standards- EIA-649, IEEE Std-828, ISO 10007 and MIL-STD-973-is very useful and informative. The chapter “Software Process Improvement Models and SCM” gives an overview of the various process improvement models like CMM, CMMI, ISO SPICE, BOOTSTRAP, Trillium, etc. and explains the role of SCM in process improvement with the help of the process improvement models. These two chapters are very useful for anyone who is trying to select and SCM standard for their organization or to get and overview of the SCM functions that should be performed for process improvement.

The chapters on SCM plans, SCM organization SCM tools, SCM implementation, SCM operation and maintenance, SCM in special circumstances and give sound and practical advice on the various aspects of SCM from SCM system design, to implementation, operation and maintenance. These chapters constitute an easy-to-digest reference to various practical aspects of SCM that are not found in most books and manuals. It is a virtual toolbox of information that can be readily put to use by the SCM practitioners.

The appendices-SCM resources and SCM bibliography-are invaluable for those who want to further their knowledge. There is also a good SCM glossary and acronyms.A comprehensive yet simple and concise book on SCM. A MUST read for all SCM practitioners and software professionals and project managers

Book Details:

• Author(s): Alexis Leon
• Publisher: Artech House Publishers
• Edition & Year: Second, 2005
• ISBN: 1580538827
• Cover & Page Count: Hardcover, 383 pages

You can order online at Amazon.