Mandelbrot and others have vividly demonstrated how a simple algorithm can quickly lead to high complexity. Nowhere is this relationship between simplicity and complexity more evident than in the field of high tech, where simple binary formulations have created vastly complicated information systems. While complexity is a fact of life for IT professionals, understanding it and learning the art of managing it can be a satisfying mission. In our November cover story, Murray Cantor explores the sources of complexity and suggests ways to deal with it. Also this month we introduce IBM Rational Build Forge Express Edition, specially designed for small and medium businesses. We take a fresh look at model-driven development principles, we introduce the new plug-in for Practical Software and Systems Measurement, and there's much more.
Look for these new articles by clicking on the cover image above, and don't forget to browse through our archives via the link in the left-hand navigation bar.
Cover story:Understanding complexity, by Murray Cantor
Complexity in software systems is unavoidable, but it is not unmanageable. Read how an IBM Distinguished Engineer approaches complexity from the standpoint of architecture and team organization.
Enterprise class build automation for SMBs: Eliminating chaos and risk in unmanaged SMB build processes, by Cheri Bergeron
Read how build automation, a process often overlooked by small and medium businesses (SMBs), helps reduce costs and risks, and optimizes resources, while improving software quality and supporting distributed and outsourced development environments. This article introduces IBM Rational Build Forge Express Edition, an enterprise-class build automation framework designed and priced explicitly for SMBs.
Introducing the RUP plug-in for Model Driven Systems Development, by Tom Wickstrom
The Model-Driven Systems Development plug-in for the IBM Rational Unified Process (RUP) supports basic principles of systems engineering and MDSD. The RUP for MDSD plug-in will be of particular interest to the managers of a systems development project, as well as those concerned with system analysis and specification, system architecture, implementation, and test.
Leading innovation
In the increasingly complex world of software and systems delivery, the Rational brand stands for business innovation and the best practices to help you succeed. Here we showcase the thought leadership and technical know-how that keep our customers on the competitive edge.
Integrating systems measurement into your software and systems delivery process with the RUP for PSM Plug-in, by Doug Ishigaki
Rational thought leaders created the IBM Rational Unified Process for Practical Software and Systems Measurement (RUP for PSM) Plug-in as part of an industry-wide effort to standardize project and process measurement in software development and delivery organizations. The new, third release of this product contains important additions and features, which are detailed in this article.
Ready for IBM Rational software Comes to You Webinar Series
Ready for IBM Rational software Comes to You is a webinar series sponsored by the Rational user group organization. The series is designed to expose you to a cross section of value-added software solutions from Rational Business Partners to extend your Rational software implementations. Rich with live demos, these webinars show you first-hand how partner offerings integrate and enhance the features and functions of the Rational Software Delivery Platform. Take a look at the list, and register now.
Webcasts, tutorials, demos, and more: November-December 2007, by The Rational Marketing Team
These dynamic, Web-based tutorials, demos, and trial downloads will introduce new concepts or help refresh your knowledge base. Check out this extensive listing of IBM Rational Web-based resources.
Getting out of the comfort zone, by Gary Pollice
Each of us has our "comfort zones" -- and it might not be easy to step beyond them. This article illustrates how motivation, reinforcement, and support can tip the balance between the tendency to revert to old habits and practicing new habits until they become "automatic."
