Beginning with the typewriter and adding machine, advances in business automation received a powerful shot in the arm when computing, or information technology (IT), became a staple of business operations in the 1960s. Though an overhead expense, IT was an absolute necessity in realizing greater efficiency, which ultimately contributed to the bottom line. Today, IT has begun to contribute to profitability much more directly. As Colin O'Neill describes in this issue's cover story, "Now, profit-generating business units regard software as a critical part of their infrastructure and competitive advantage." Read how "the proper positioning of IT and its associated processes is now vital to keeping corporations in business."
We also take a look at the use case points method for estimating effort and cost on software development projects; how a Definitive Software Library can help bridge the gap between software delivery and operations; and Gary Pollice returns with observations on what it takes to be a leader of Agile development teams.
You'll find these new articles and much more by clicking on the "contents" tab above, and don't forget our growing archives, which you'll find in the navigation bar at left.
Cover story:Calculating ROI for process improvement, by Colin O'neill
This article illustrates how you can readily demonstrate clear return on investment for IT process improvement efforts.
Announcing the IBM Rational Software Conference 2009 May 31-June 4, Orlando, Florida
The annual Rational Software Conference is focused on helping clients achieve the optimal business outcomes from their investments in software and systems, especially in today's fast-paced economic environment. Read about the 2009 conference here.
Establishing and populating a Definitive Software Library, by Leigh Williamson, Gili Mendel, Greg Rader
Learn how a Definitive Software Library can help bridge the gap between software delivery and operations in the context of software deployment, including the products that make up the solution and how they can be used together to reduce business risk and improve efficiency.
New frontiers in innovation for product line engineering: Featuring Lockheed Martin, by John Carrillo
This introduction to product-line engineering describes a method that some organizations are using to evolve their product portfolios, resulting in improved productivity, quality, and efficiency in the way teams develop systems and software. To read more about this new method in practice, be sure to click on the link to the Lockheed Martin article at the end of this introduction.
Software cost estimation using use case points: Getting use case transactions straight, by Remi-Armand Collaris and Eef Dekker
The use case points method is a useful model of estimating effort and cost on software development projects -- provided you can appropriately specify and count use case transactions. This article explains how (and how not) to count transactions for estimation purposes using this model.
A successful model for large-scale virtual training, by Tim Bohn
Time and money are two stumbling blocks to conventional classroom training. Leveraging its Communities of Practice expertise, IBM Rational developed a successful online training model that incorporates hands-on collaboration. This article describes this new approach.
New Ready for IBM Rational software validations!
Take a look at the new solutions that have been validated in the Ready for IBM Rational software program. You can view more details on all the solutions at Plug-in Central.
Hostbridge Version 5
Astra Test Automat
VMLogix LabManager for IBM Rational Quality Manager
Surgient Virtual QA/Test Lab Management System for IBM Rational Quality Manager
CM-Logic JazzConnect - Jira Edition 1.0
Project Management Center PMConnex for DOORS/MSP
Raven Professional 5.0 Raven-DOORS Integration
Mobile Complete DeviceAnywhere Rational Quality Manager Integrated Solution
Book excerpt: from SOA Design Patterns, written by Thomas Erl
Read Chapter 16 from an innovative new catalog of 85 design patterns for service-oriented architecture and service-orientation. It documents the most proven and successful design techniques for succeeding with modern-day SOA.
Book excerpt: from SOA Governance: Achieving and Sustaining Business and IT Agility, written by William Brown, Robert Laird, Clive Gee, Tilak Mitra
Read Chapter 4 from a new book on best practices for governing IT in any service-oriented environment. The book introduces a proven SOA governance model, defines what must be governed, helps you identify key stakeholders, and then walks through SOA governance assessment and planning, setting goals and objectives, and establishing roadmaps and deliverables.
Leadership in an (almost) Agile world, by Gary Pollice
Everyone agrees that Agile software development is ubiquitous today, but what characterizes leadership in the relatively new context of Agile development teams? Read how a longtime proponent of Agile techniques views the role and traits of a Agile leader.
