Summertime is the perfect time to relax and sip some iced tea by the pool side, but that doesn't mean we in IBM Rational stop creating great articles to help you get the job done! No way! We're still working hard for you, even IF your loyal blog editor here hasn't highlighted them in a while. For that I beg your forgiveness and present to you the following items that have recently gone live over the past three weeks on developerWorks Rational:

During the week of August 13th, 2012:

How agile practices aid development of complex systems
By Martin R. Bakal, Worldwide Offering Manager, Electronics Industry, IBM, Jennifer Althouse, Systems Sales Leader, IBM and Paridhi Verma, Go-to-Market Manager, Electronics Industry & Mobile, IBM
This article explores how agile development, continuous integration (CI), and test-driven development (TDD) techniques can be employed in embedded software development. When applied as part of an architecture-based approach, these combined practices provide both high quality and project flexibility.
Product: IBM Rational Quality Manager

Replicate and sync IBM ClearCase MultiSite repositories
By Tata Consultancy Services' Rational Center of Excellence, Team of experts, Tata Consultancy Services
Tips for developers from the Rational Center of Excellence team at Tata Consultancy.
Product: IBM Rational ClearCase

Featured download: Rational Method Composer
IBM Rational Method Composer, a flexible process management platform with the industry’s most comprehensive tooling and richest process library to help companies implement effective processes for successful software and IT projects.

During the week of August 6th, 2012

Document and automate processes with Rational Method Composer and Jazz: Part 4. Create new process assets
By Ricardo Balduino, Senior Software Engineer, IBM, USA
This series about the importance of documenting methods focuses on integrating Rational Method Composer with Rational Team Concert. In Part 4, Ricardo Balduino describes how a team adapts existing Rational Method Composer practices and creates a new process template in Rational Team Concert to run the project.
Products: IBM Rational Team Concert, IBM Rational Method Composer

How Rational tools streamlined testing in the IBM Tivoli Rome Lab
By Alessandro De Micco and Ilaria Gorga, Software Engineers, IBM, Italy
Engineers from the IBM Tivoli software lab in Rome describe the significant differences in their daily work since they moved from using a Lotus Notes database and text documents to IBM Rational Team Concert and Rational Quality Manager. Architects, project managers, developers, and testers all benefited, and they explain how.
Products: IBM Rational Team Concert and IBM Rational Quality Manager

Configure DOORS and Rational Team Concert for globally distributed workers
By Aggie Tang, Sharon Chen, and Yu Qin Dong, Globalization Shared Services Center, IBM, China
This article explains how to set up servers and computers when your team includes individuals in different locations around the world. Readers can follow these steps and examples to configure their own working environments. (Requires intermediate-level knowledge of both Rational Team Concert and Rational DOORS.)
Products: IBM Rational Team Concert, IBM Rational DOORS

Featured author, Tinny Ng
Tinny Ng is a senior software developer at the IBM Canada Lab. Her primary focus is to improve the cross-brand integration capability and usability of IBM Software Group products. She designs solutions to address the identified integration issues and leads the team to delivery of the solution. Tinny has more than 10 years of experience in software development, from architectural design to implementation, including application building, packaging, testing, and support. She also has previous publishing experience as author of IBM developerWorks articles and as co-author of Understanding IBM SOA Foundation Suite: Learning Visually with Examples (IBM Press, 2009).
Profile: http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/mydeveloperworks/profiles/user/TinnyNg
Portfolio: http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/views/global/libraryview.jsp?site_id=1&contentarea_by=global&sort_by=Date&sort_order=2&start=1&end=11&topic_by=-1&product_by=-1&type_by=All%20Types&show_abstract=true&search_by=Tinny%20Ng&industry_by=-1

Week of July 30th, 2012

Manage builds easier with Jazz Team Build in Rational Team Concert
By Veena H. Balakrishnaiah, Build and Release Engineer, IBM, India
Veena H. Balakrishnaiah gives an overview of how to configure the source control and Jazz Team Build components of Rational Team Concert to define and manage software builds. Jazz Team Builds support automation, monitoring, and awareness of a team's regular builds.
Product: IBM Rational Team Concert

Document and automate processes with Rational Method Composer and Jazz, Part 3
By Ricardo Balduino, Senior Software Engineer, IBM, USA
In the third article in this series, Ricardo Balduino explains how customizing a process works. He describes how a team extends the process description included in Rational Method Composer to accommodate new process needs and how they automate that process in Rational Team Concert.
Products: IBM Rational Method Composer and IBM Rational Team Concert

Change the ClearCase ALBD password easily with this updated utility
By Mike Nellis, Senior Software Engineer, IBM, USA
If you use Rational ClearCase with Microsoft Windows, ClearCase requires a Windows user account to start the Atria Location Broker Daemon (ALBD). You must change the password periodically for security. Mike Nellis explains how to use a utility included with this article to change the ALBD password quickly and easily.
Product: IBM Rational ClearCase

IBM Rational ClearCase UCM users sometimes come across situations where you may want to cancel the rebase operation.
While trying to cancel the rebase operation it might either hang or fail. Perhaps, after trying quite a few steps to resolve unsuccessfully, IBM Rational Client Support is contacted for assistance.

Here are a few basic cleartool commands that help us in Support (as well as application users like you) to take stock of the situation and analyze the problem. As always, the examples used here and the actual behaviour in your environment may vary.

--> Run the following command to check the current status of the rebase operation:

• cleartool rebase -status -l -view <rebase-view-tag> -stream <stream-selector>                                                                         
  
  *****
                     
  Example:
  
  $ cleartool rebase -status -l -view test_view -stream 1n_RTP@/export/pvob                                              
  No rebase in progress for stream "1n_RTP".                                 
  
  *****

--> Run the following commands to verify why the rebase operation has a problem:

• $ cleartool des -l activity:<rebase_activity_name>@/<pvob_name>
• $ cleartool dump activity:<rebase_activity_name>@/<pvob_name>
  
  *****
  
  Example:
  
  $ cleartool des -l activity:rebase.1n_RTP.20120526.042233@/export/pvob
  
  activity "rebase.1n_RTP.20120526.042233"                                   
    created 2012-05-26T04:22:33-04:00 by NK (1n@test.com)                                                            
    "Integration activity created by rebase on 05/26/12 04:22:33.                           
     "                                                                                      
    master replica: rtp@/export/pvob                                              
    owner: 1nitin                                                                           
    group: nwwls                                                                            
    stream: 1n_RTP@/export/pvob                                    
    title: rebase 1n_RTP on 05/26/12 04:22:33.                               
  cleartool: Warning: A version in the change set of activity "rebase.1n_RTP.20120526.042233" is currently unavailable.                          
    change set versions:                                                                    
  
  $ cleartool dump activity:rebase.1n_RTP.20120526.042233@/export/pvob                                                                   
                                                                                            
  rebase.1n_RTP.20120526.042233                                              
  oid=f1b880f1.a70c11e1.9c18.00:50:56:97:0d:79  dbid=76708 (0x12ba4)                        
  mtype=activity  name="rebase.1n_RTP.20120526.042233"                       
  usid=UNIX:UID-11973  gsid=UNIX:GID-111                                                    
  master replica dbid=1                                                                     
  headline="rebase 1n_RTP on 05/26/12 04:22:33."                             
  mod count=1                                                                               
  parent stream dbid=76227                                                                  
  state dbid=58532                                                                          
  Activity change set list:                                                                 
    index=0  Add version arrow=76711  crde_oid_hash=2119978726                              
  hyperlinks from object:                                                                   
  arrow=76711                                                                               
    type=58498                                                                              
    hlink vob=56596b57.a00d11da.98f5.00:01:80:c3:45:b6                                      
    hlink obj=5dc9edc2.a70d11e1.9c23.00:50:56:97:0d:79                                      
    from vob=56596b57.a00d11da.98f5.00:01:80:c3:45:b6                                       
    from obj=f1b880f1.a70c11e1.9c18.00:50:56:97:0d:79                                       
    to vob=e52deefe.a31b11da.8a82.00:01:80:c3:45:b6                                         
    to obj=5db9edbe.a70d11e1.9c23.00:50:56:97:0d:79                                         
  
  *****
  

--> Run the following command to cancel the rebase operation and see if that fails. If so, verify what the error is:

• $ cleartool rebase -cancel -view <rebase-view-tag> -stream <stream-selector>                                                                         
  
  *****
  
  Example:
  
  cleartool: Error: Unable to remove Change hyperlink for all versions of element "17328c50.77d611e1.81cb.00:50:56:97:0d:79" in a pass prior to removing versions. 
  Command will proceed and re-attempt to remove remaining hyperlinks. If this command fails, some Change hyperlinks have been removed without removing                          
  the versions.  Please save the following information, and run the command again.  If it continues to fail, contact Rational Customer Support.                      
  
  Removed versions of "/var/adm/rational/clearcase/ccweb/1nitin/test_view/export/src/lu/lu_core_schema/migrate/upgrades/upgrade_754.sql/upgrade_sp_views.sql".                                                                                     
  
  *****

--> Listing of the rebase activity might reveal the problem as well:

• $ cleartool lsact -long <rebase_actvity_name>                                                      
  
  *****
  
  Example:
  
  # cleartool lsact -long rebase.1n_RTP.20120526.042233@/export/pvob                                                                   
  
  activity "rebase.1n_RTP.20120526.042233"                                   
   2012-05-26T04:22:33-04:00 by NK (1n@test.com)                                                                   
    "Integration activity created by rebase on 05/26/12 04:22:33.                        
     "                                                                                      
    master replica: rtp@/export/pvob                                              
    owner: 1nitin                                                                           
    group: nwwls                                                                            
    stream: 1n_RTP@/export/pvob                                    
    title: rebase 1n_RTP on 05/26/12 04:22:33.                               
  cleartool: Warning: A version in the change set of activity "rebase.1n_RTP.20120526.042233" is currently unavailable.                          
    change set versions:                                                                    
  
  *****
  

--> After collecting the data above, which should have enough evidence and details on the problem, here are the next set of commands:

• If re-initiating the rebase operation or cancel of the rebase errors out, the following command needs to be run and the output verified:                                             
                                                                                            
  $ cleartool checkvob -ucm activity:<rebase_activity_name>@\<pvob_name>                        
  
  *****
  
  Example:
  
  Scanning object:                                                                          
  activity:rebase.1n_RTP.20120526.042233@/export/pvob                                                                                     
                                                                                            
  ...                                                                                       
                                                                                            
  Scanning activity: rebase.1n_RTP.20120526.042233                           
  cleartool: Warning:      ** Hyperlink (76711): target object is missing                   
  .                                                                                         
  cleartool: Warning:     ** Has 1 broken Change hyperlinks in                              
  activity:rebase.1n_RTP.20120526.042233      
  
  *****
  

--> Now the following command can be run to fix the broken hyperlink:

• CAUTION: It is strongly recommended you contact IBM Rational Client Support before running the command below and confirm!
                                                                                            
  $ cleartool checkvob -ucm -fix activity:<rebase_activity_name>@\<pvob_name>                        
                                                                                                                                                                                 
  

The command above will fix the broken Change hyperlink and then re-running 'cleartool rebase -cancel' command should be successful. In case of any questions or doubts please contact IBM Rational Client Support to open a PMR for further assistance.

 Author: Sumant Renukarya

It's been busy around these parts... evidenced by a ton of great new downloads that have been released the past two weeks! Below are the links to the new downloads posted between June 6th, 2012 and today... don't forget to check out the 'tags' above to find other downloads you may have missed:

• Rational System Architect 11.4.2
• Rational Performance Tester Interim Fix 1 for 8.2.1.4
• RASS-Windows-8.5.0.1-Rules-Update-1434-Recommended
• RASS-Windows-8.5.0.1-Rules-Update-1434
• RASS-Windows-8.5.0.1-Rules-Update-1431-Recommended
• RASS-Windows-8.5.0.1-Rules-Update-1431
• Rational Software Architect RealTime Edition 8.5
• Rational Application Developer for WebSphere Software 8.5
• Passport Advantage parts list for Rational Application Developer v8.5
• IBM Rational Application Developer for WebSphere Software, Version 8.5.0
• Rational Developer for System z 8.5
• Rational Business Developer 8.5
• Rational Host Access Transformation Services 8.5
• Packaging Utility, Version 1.5.3
• Installation Manager, Version 1.5.3
• Installation Manager Response File Editor Toolkit
• Rational Change Fix Pack 7 (5.2.0.7) for 5.2
• Rational Method Composer 7.5.2
• 8.0.0.3-Rational-RCQ-linux_x86-FP03
• 8.0.0.3-Rational-RCQ-aix4_power-FP03
• 8.0.0.3-Rational-RCC-sol_x86-FP03
• 8.0.0.3-Rational-RCC-linux_x86-FP03
• 8.0.0.3-Rational-RCC-linux_ppc-FP03
• 8.0.0.3-Rational-RCC-linux_390-FP03
• 8.0.0.3-Rational-RCC-hp11_ia64-FP03
• 8.0.0.3-Rational-RCC-aix4_power-FP03
• 8.0.0.3-Rational-RCQ-WIN-FP03
• 8.0.0.3-Rational-RCQ-sun5-FP03
• 8.0.0.3-Rational-RCC-WIN-FP03
• 8.0.0.3-Rational-RCC-sun5-FP03
• 8.0.0.3-Rational-RCCRC-FP03
• 8.0.0.3-Rational-RCCRC-EXT-FP03
• 8.0.0.3-Rational-RCC-GMON-FP03
• 7.1.3.3-Rational-RRP-WIN-FP03
• 7.1.2.7-RATL-RCQ.linux_x86
• 7.1.2.7-RATL-RCQ.hp11_pa
• 7.1.2.7-RATL-RCQ.aix4_power
• 7.1.2.7-RATL-RCC.sol_x86
• 7.1.2.7-RATL-RCC.linux_x86
• 7.1.2.7-RATL-RCC.linux_ppc
• 7.1.2.7-RATL-RCC.linux_390
• 7.1.2.7-RATL-RCC.hp11_pa
• 7.1.2.7-RATL-RCC.hp11_ia64
• 7.1.2.7-RATL-RCC.aix4_power
• 7.1.2.7-RATL-RRP-WIN-FP07
• 7.1.2.7-RATL-RCQ-WIN-FP07
• 7.1.2.7-RATL-RCQ.sun5
• 7.1.2.7-RATL-RCQ-EXT-FP07
• 7.1.2.7-RATL-RCC-WIN-FP07
• 7.1.2.7-RATL-RCC.sun5
• 7.1.2.7-RATL-RCCRC-FP07
• 7.1.2.7-RATL-RCCRC-EXT-FP07
• 7.1.2.7-RATL-RCC-GMON-FP07
• Rational ClearCase Fix Pack 07 (7.1.2.7) for 7.1.2

HURRY! You won't want to miss this Thursday, May 17th from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. (EDT)....

Rational User Community Webinar: ClearCase V8.0 – Overview of the New ClearTeam Explorer and V8.0 Administration

Space is limited, so Click here to reserve your 'seat' today!

ClearCase V8.0 includes significant functional and performance improvements. This presentation will provide an in-depth look at the new features and improvements of ClearCase V8.0. This presentation is taking place on Thursday, May 17th from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. (EDT)

This presentation will also provide:

• A discussion of the ClearTeam Explorer GUI for dynamic view
  and Web views.
• An overview of V8.0 ClearCase administration including the
  new VOB schema and the CCRC WAN Server.
• And much more...

   

• Rational ClearCase Remote Client Command Line Interface (CCRC CLI)
• Rational System Architect 11.4.1 iFix 1
• Rational Publishing Engine 1.1.2.2
• Rational Test RealTime Fix Pack 1 (8.0.0.1) for 8.0
• Rational Synergy Interim Fix 1 for 7.1.0.5
  • IBM Rational Synergy 7.1.0.5 Interim Fix 001 UNIX
  • IBM Rational Synergy 7.1.0.5 Interim Fix 001 Windows

This week we have a metric tonne of downloads for you to enjoy! Following are the downloads released and posted since April 3rd, 2012.

IBM Rational ClearCase:

• 8.0.0.2-Rational-RCC-sol_x86-FP02
• 8.0.0.2-Rational-RCC-linux_x86-FP02
• 8.0.0.2-Rational-RCC-linux_ppc-FP02
• 8.0.0.2-Rational-RCC-linux_390-FP02
• 8.0.0.2-Rational-RCC-hp11_ia64-FP02
• 8.0.0.2-Rational-RCC-aix4_power-FP02
• 8.0.0.2-Rational-RCC-WIN-FP02
• 8.0.0.2-Rational-RCC-sun5-FP02
• 8.0.0.2-Rational-RCCRC-FP02
• 8.0.0.2-Rational-RCCRC-EXT-FP02
• 8.0.0.2-Rational-RCC-GMON-FP02
• 7.1.2.6-RATL-RCC.sol_x86
• 7.1.2.6-RATL-RCC.sun5
• 7.1.2.6-RATL-RCC.linux_x86
• 7.1.2.6-RATL-RCC.linux_ppc
• 7.1.2.6-RATL-RCC.linux_390
• 7.1.2.6-RATL-RCC.hp11_pa
• 7.1.2.6-RATL-RCC.hp11_ia64
• 7.1.2.6-RATL-RCC.aix4_power
• 7.1.2.6-RATL-RCC-WIN-FP06
• 7.1.2.6-RATL-RCCRC-FP06
• 7.1.2.6-RATL-RCCRC-EXT-FP06
• 7.1.2.6-RATL-RCC-GMON-FP06

IBM Rational ClearQuest:

• 8.0.0.2-Rational-RCQ-sun5-FP02
• 8.0.0.2-Rational-RCQ-linux_x86-FP02
• 8.0.0.2-Rational-RCQ-aix4_power-FP02
• 8.0.0.2-Rational-RCQ-WIN-FP02
• 7.1.2.6-RATL-RCQ.linux_x86
• 7.1.2.6-RATL-RCQ.hp11_pa
• 7.1.2.6-RATL-RCQ.aix4_power
• 7.1.2.6-RATL-RCQ-WIN-FP06
• 7.1.2.6-RATL-RCQ.sun5
• 7.1.2.6-RATL-RCQ-EXT-FP06

From the JazzPractices blog comes the following post providing some great insight and guidance on using Extensions with Rational Team Concert: Extending Rational Team Concert – First Look

What's new with Rational Developer for Power 8.0.3 - Although this is a service release, it contains some significant new functions. Check out the improvements described in the IBM i enhancements section, which are a direct result of many Requests for Enhancement (RFEs) of the IBM® i operating system support in Rational Developer for Power.

Video! What's new in Rational Asset Manager 7.5.1.1 M1 - Watch an overview demo of new and noteworthy features and support added to Rational Asset Manager 7.5.1.1 M1:  

   The following are downloads posted since January 18th:

• IBM Rational Insight 1.0.1.1 Patch 1

• January 2012 PTF for XL C/C++ for AIX, V11.1

• January 2012 PTF for XL C for AIX, V11.1  

• HOD-10.0.10.0-ToolKit-refresh-pack

  • HOD-10.0.10.0-zOS-refresh-pack
  • HOD-10.0.10.0-OS400-refresh-pack
  • HOD-10.0.10.0-Windows-refresh-pack
  • HOD-10.0.10.0-Solaris-refresh-pack
  • HOD-10.0.10.0-OS2-refresh-pack
  • HOD-10.0.10.0-Novell-Netware-refresh-pack
  • HOD-10.0.10.0-Linux-for-zSeries-refresh-pack
  • HOD-10.0.10.0-Linux-for-iSeries-and-pSeries-refresh-pack
  • HOD-10.0.10.0-HPUX_IA64-refresh-pack
  • HOD-10.0.10.0-HP-UX-refresh-pack
  • HOD-10.0.10.0-Linux-refresh-pack
  • HOD-10.0.10.0-AIX-refresh-pack