Configuration Management - Agile versus Traditional
Sponsored by MKS
The adoption of agile methods (such as XP - extreme programming) puts the
spotlight on development processes - what impact does this have on the
traditional approach to configuration management? What is unique about
configuration management for agile systems? What could not be described as
'efficient' implementation of a good configuration management system? Is
there a need for Agile CM - and what is it?
Papers/presentations are now online (linked from presentation titles)
Tuesday
12th October 2004
The Event Theatre
Keyworth Centre, South Bank University
Keyworth Street, London SE1 0AA
Click
here for map and directions (building 10)
Cost:
£130 + VAT (BCS or CMSG members)
£170 + VAT (Non members)
£20 (CMSG membership - you do the maths!)
PROGRAMME
09:15 - 09:45
Registration and Coffee
09:45 – 10:00
Introduction, Shirley Lacy, Chair
Much of the appeal of Agile Software Development practices relate to the
ditching of low value "ceremonial" practices, which abound in more
traditional approaches, in favour of more flexible, people-centric ways of
working.
Successful application of agile practices require at least as much
discipline as traditional approaches, if not more. A clear distinction
needs to be made between formality and discipline. Andrew will compare
change management with configuration management to explore this distinction.
Andrew is Member Services Director for the DSDM Consortium
10:45 –
11:15 COFFEE and NETWORKING
Evolutionary Delivery is a method of
software engineering that emphasises early, regular, and frequent feedback
from the customer above all else. What does an evolutionary configuration
management strategy look like? And perhaps most importantly, what other
processes and structures are needed to make the feedback effective, and so
deliver valuable software?
Richard has
conducted numerous product strategy, project management, and software
process consultancy engagements.
Associated Paper - as published
in CM Crossroads
This talk (presented
by Robert) looks at the root cause of some differences between agile and
traditional development, and how it changes certain assumptions SCM has of
development. Based in part on the Agile SCM column in the CM Crossroads’
newsletter and Brad’s book.
Brad is the
co-author of “Software Configuration Management Patterns: Practical
Teamwork, Effective Integration”. Robert has 20 years of experience in
software development, and now focuses on providing configuration management
consultancy and training.
12:45 – 13:35
LUNCH and NETWORKING
13:35 –
14:05 "SCM aspects of refactoring", Paul Bowden, MKS
A look at how refactoring can be managed within the organisation.
14:05 –
14:50 “Continuous Integration”
Manish Shah and Nat
Pryce, ThoughtWorks
This presentation will illustrate how
continuous integration supports agile software development through a live
demonstration of Test-Driven Development and Continuous Integration. The
presentation will concentrate on the values and practices of using
continuous integration in software development, rather than the specifics of
tools and programming environments, and show how continuous integration is a
valuable addition to any development methodology.
Manish is a big advocate of simplicity both
in terms of software design and processes and tools. Nat is a member of
several open source projects that produce tools to support agile software
development.
14:50 –
15:20 TEA
/ COFFEE and NETWORKING
Paper
The tenets of Extreme Programming’s Four Values
and the Manifesto for Agile Software Development’s
Principles of Agile software forge different perspectives on
risk management in the software development process to previous
methodologies. This paper discusses these canons and how configuration
management may explicitly support and promote them with examples from
industry practice.
Steve develops software and consults in SCM
from his Michigan office.
16:05 – 16:30
Q&A PANEL
16:30 – 16:45
SUMMARY and CLOSE
The Configuration Management Specialist Group provides a forum for
exchanging ideas, developing and promoting Change, Configuration Management
and Release Management best practices and standards including formal
accreditation and professional qualifications
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