Abstract

Software configuration management (SCM) is the discipline of controlling the evolution of large and complex software systems. The SCM process is composed of those activities of the software process that are related to SCM. The SCM process is structured into SCM functions: identification, control, status accounting, audit and review, building, release management, coordination of team work, and distribution. The spectrum ranges from lightweight to heavyweight processes, depending on the overall requirements of the software process. The SCM production process is defined by a meta process, which involves the definition of the steps to be executed, the selection of the tools to be used, and the customization of these tools by SCM policies.