Review By: Anthony R. Pugh
09/15/2003This book is ideal for the executive who knows nothing about Configuration Management, and for the old pro that has been at it for years. The author covers the full spectrum of Configuration Management, everything from explaining what configuration management means, all the way to the different models for improving CM. For the novice it is an invaluable guide to understanding what is required from an organization to setup a CM program.

In Parts 1 through 4, the basics of configuration management, such as identification, storage, change control, and status reporting are covered. As the reader progresses through the text, they will understand how configuration management fits in with Maturity Models and International Standards (i.e. CMMI, SPICE, IEEE, and ISO). There is also a section that covers what configuration management data is, what type of data should be placed under CM, and why it is important that data should have some type of unique identifier.

Part 5 covers the aspects of Configuration Management improvement by utilizing processes and plans to gain a better understanding of the current state of a CM program and the areas for improvement. The topic of metrics is also addressed and how metrics can be used by the organization to show the cost benefits of configuration management.

In the preface, the author makes two statements: “Configuration management is not easy.” and “Configuration management is not difficult.” This book illustrates those points well. It shows that CM requires a lot of resources; resources such as people, time, and money, to properly implement a Configuration Management program. Of course, the most important resources that are essential for successfully implementing CM are people and time. The book explains how with proper control and management a CM program will run smoothly.

This book is a must for upper level management. It will show them the importance of CM within an organization and why management must champion this effort. For the coder, tester, project manager, and everyone else involved with development, this book will prove to be a source of knowledge for them. It will help define the many aspects of configuration management and how everyone fits within a configuration management program. For the configuration manager, it is a road map, a tool to utilize to make the CM program better and to identify problem areas that need correcting.

This book is ideal for the executive who knows nothing about Configuration Management and for the old pro, that has been at it for years. The author covers the full spectrum of Configuration Management, everything from explaining what the words configuration management means, all the way to the different models for improving CM. For the novice it is an invaluable guide to understanding what is required from an organization to setup a CM program.