A seasoned Software Configuration Management Engineer’s attempt to define the discipline of SCM build, release, processes, and tools methodologies. Share in my decade’s worth of successful work (SCM) experiences; learn from my mistakes as well.

I’ve spent a good part of the past decade working in the software industry as a specialist–more specifically Software Configuration Management (SCM) Engineer. As a highly specialized discipline within the development community, SCM quickly became an art form perfected by the few that are passionate about it.

The most recent SCM industry wide’s “best practices” are mostly related to the ever popular topic of Agile. I am a fan of Agile development as I believe it is the future of coding. It is really a new attitude, way of thinking, way of doing things and much much more. When done right, its purpose is to induce pleasure and passion back to the otherwise dull old programming methodologies.

I’ve been practicing Agile development within the discipline of SCM for the past 4 or so years and have been knee-deep in the topic. It really is a love hate relationship between me and SCM. At times I really find a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction from it and yet other times I am just completely disgusted with it.   This may be the vacation-deprived side of me coming through because this field is not the best place to be in if long and numerous vacation is what one is looking for.  Then there are the management induced ulcers because oftentimes there are struggles with upper management — in trying to get them to buy-in or understand this art form.  Though when the visions and goals between an SCM and management are aligned, great things can happen…

This blog’s purpose will be to expose the once exclusive discipline of configuration management. It is also dedicated to the discussion of industry best practices relating to SCM. This includes build (through continuous integration concept) and release methodologies, agile development, installation, testing, bug tracking, and collaboration frameworks. Topics will range from basics to technical drill-downs of certain SCM architecture and technologies.