Requirements Management in a CLM World

From our recent webinar series, this video discusses the importance of proper requirements management, and leveraging agile methods in a collaborative lifecycle managment solution.


Requirements Management in a CLM World.





If you are challenged with managing requirements in your IT organization, we can help. Give us a call.

Firefox 5 - fly in the ointment for Rational Requirements Composer

I was recently editing some requirements, and this was the day that FF 5 rolled out, which was only 2 months after Firefox 4 rolled out. For those unaware of the controversy,  Mozilla has announced that they will be rolling out new releases every 2 months. Yes, 2 months. Those in software development can appreciate such an agressive iteration plan, but I don't see how any vendor can keep up with their plugins. Firefox came to fame just for its ease of use with plugins. However, this aggressive release schedule is one to doom many of our favorite plugins.

Which leads us to RRC. A TON of work went into creating the plugins for Internet Explorer and Firefox for Rational Requirements Composer. RRC rolled out release 3.0.1 just a few days before Firefox 5 rolled out. The plugin was golden on FF4, but FF5 will not load the plugin.  This plugin is needed to edit the UI storyboards, BPM diagrams, and UI sketches in RRC. This is NOT the fault of IBM. Rather Mozilla is leaving behind many vendors to count on Firefox for support in other non-Windows platforms such as Mac and Linux. Mozilla has even stated that they only care about "regular user", not the enterprise. I'm guessing this will give further rise to Google Chrome as a potential contender in the enterprise space.

That said, there is a fix in the works with RRCto address the Firefox issue as shown here:
https://jazz.net/jazz03/web/projects/Rational%20Requirements%20Composer#action=com.ibm.team.workitem.viewWorkItem&id=44201

I'm hoping this allows it to work with FF6 as well. 

MS Sharepoint vs. IBM Lotus Connections

So you think Microsoft Sharepoint will do everything you need to do? Think that Lotus is behind the curve? Spend a few minutes comparing the two. IBM does collaboration better. Period.






So. Microsoft still has great marketing, right?

Collaborative lifecycle management introduction series

For those that missed last Wednesday's webinar, we are providing it here on the blog below.

This coming Wednesday, June 22, we'll continue our series talking about requirements management in collaborative lifecycle management environment.

• Define and deliver the right solution by modeling your
  business processes, development, and management of use of cases and the
  gathering and prioritizing of enhancement requests
• Better understand and communicate the real business needs
  behind your system or application
• Manage your requirements more effectively
• Use and manage use cases to better describe system
  functionality
• Organize and prioritize enhancements and other change
  requests

Introduction to collaborative lifecycle management from Kenny Smith on Vimeo.

What every System i Developer Needs to Know (IBM Innovate 2011)

This was our presentation last week at the IBM Innovate conference. In this we talk about the recent advances in System i (aka iSeries, as400), and the tools that support this operating system including Rational Developer for Power systems.  There are some interesting points on the new compiler features. We also cover some new features of the RPG language that can only be understood in RDp (ADTS or PDM/SEU will not support this).

Enjoy!

IBM Innovate 2011- What every System i Developer Needs to Know

View more presentations from Strongback Consulting

Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabiltiy in WebSphere App Server 7.0.0.11 and 7.0.0.13

If you are running WAS 7, be sure and check your fix packs today. We recommend you patch them to the latest of 7.0.0.17 or 7.0.0.15 at the latest. There is a cross-site scripting vulnerability you need to be aware of, as reported by Core Security Technologies

Core Security Technologies Advisory - The administrative console of IBM WebSphere Application Server is vulnerable to Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attacks, which can be exploited by remote attackers to force a logged-in administrator to perform unwanted actions on the IBM WebSphere administrative console, by enticing him to visit a malicious web page. Versions 7.0.0.11 and 7.0.0.13 are confirmed vulnerable.

Core Security Technologies, Francisco Falcon



The IBM fix list shows that WAS 7.0.0.15 corrects this issue (APAR PK77505)
http://www-01.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=swg27014463&wv=1

If you are totally, blissfully oblivious to XSS attacks, you should watch this video.

<p>
<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/r79ozjCL7DA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>
Now that you've seen that, ask yourself, "could the software my organization is writing be hacked like that?" Rational AppScan is a great solution for black box testing your web sites.  We've used it before, and recommend it to customers.
</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nfKnsBQdNkM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>I think IBM was not eating their own dogfood (so to speak) before. Nice to see the Rational team smack the WebSphere team every now and again.</p>

IBM Innovate - Enterprise Modernization Keynote

For those that are looking for strategies to modernize your legacy systems, this keynote sums up the strategies available rather nicely. That said, these are not one size fits all solutions, and they are not monolithic ones by any means. A well tailored plan, based on your environment, and business needs is best.

Watch live streaming video from ibmrational at livestream.com

Themes at IBMInnovate: Methodologies

So we are ready to embark on day 3 of the conference and several themes are emerging. Some are the direct themes that IBM intentionally pushes. Others are those that are present by either lack of action or lack of attention.

Methodology
Most notably, I am hearing nothing about Rational Unified Process. Even after IBM pushed the process template of OpenUP in RTC, I have heard no one really mention it. I certainly am hearing nothing about the formal RUP process, which was the first major agile process. What I am hearing more about is Lean, XP, and Scrum. It certainly shows in the toolsets. Team Concert is especially focused on Scrum, and even the RTC development team runs Scrum not OpenUP.  While in the recent RTC 3.0 release, IBM introduced the traditional method that allows shops to import/export into MS Project (a habit as dangerous and effective as taking up smoking in my humble opinion), I don't hear too much focus on it. Certainly the partners and knowledge force around RTC is not pushing it. That said, there may be some that gladly working with it, but at this conference Scrum rules.

Others
Ok, a short blog entry today because I have to go get some breakfast while it is still available. Some other themes that I see are integration across with the toolset with Jazz and OSLC. I also see the steam running out of ClearCase and Clearcase in favor of RTC. This was Rational's bread and butter for many years. They are switching trains, and the Jazz train is picking up a LOT of steam.

More to come throughout the week...

A Newbie's Guide to attending IBM Innovate

In preparation for the IBM Innovate conference starting this weekend, I've put together some helpful advice to newcomers who've not been to one of the conferences before. By no means is this a complete list, nor is it an official list. Its MY list. Enjoy:

What to bring

CLOTHING: Well, first off, this is Florida. I live here and know the weather well. The first time you go outside after being in the AC, your glasses will fog up. The conference rooms are on the cold side. Outside? Its HUMID! So, with that said, you need bring business casual for all the sessions (Sunday - Wednesday). You can rethread an outfit for Thursday, or do what most people do and go with shorts. You need to bring a few pairs of shorts, t-shirts or short sleeve shirts for the evenings away from the conference. Next week it is expected to be highs in the low 90's, with lows in the low 70's, but still very humid. That said, the weather can change, and we've already hit 97 here just few weeks ago. Take the weather report with a grain of salt.

You should bring very comfortable walking shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of it. Bring extra socks also. Bring flip flops or sandals also. Don't wear a business suit to the theme park event on Wednesday. You'll think you look like a professional, but you'll be a professional fool.  Wear nice casual clothes and relax (this includes the IBM executives). People are more likely to talk to you.

EQUIPMENT:

• Bring your phone charger! An extra battery for your cell phone is good too. 
• An extra supply of business cards. This conference is a great opportunity to network.
• An iPad or tablet is better than carrying around a clunky laptop.
• An extra luggage tag for you conference bag (you'll get one of these at registration)
• A long power cord for your laptop brick if you intend to carry it around
• A decent pen - the ones in the conference bags suck
• Aspirin or Tylenol - you'll understand this the morning after a night at Kimono's
• Don't forget your phone charger (yes, I said that twice)

What NOT to bring

• A coat. Its Florida in late spring early summer. Leave it.
• Books. You will not have time to read anything outside of the conference. Leave your heavy technical journals at home.
• Anything wool. Ok. bring a suit if you're a sales guy/gal, but seersucker is preferrable
• Tobacco - people will think it rude if you smoke, plus its bad for your health
• A bad attitude - this is a great place to make new friends and meet old ones. As the saying goes, you can't shake hands with a fist.

Where to go

• Upon your arrival, and after you check into your hotel, you MUST go to the area for the conference registration to get your bag and conference badge. You can't go anywhere without this badge. Its open at 2pm - 7pm on Saturday, then opens early at 7am on Sunday.
• Sunday: During the day, there are several deep-dive sessions and some technical workshops. This is a great time to get your hands dirty with code and tools. There is a conference welcome reception, which usually has pretty good Hors d'œuvres, beer/wine, and sometimes a house band. Plan on an early bed time because the next few nights will be late ones!
• Monday: The opening general session is in the morning. Great sessions throughout the day (including mine at 4:15- 5:45 p.m  Location: Oceanic 4 -- Dolphin).  During the day, many people network in the Dolphin hotel lobby near the fountain. This is the 'Grand Central Station' of the conference. The evening ushers in the opening of the pavilion where vendors will hawk their wares and services. You can get a lot of swag, free food, beer, and wine here. There are also several other side events. Kimono's is one of the hotel restaurants that gets packed at night with lots of IBM'ers, customers, and business partners, and often stay until they close it down.
• Tuesday: If you've not attempted a certification exam, you should plan on taking at least one. At the very least it will give you an idea of how well you know your product. In the evening there are more side events, such as a reception for POWER and System Z customers. Its the only night there is not anything formally scheduled, so this is a good night to make a trip over to Downtown Disney and enjoy some of the great restaurants over there. There are some great Birds-Of-A-Feather sessions in the late afternoon and early evening.
• Wednesday: In the evening, we will go to Universal Studio’s "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.". We'll have the whole area to ourselves, and the theme park event is always a favorite of mine. You'll get a chance to meet others who probably share some of the same business challenges you do, so don't be afraid to meet and greet. After this ends, plan on meeting fellow colleagues or new friends at Downtown Disney.
• Thursday: The closing general session is usually poorly attended. Use this to knock out your last certification exam, if you have not already. After the closing of the conference, go check out some of the Walt Disney World parks. You can get some good discounts in the Innovate Concierge area. If you have a car, and want to go get some great BBQ, drive up I4 to Winter Park, FL to 4 Rivers BBQ. http://www.4rsmokehouse.com/. This is the best BBQ in Central Florida. If you are interested in other sight seeing, you can check out Blue Springs State Park, Kennedy Space Center, or just go for a hike on one of the many nearby trails. Central Florida has many great trails, and lots of beautiful flora and fauna that is very different than the highly manicured landscape of Disney.

What to Know and Prepare For

• Its HOTTER than LotusSphere. If you ever been to that conference, well this is a similar schedule but higher temps and humidity.
• Lots of walking - sessions are spread out between 3 hotels and a session you may like might be on the other side of the conference. Wear good walking shoes.
• Wifi access is touchy, but accessible. Don't expect blazing speeds, but its usable. There will be conference laptop stations where you can check your mail (if web based) or other sites. 
• Plan your agenda for streams and tracks ahead of time.  The target audience for these presentations differ. Some are for gearheads like myself that want to know how things work, others are for business executives who want to know strategy.  Each session should have a target audience description. General audience sessions are high level strategic. Intermediate and advanced sessions are very technical. Build your agenda before you start Monday, otherwise, you'll be lost wandering the halls.
• Diversify your sessions - You are probably coming for a certain set tracks or streams. Don't be afraid to check out adjacent technologies. If you do development, check out a session on requirements management session. If you do security work, check out a session on quality management.
• Lots of eating. You can go Sunday - Thursday afternoon without paying for a single meal. 
• Lots of swag, tchotchkes, and other give-aways to bring home. Be sure to leave room in your suitcase. 
• European fashion. You will be introduced to men's capri pants. Yes, I'm still disturbed by it.
• Heat. Thick long sleeve shirts and brushed cotton khaki's will make you miserable. Synthetics like UnderArmor wick away moisture. You'll build up quite a sweat walking between the hotels.
• Protect your conference badge. If you lose it you are screwed. You must pay a full conference fee to replace it.