Scmbug: Policy-based integration of software configuration management with bug-tracking

Abstract

Software configuration management(SCM) and bug-tracking are key components of a successful software engineering project. Existing systems integrating the two have failed to meet the needs of the ASU scalable computing lab, powered by open-source software. An improved solution to the integration problem, designed to accomodate both free and commercial systems alike, is presented. Scmbug offers a policy-based mechanism of capturing and handling integration of SCM events, such as committing software changesets and labeling software releases, with a bug-tracking system. Synchronous verification checks and the flexibilty to match multiple development models separate this approach from related work. We address design limitations of existing integration efforts, suggest improvements in SCM and bug-tracking systems required to achieve a scalable solution, and document our early integration experiences.