Introduction
This article describes our experience in implementing the ELM (Engineering Lifecycle Management) product from IBM.
IBM ELM applications are the leading platform for complex product and software development. ELM extends the standard functionality of ALM products. It provides an integrated end-to-end solution that offers complete transparency and tracking of all technical data, through requirements, testing and deployment. ELM optimizes collaboration and communication between all stakeholders, improving decision-making, productivity, and overall product quality. This product has undergone a significant update and has also changed its name from CLM (Collaborative Lifecycle Management) to ELM (Engineering Lifecycle Management).
The main differences between CLM and ELM relate to the change in product names:
- Rational DOORS – in ELM it is called IBM Engineering Requirements Management DOORS Family (DOORS)
- Rational DOORS Next Generation (DNG) – in ELM it is called IBM Engineering Requirements Management DOORS Next (DOORS Next)
- Rational Team Concert (RTC) – in ELM it is called IBM Engineering Workflow Management (EWM)
- Rational Quality Manager (RQM) – in ELM it is called IBM Engineering Test Management (ETM)
- And many more...
Since version 6.0.6.1, the user interface has already changed. However, some applications have not had their names changed, such as Report Builder, Global Configuration Management, Quality Management, etc.
Other differences between CLM and ELM include the fact, that ELM supports different web application servers, operating systems, and databases. For maximum flexibility in adopting new advanced features and to simplify potential future migration to or from:
- IBM ELM on Cloud SaaS
- IBM ELM as a Managed Service
- IBM ELM containerized on RedHat OpenShift, which is currently under development
The current version that we are installing is 7.0.2 SR1 (ifix15). This product is primarily aimed at customers in the fields of healthcare, military, transportation and many other critical areas of industry and manufacturing. Among the main common requirements in these areas of the industry is speed, reliability, flexibility, and security. For the effective and reliable functioning of the ELM solution, initial analysis of requirements and planning is important.
Challenges
After defining the client's requirements (required applications, architecture), the actual deployment of the ELM product is approached. During the design, we consider the client's requirements, adapt the architecture to the already existing infrastructure with the technical requirements of the ELM product. The ELM product supports implementation on Linux (RedHat), Windows and IBM AIX operating systems.
IBM ELM offers several applications, some of which are listed below:
- JTS (Jazz Team Server)
- CCM (Change and Configuration Management)
- RM (Requirements Management)
- QM (Quality Management)
- ENI/RELM (IBM Engineering Lifecycle Optimization - Engineering Insights)
- AM (IBM Engineering Systems Design Rhapsody – Model Management)
- GC (Global Configuration Management)
- LDX (Link Index Provider)
- Jazz Reporting Service, which includes more applications:
- RS (Report Builder)
- DCC (Data Collection Component)
- LQE (Lifecycle Query Engine)
- JAS (Jazz Authorization Server)
- RPENG (Document Builder) – which is implemented as a separate application/system
For large infrastructures, we recommend implementing each application on a separate server. That, however, significantly increases the financial requirements. For fewer lower requirements on ELM, we look for the best possible balance between performance and reliability, taking into consideration their possible financial constraints to achieve the best results. The optimization of the IBM ELM solution can also consist of the fact, that several applications will be deployed on one server at the same time. The implementation of multiple applications on one server is used for less frequently used applications. Based on our experience, we have verified the following logical arrangement of applications on servers (ASX):
- AS1: JTS, LDX, GC
- AS2: QM, CCM
- AS3: DCC, RPENG
- AS4: LQE, RS, RELM
- AS5: RM
For a better understanding of the architecture, the following figure shows a proposal for a possible logical topology:
/01_Possible logical topology.png)
1.) Possible logical topology
Preferred Solutions
The recommendation for large customers is to install each application on a separate server, if the technical and financial limitations of the customer's environment allow it. However, this results in increased costs for the server, which consist of installations, licenses, upgrades, and "resources" necessary for the operation of the given solution.
For small and medium-sized customers, based on an initial analysis, we recommend installing less-used applications on a shared server. However, over time, problems with memory and system resource utilization may occur. With a properly designed architecture, these applications can be partitioned without data loss. For detection, prevention of problems and future planning, the deployment of a monitoring system is reccomended.
From the result of the initial analysis, it is determined which application will be installed separately on the server. It is also advisable to install applications on separate servers that the customer uses regularly and contain thousands to millions of requests. Other, less computing and memory-intensive applications can be redistributed so that they can share computing and memory performance.
An essential part of every ELM deployment is the JTS application, which ensures the connection of individual applications. The recommended deployment of ELM packages in the infrastructure is to use IHS (IBM HTTP Server), which is configured as Reverse Proxy.
A necessary part of the solution is the implementation of the database server. The database server stores most of the data, so it is vital to pay extra attention to it when deploying and choosing a suitable product. The basic databases included in the installation include Apache Derby, which is intended primarily for testing purposes with a maximum of 10 users. This database is not intended for production environments and therefore we do not recommend it. Databases suitable for both production and testing include:
- IBM DB2
- Oracle
- Microsoft SQL Server
If the installation is carried out on the cloud, it is preferred to use the DB2 database. In the case of large companies, the Oracle database is more suitable. The use of these databases directly depends on the number of users and the amount of user data.
The use of these databases directly depends on the number of users and the amount of user data.
After the product is installed, we address the implementation of user authentication and security. For basic security, the WebSphere Liberty basic registry is used, which is available immediately after installation, but this option is recommended for testing purposes only. Other authorization options are, for example, the use of the LDAP protocol, which can be supplemented by the installation of JAS (Jazz Authorization Server). With the LDAPS authorization option, users are authorized using a hierarchical user structure. JAS extends the solution with the OAuth2.0 protocol. This solution also offers to authorize third-party applications.
Specialized solutions, approaches and tips
From Softacus' point of view, we try to adapt to customers and carry out installations according to their usual standards. Based on the client's requirements, Softacus can work remotely, in the case of customers from critical infrastructure, we can also work on-site. VPN (Virtual Private Network) technologies are used for safe use.
During installations, it is necessary to ensure that installed IBM ELM applications do not have access to environments they are not authorized for. Attention should also be paid to the installation of applications that are listed as "package" (an application with a set of sub-applications to choose from - the client chooses which sub-applications he needs). After installation and subsequent setting of the environment, it is necessary to verify the functionality of the system, which is assisted by the testing team (Softacus).
One of the last steps after performing the installation and securing the server communication is to think about data backup. With customers, it is necessary to think about a "disaster recovery" plan, and it is also necessary to plan regular data backups to secure data against loss or system failure. Monitoring is an essential part of every infrastructure nowadays. Monitoring helps with prediction and improves response to adverse events on servers and applications.
Conclusion
ELM product implementation includes analysis, planning, deployment, and continuous monitoring. At Softacus, we work on improvement and efficiency during the entire course of the solution. It is a continuous and complicated process, during which it is possible to implement new functionalities and extensions into the customers' environment.
Softacus Services
We, in Softacus, are experts when it comes to consulting and service delivery of IBM software products and solutions in your business. We help our clients to improve visibility and transparency when licensing and managing commercial software, providing measurable value while increasing efficiency and accountability and we are providing services in different areas (see Softacus Services).
IBM ELM extensions developed by Softacus are free of charge for the customers who ordered IBM ELM licenses via Softacus or for the customers who ordered any of our services. If you are interested in any of our IBM ELM extensions, you found a bug or you have any enhancement request, please let us know at info@softacus.com.
Related and Referenced Topics
Blog Articles:
Basics of Links and Link Types in IBM DOORS Next Generation - learn the basics about the linking and link types in IBM DOORS Next.
Linking Techniques in IBM DOORS Next - article explaining basic concepts and showing multiple ways of creation of links between artifacts.
Link By Attribute Feature in IBM DOORS Next - the article explains how to use the "Link by attribute" function to automatically create, update, or delete one or more links between artifacts based on values in the attributes of the artifact.
Softacus Widgets:
Link Switcher - widget developed by Softacus, that converts the context of artifacts links in a very short time.
Module Link Statistics - extension that provides users with a quick overview of the amount of the links in specific link types in a module.
Link Type Change- extension developed by Softacus designed to enhance the functionality of DOORS Next Generation by allowing users to manipulate the direction of a link or convert it to another type of link.
Links Builder- extension that allows the users to create a link between two artifacts in DOORS Next Generation according to the certain rules.
Link by Foreign Attribute - this extension allows users to create links between artifacts in the selected module(s), based on the attributes values.
Show Attributes of Linked Artifacts - this extension shows the attributes and links of the artifact that is currently selected.
