On Monday, September 14, 1998 2:50 PM, tmariner
[SMTP:tmariner@OPTONLINE.NET] wrote:
> In the process of evaluating Version Control Software that is
particularly
> well suited to the embedded control environment. One client seems pleased
> with SCCS. There other possiblities including the Microsoft variety.
>
> Any preferences?

I suggest using the free RCS variants just to get a feel for how version
control will REALLY fit into your work environment. Then get eval copies of
some commercial packages and try them out.  Look for being able to undo an
erroneous check-in, integration with your editors/IDE, support for
sandboxes (or private development directories if you do multiple-programmer
projects), support for in-house libraries (some deal with this a
sub-projects), integrated bug tracking (if you intend on using this).  My
opinions of several packages follow:

As the other messages mentioned, RCS (and CVS) are free, command-line
driven.  I have a version of RCS that runs under DOS (and DOS boxes in
WIn95/NT).

MKS Source Integrity: My company currently has 1 copy of MKS Source
Integrity (basically a windows front end to the RCS engine).  Runs in
command line mode or windows-based.  Big selling point is multiple platform
support (DOS, Win95/NT, Unix, IBM AS400, etc.).  MKS also adds support for
network administration, multiple users each with local copies of the
checked-out files (called sandboxes), file permissions, promotion (i.e.
development, testing, production...if your company uses this scheme).  The
"pro" version supports WEB browser access and has bug tracking.  I think
list is $500 - $600 per seat, $1,200 for pro (not sure).

StarBase StarTeam: Looks real slick.  We evaluated a copy 1.5 yrs ago.  Win
95/NT only.  Presents archives as explorer tree (like desktop explorer).
 Also, has built-in (no extra cost) bug tracking and message forums (for
project-related messages between developers), supports access via WEB
browsers for distributed development (can you say "work at home"?).    I
really liked this (more than MKS), but other programmer's here liked MKS.
 Unfortunately, now they have priced themselves out of the small market
(IMHO), version 3.0 requires $400-$600 per seat (I think) AND $1K for the
server!!!!!  Version 2.1 was only $450 per seat and required no server.

Microsoft SourceSafe: Spiffy Windows-based look and feel (projects
presented in split-window explorer trees).  Written by 3rd party and bought
by MicroSoft.  I have forgotten what we did not like about this one, except
a couple colleagues thought is was a little tough to use (not as easy for
1st time users as MKS or StarTeam).  Good thing is very tight integration
w/Visual development environment.

PVCS: Oldie but ?goodie?  <flame on> I personally would rather get my teeth
pulled using rusty pliers and no pain killers (very biased opinion based on
very bad experience 10 years ago, I have not looked at this since) <flame
off>.  Rumor is that the user interface is getting better (it used to be
most non-intuitive).

Bob.