IBM Rational ClearCase Review

PROS: This is a program that works even for a team scattered in various locations. It has the ability to consolidate progress, and make sure that every user has access to the latest version of files. Not only that, but it does a pretty good job at handling configuration and development of codes too.

CONS: We had to shell out quite an investment to buy this product. It's not the most economical choice for a big company like ours. Decentralization isn't on the table, after all. This can be a difficult program to set-up and to start new projects in too.

PROS: To anyone who’s on the lookout for a decent configuration management tool, I would not hesitate to recommend this one. With this, you can rest assured that your project will not only be organized, but it will be error-free too. This is thanks to ClearCase’s smooth integration with Rational's ClearQuest.

CONS: My only issue with this program is that it’s a little difficult to understand at first. But once you’ve spent enough time exploring its capabilities, everything should go by like a breeze.

PROS: ClearCase is an ace for every business. No matter the size of your business, it has the ability to increase your income while maintaining your expenses at a minimum. It can streamline all versioning, hasten the development of products, and maintain accuracy across various business units. What I like about it is that it can help users establish a smooth workflow without completely altering the status quo.

CONS: The drawbacks include dedicating a lot of time to get to know its ins and outs. The installation and configuration can be very difficult as well requiring everyone in the development team ample time to learn the complex process.

PROS: ClearCase is the easiest program of its kind. I use this to manage my documents, and I have not had any trouble doing so.

CONS: Everything works fine on my end.

PROS: I love how accessible this tool is. I can use it anytime and anywhere, with or without the internet.

CONS: Nothing. Everything works smoothly.

PROS: It has a stable functionality that greatly impacts the whole development process.

CONS: The challenge is in learning this product. The interface is a little difficult to navigate.

PROS: This is by far the most intuitive and user-friendly configuration solution I have come across. I love how I can simply set portions of the file as 'reserved/unreserved,' depending on whether I need to control access to it or not. It's merging feature is superior to other solutions as well.

CONS: I had a hard time learning this program. And even after I got the hang of things, this program often crashes and I'd have to wait for everything to load back up again.

PROS: Everything—and I mean EVERYTHING—that has to do with the CRM aspect of my work goes through this program. Every tweak and update that we’d do, we would make sure to check-in with Clear Case to prove its feasibility. And it does a pretty good job of keeping track of all our files too. It keeps us organized and on top of our data. The comparison between the latest versions is pretty convenient too. This way we know that we’re building from the latest progress, and not from a previous one. It allows us also to make changes to any check-in when needed.

CONS: Progress is slow with Clear Case. For one, it takes forever for all the files to load. You can’t do anything on the interim too—you have to wait for everything to be fully available. The process is long and takes so much time just checking in a document.

PROS: ClearCase takes care of all my configuration needs—from making sure that I adhere to all requirements to testing the final output.

CONS: ClearCase is difficult to use and not intuitive. I dislike the documentation process as well.

PROS: If your goal is automation, then you won’t go wrong with this program. I love how this is compatible with just about any platform. It’s pretty easy to configure too. And so far, I have been enjoying an unlimited versioning system from it. It’s been a while since the program has updated too. From my view as a “glass half full” kind of guy, I see this as a conservative way to avoid program bugs made by updates.

CONS: ClearCase is difficult to use, not exactly intuitive to a developer's need. It is outdated, no new features have been added.