User:Wouter Westerkamp/IBM Doors Next

IBM DOORS Next (formerly IBM Rational DOORS) is a requirements management tool developed and maintained by IBM. It is used to capture, trace, analyse and manage requirements for a wide range of systems. Such as software development, hardware development, and business processes. There is also a web client, DOORS Web Access.

History
The evolution of the DOORS requirement management tool can be traced back to its origins as the Dynamic Object-Oriented Requirements Systems (Rational DOORS) tool, which was first introduced in 1991 by Quality Systems and Software Ltd (Qss). The tool was designed as a solution for software development teams to manage and track requirements effectively. Over the years, DOORS has undergone several updates and some changes in ownership. In mid-2000, Qss was acquired by Telelogic, and then in 2008, IBM acquired Telelogic. The latest version of the DOORS tool is IBM DOORS Next, which provides a centralised repository for requirements, allowing teams to collaborate on the management of requirements throughout the development process. The tool is widely used across different domains such as aerospace, healthcare, and defense.

Product
IBM Engineering Requirements Management DOORS Next is a software solution that aims to optimise communication and collaboration among teams and stakeholders in order to increase productivity and quality. The software allows for the capture, trace, analysis and management of changes to requirements, while also ensuring compliance with regulations and standards. By using DOORS Next, organisations can improve the management of project scope and cost throughout the organisation and supply chain. The software is available both on-premises and in the cloud (Web Access), allowing for deployment in a variety of environments.

IBM DOORS Next can be used in both Agile and Waterfall development methodologies. In Agile development, IBM DOORS Next can be used to manage and track user stories and requirements, as well as keeping track of the progress of each sprint. It also allows teams to prioritise requirements and make sure that they are aligned with the overall goals of the project. Considering the waterfall development, IBM DOORS Next allows teams to define and document requirements at the beginning of the project and then track them as the project progresses.

Features

 * Concurrent editing: With concurrent editing a user can increase collaboration and project agility, automated versioning and effective prioritisation. Also accessing database requirement in real time across multiple users without conflict or disruption. It also ensures consistent use of terminology with the integrated glossary and one can visualise information through customisable dashboards and automated reporting.


 * AI to improve requirement quality: Use AI to improve requirements with the IBM Engineering Requirements Quality Assistant, evaluate the and provide recommendations base on the INCOSE Guidelines. Those can help save time and optimise resources when you are developing requirements.


 * Version and variant management: One can reuse valuable engineering work by effectively managing product versions and variants. Also create baselines that enables consistent evolution of data across engineering disciplines. Use those baselines across variants and programs to maximise productivity and quality.

Benefits

 * Improve product quality
 * Manage compliance
 * Reduce costs
 * Accelerate time to value with SaaS
 * Support requirements development

Downsides

 * Complexity
 * Dependencies on other software

Licence
IBM DOORS Next is a commercial software product that can be licensed for running on-premises (Perceptual license) or available as a hosted application (SaaS). This provides organisations with the flexibility to choose the deployment option that best meets their needs. However, it is important to note that the exact licensing options available may vary depending on the specific version of IBM DOORS Next you are using and the country you are in. Additionally, IBM DOORS Next offers different subscription options for different sized teams and organisations, with also the possibility of customizing the subscription to fit the specific needs of the organization. Furthermore, IBM offers a free trial version of DOORS Next for users to test the software before making a purchase.

Integrations
Integrations are important aspects of IBM DOORS Next. It allows the tool to connect with other development tools. The tool can be integrated with other IBM and third-party development tools. Allowing access to multiple tools enables for more effective and efficient work. IBM tools:
 * IBM Engineering Workflow Management
 * A tool to collaborate across teams, manage code, run standup meetings, plan sprints and track work. Available on premises and on the cloud.


 * IBM Engineering Systems Design Rhapsody
 * A proven solution for modelling and design activities that helps you deliver higher quality systems and software faster


 * IBM Engineering Test Management
 * A tool to increase efficiency and quality of systems and software delivery with test planning, workflow control, tracking and metrics reporting. Available on premises and on the cloud.

Third-party tools:
 * Jira (software)
 * Jenkins (software)
 * MATLAB

The IBM tools that are integrated with IBM DOORS Next provide a smooth operation for the users because they are all developed by the same company. They share similar user interfaces, making it easy for users to navigate and use them.

The workflow management tool can for example be used to manage and track the development process, while the system design tool can be used to create design specifications. With these tools integrated, users can switch between them and access the functionalities without having to navigate through different interfaces or platforms.

Requirement trace model
The requirement trace model is an important aspect of IBM DOORS Next software. This model is particularly useful in large and complex projects, as it allows teams to understand how all the different requirements are related to each other and how they change over time.

In IBM DOORS Next, the requirement trace model is implemented through a traceability matrix, which visually displays the relationships between requirements and other project artifacts making it easy for teams to understand the connection between them. It allows teams to ensure that all the requirements are being met before the project is complete.

The requirement trace model is also used in other software methodologies, such as the ISO/IEC 15504 and the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI). These are both process improvement frameworks that provide guidelines and best practices for managing and improving the software development process.

CMMI and ISO/ISEC 15504 emphasise the importance of requirement traceability as a key factor for ensuring the quality of software product. Because it helps to trace and track all the requirements through the development process and therefore reduce the risk of errors and defects.