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Copyright Rational Software 2002
http://www.therationaledge.com/content/jul_02/rdn.jsp
A Primer on ClearQuest Integrations
by Mike Exum
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Introduction
This paper is intended for those considering the construction of an
integration between ClearQuest and some other tool or system. It
discusses many of the issues to be aware of, and some examples of how
other integrations have addressed them. The organization of this paper
starts with requirements definition. Following this, the paper is organized
into discussions of various topics that typically impact the design of the
integration.
Because integration projects typically require advanced skills, this paper is
aimed at users who already have a solid foundation of ClearQuest
knowledge. Also, because every custom integration is unique, the focus
here is on providing general guidance and and best practices material that
will be useful in almost every project.
Requirements
If I had a nickel for every time someone asked for "an integration" with
something...
"An integration" can mean radically different things to different people, so
the important point is to make sure you understand what is needed. Needs
can range from simply invoking some operation in one system from the
other, to associating records between the two systems, keeping them
synchronized, handling error conditions, and many other capabilities.