Helix ALM
Developer(s)Perforce
Initial releaseMarch 1996; 28 years ago (1996-03)
Stable release
2021.2.0 / July 12, 2021; 2 years ago (2021-07-12)
Operating systemMicrosoft Windows, Linux, Mac OS X
TypeBug tracking system, project management software
LicenseProprietary
Websitewww.perforce.com/products/helix-alm

Helix ALM, formerly called TestTrack,[1] is application lifecycle management (ALM) software developed by Perforce. The software allows developers to manage requirements, defects, issues and testing during software development.[2]

History

Helix ALM's precursor, TestTrack Pro, was developed by Seapine Software, and first shipped in 1996.[3] In November 2016, Perforce acquired Seapine,[4] and rebranded the software as Helix ALM.[5]

Functionality

The software tracks software development processes including feature requests and requirements to design revisions and actual changes in the code.[6] It keeps track of what tests were done, what was tested, who performed the test and when, on what platform, under which configuration and in what language.[7] It offers the ability to create, manage, and link artifacts from the beginning through the end of a design and development project[8] providing end-to-end traceability of all development artifacts[9] and giving managers a better handle on the shifting requirements that define their projects.[6] It enforces regulatory compliance to meet regulatory compliance requirements, including 21 CFR Part 11 and Sarbanes-Oxley.[9]

Architecture

Helix ALM has a client–server architecture. The server manages a central database of requirements, test cases, testing evidence, defects, feature requests, work items, test configurations, users, and security group. The client and server communicate via a TCP/IP connection using 512-bit encryption.[10]

Server

Helix ALM stores data in a variety of relational database management systems including SQL Server, Oracle, and Postgres.[citation needed]

Clients

There are several different categories of Helix ALM clients: GUI, Web UI, SOAP, REST API, and plugin.

The cross-platform GUI client is developed with Qt and available on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.[11] It fully supports all end-user operations and administration operations.

The unified web application allows software developers and testers to create and review requirements, work with issues, and execute and track tests from their web browser.[12]

Helix ALM's SOAP SDK allows language and platform independent way to extend built-in functionality by writing applications that access and manipulate its data.[13]

The plugin interfaces integrate with popular IDEs to perform functionality, such as closing a defect or manually assign a work item to another team member, from the third-party applications.[citation needed] Helix ALM plugins are available for Eclipse, Visual Studio, Outlook, Excel, and QA Wizard. Helix ALM also integrates with various SCM tools including Git, CVS, Perforce, Subversion, Surround SCM, and SourceSafe.[14]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Perforce puts Seapine Software acquisition to use with rebranded TestTrack ALM". Retrieved 2017-06-17.
  2. ^ Lockwood, Anthony (2014-03-19). "Editor's Pick: Product Development Management Suite Updated". Desktop Engineering. Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2014-03-20.
  3. ^ Bells, Karen (March 30, 2007). "Software firm takes hard look". Business Courier of Cincinnati.
  4. ^ "Perforce acquires ALM provider Seapine Software". sdtimes.com. 2016-11-17. Retrieved 2017-11-21.
  5. ^ "Perforce puts Seapine Software acquisition to use with rebranded TestTrack ALM". pocketgamer.biz. 2017-05-30. Retrieved 2017-11-21.
  6. ^ a b "Seapine Puts the Pro in Productivity". SD Times. 2008-09-01. Archived from the original on 2013-10-30.
  7. ^ Rubinstein, David (2006-10-01). "Seapine Tackles Test Case Management". SD Times. Archived from the original on 2013-10-30.
  8. ^ Varhol, Peter (2013-05-02). "Application Life-cycle Management (ALM) software boosts testing and traceability for embedded product development". Embedded Computing Design.
  9. ^ a b "Seapine Releases Requirement Management Tool". Dr. Dobbs. 2009-08-07.
  10. ^ "TestTrack A Development Collaboration Platform". Seapine Software.
  11. ^ Sellers, Dennis (2003-08-28). "Seapine updates Helix ALM Pro, Surround SCM". Macworld.
  12. ^ "Seapine TestTrack 2013.1 Allows to Create Requirements in the Browser". Requirements Management. 2013-08-27. Archived from the original on 2015-09-23. Retrieved 2013-10-29.
  13. ^ "TestTrack SDK". Seapine Software.
  14. ^ "TestTrack Integrations". Seapine Software.

External links

Bug tracking systems
Categories