Tools that use OSLC specifications can more easily maintain tool integrations from different vendors and better share information among tools. For example, a quality management tool can better integrate with a change management system to log and track software defects.
OSLC facilitates data access without complex installations or configurations that other integrations sometimes require. It also reduces tool incompatibilities and prevents users from being confined to specific products or product versions. The OSLC protocol helps remove barriers between the tools in the product and application lifecycle and makes it easier to use lifecycle tools in combination.
OSLC specifications are developed by workgroups in the OSLC community. For information on the structure and governance of this group, see open-services.net.
Figure x illustrates how OSLC supports integration of information and tasks across lifecycle tools. Platform integration services provide additional capabilities in areas such as reporting, project administration, and centralization of information with dashboards.