Compare Features and Functions
Using the list of features and functions, decide how important each feature or function is for you. The following
ranking can be used:
-
'Must'. The tool must have this feature.
-
'Nice'. The feature would be nice to have, but it is not critical.
-
'Not required'. It does not matter whether to tool has the feature or not.
Indicate for each tool whether it has the feature or not using the following symbols:
Symbol
|
Description
|
+
|
has the feature
|
-
|
lacks the feature
|
Document all features and functions in a table, and rank how important they are. Indicate for each tool, whether it has
the feature or not. The table below is a fraction of a comparison between three configuration management tools.
Features & Functions
|
Rank
|
Tool 1
|
Tool 2
|
Tool 3
|
Versions all file system objects
|
Must
|
+
|
+
|
-
|
Versions directories
|
Must
|
+
|
+
|
+
|
Mixing of file types
|
Must
|
+
|
+
|
+
|
Compresses text and binaries
|
Nice
|
+
|
-
|
-
|
...
|
...
|
...
|
...
|
...
|
Compare Tool and Vendors Criteria
You need to compare the tools in all other factors, except the features. To get an overview of the tools, we recommend
that you document the overview in a table, such as the table below. Briefly describe your needs and constraints for
each factor. Give each factor a weight to indicate how important this factor is to you. For example, use a scale from 1
to 5, where 5 means that the factor is very important.
Grade each tool (and vendor) in the following criteria. You can use a scale from 1 to 5:
-
Useless in this area
-
Weak or has some serious shortcomings.
-
Adequate in this area.
-
Better than average in this area.
-
Excellent in this area.
Document the comparison in a table such as the following table.
Tool Criteria
|
Comments
|
Tool 1
|
Tool 2
|
Tool 3
|
Features &
Functions
|
|
|
|
|
Integration
|
|
|
|
|
Applicability
|
|
|
|
|
Extendibility
|
|
|
|
|
Team support
|
|
|
|
|
Usability
|
|
|
|
|
Quality
|
|
|
|
|
Performance
|
|
|
|
|
Maturity
|
|
|
|
|
Vendor Criteria
|
|
|
|
|
Stability
|
|
|
|
|
Support availability
|
|
|
|
|
Training availability
|
|
|
|
|
Growth direction
|
|
|
|
|
Compare Cost
Compare the cost of each tool and document it in a table, such as below. Grade each cost as 'Low', 'Medium' or
'High'.
Cost
|
Comments
|
Tool 1
|
Tool 2
|
Tool 3
|
Acquisition cost
|
|
|
|
|
Implementation cost
|
|
|
|
|
Maintenance cost
|
|
|
|
|
|