For Application Development Professionals

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	April 21, 2005 Lightweight Tool Sets Represent An Alternative To Integrated Tool Suites by Carey Schwaber with Carl Zetie, Liz Barnett	Average: 10  (1 rating)

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Executive Summary

To achieve tight software development life-cycle tool integration, firms can either adopt comprehensive, integrated tool suites or they can select and integrate a set of lightweight tools. Lightweight tools are single-purpose point tools that have open interfaces to enable easy integration with other tools. These tools aren't new; tools that adhere to the "do one thing and do it well" Unix credo and that also integrate easily with other tools have long enjoyed significant followings. But a number of factors — most notably, the strength and popularity of integration frameworks like Eclipse — have increased the appeal of the lightweight approach. Lightweight tool sets have some advantages over comprehensive, integrated tool suites. But firms should proceed with caution, as lightweight tool sets also have significant disadvantages, as well as hidden costs.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Lightweight Tool Sets As An Alternative To Integrated Tool Suites
• The Benefits Of Using A Lightweight Tool Set
• The Drawbacks Of Using A Lightweight Tool Set
• Firms Looking To Enhance Flexibility And Cut License Costs Use Lightweight Tools

RECOMMENDATIONS

• How To Decide Whether — And Which — Lightweight Tools Are Right For Your Shop

WHAT IT MEANS

• Two Strategies — And One Imperative — For Tools Vendors
• Supplemental Material
• Related Research Documents

This is an excerpt

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