Rational Unified Process

Rational Unified Process
Omkar Dash
8th Semester, IT
0501227436

Introduction

The Rational Unified Process (RUP) is an iterative software development process framework.
Created by the Rational Software Corporation, a division of IBM since 2003.
RUP is not a single concrete prescriptive process, but rather an adaptable process framework.
Tailored by the development organizations that will select the elements of the process that are appropriate for their needs.

Overview

Stands for Rational Unified Process Framework
Needs to be configured/tailored
Contains phases, iterations, and workflows
Helps an organization achieve CMM level 2/3 capabilities
Improve existing processes based on proven Rational software engineering expertise
Provide standards for requirements management
Provide processes that support object-oriented analysis, design development for new J2EE efforts based on industry standard UML
Well supported by industry leading Rational tools (Rose, RequisitePro)

RUP : A Software Engineering Process

Well-defined and well-documented software development process is key to the success of software projects.
CMM (Capability Maturity Model) by the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) has become a beacon.
Theoretical know-how fails to materialize in practice.
Sometimes, there is no process know-how at all.

Result : Chaos, Failure, Loss

The RUP can help!

A mature, rigorous, and flexible software engineering process.

RUP : A Process Product
"Software processes are software, too”
Software like characteristics of RUP :
Designed and documented using the Unified Modeling Language (UML).
Delivered online using Web technology
Software upgrades are released by Rational Software
Modular and in electronic form, it can be tailored
Integrated with the many software development tools

RUP : Architecture
One development cycle is divided into four consecutive phases.

Inception phase
Elaboration phase
Construction phase
Transition phase
Each phase is concluded with a well-defined milestone
Each phase has a specific purpose.

RUP : Architecture
Inception phase
A vision document
An initial use-case model
An initial project glossary
An initial business case
An initial risk assessment
A project plan, showing phases and iterations.
A business model
Project milestone: The Lifecycle Objectives Milestone

RUP : Architecture
Elaboration phase
A use-case model (at least 80% complete)
Supplementary requirements (non functional requirements)
A Software Architecture Description.
An executable architectural prototype.
A revised risk list and a revised business case.
A development plan for the overall project
An updated development case specifying the process to be used.
A preliminary user manual (optional).
Project milestone: The Lifecycle Architecture Milestone

RUP : Architecture
Construction Phase
The software product integrated on the adequate platforms.
The user manuals.
A description of the current release.
Project Milestone : Initial Operational Capability

RUP : Architecture
Transition Phase
“Beta testing” to validate the new system against user expectations
Parallel operation with a legacy system that it is replacing
conversion of operational databases
Training of users and maintainers
Roll-out the product to the marketing, distribution, and sales teams
Project milestone: The Product Release Milestone

Iterative Approach

Compared to the traditional waterfall process, the iterative process has the following advantages:

Risks are mitigated earlier
Change is more manageable
Higher level of reuse
The project team can learn along the way
Better overall quality

Deployment of 6 Best Practices

The proven Best practices are :
1. Develop software iteratively
2. Manage requirements
3. Use component-based architectures
4. Visually model software
5. Verify software quality
6. Control changes to software

Who Is Using the RUP?

Telecommunications
Transportation, aerospace, defense
Manufacturing
Financial services
Systems integrators

References:
Rational Unified Process 2000, Rational Software, Cupertino, CA (2000) http://www.rational.com/rup
Philippe Kruchten, The Rational Unified Process -- An Introduction, 2nd ed., Addison-Wesley-Longman, Reading, MA (2000).
http://www.ayeshakhanna.com/2006/10/rational_unified_process.html

Thank You
Queries Please.