Re: Requirements management systems

[Pro TechWriter <pro -dot- techwriter -at- gmail -dot- com>]

We have used a couple of tools, but this one is free for up to 10 users, or
$35. a month for more. It is specifically for Agile Scrum teams and they
have a lot of info about implementing Agile. It's called Rally.

The advantages of an online tool (as opposed to a white board, or a document
somewhere) is that everyone can see what is happening, and work is not
limited to being on the work network, because Rally is software as a service
(SAAS). You can work anywhere.

Because it was developed for Agile teams, the "requirements" are in the form
of user stories (as a user, I want to ....) that are used to create software
in "sprints," which are set time periods where a certain amount of work is
agreed upon. It is a flexible and effective way to create software and the
documentation that goes with it.

As a general rule, I like this method a lot, even for documentation. I book
"tasks" against a "user story" and write in tandem with software
development.

Anyway, you might take a look at the product:
http://www.rallydev.com/agile_products/editions/

<http://www.rallydev.com/agile_products/editions/>It might just be the thing
you are looking for!

PT
(does not work for, or has any affiliation with, Rally. Just used the
product.)

On Tue, Apr 20, 2010 at 7:41 PM, <jennysubs -at- mac -dot- com> wrote:

> Hi all,
>
> My current client is a fairly small hardware/software shop with a
> relatively immature engineering organization.
>
> Right now, we get requirements in the form of screen shots developed by a
> marketing person. They sometimes come with a written description of how the
> controls work, but often we don't get even that much.
>
> The engineering manager would like to put in place some sort of
> requirements management system. It has to be relatively easy to use and free
> or cheap. (Not asking for much, right?)
>
> We need a tool that gives us a place to store requirements and art work and
> record the questions (and answers) generated by the screen shots. We've
> tried using an open wiki for this, but it's not working very well. Nobody is
> very excited about using Excel and Word.
>
> The development organization uses a SCRUM-like process, but we have no
> control over the front end use cases, etc. (We don't get any, either.) I
> expect that at the beginning, at least, we will flesh out requirements and
> create specs for small chunks of development. Eventually, it would be nice
> to have the archaeological record around to help new people come up to
> speed.  The tool needs to support use by about 15-20 people, including
> engineering, QA, and me, the writer.
>
> The hope is that by having a tool and enforcing its use, we can make our
> lives easier in the engineering organization and eventually train the folks
> developing the "requirements" to be more precise.
>
> I said that I would appeal to the collective wisdom of the techwr-l list,
> since you've seen it all.
>
> Any suggestions?
>
> Jenny
> Portland, OR
>
>
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