CollabNet rolls out new SourceCast

CollabNet on Monday rolled out an updated version of its SourceCast collaborative environment that now features cross-project searching, integration between version control and issue tracking, and project tracking.

In concert with the new release CollabNet also announced the CollabNet Bridge for Rational ClearCase software, which will serve as an add-on product for SourceCast. The add-on will aid developers in publishing and managing source code between the ClearCase and SourceCast environments.

The new Project Tracker in Version 2.6 is a configurable tool that can be used for hunting down both defects and enhancements. It has a high built-in querying utility for finding and analyzing data along with a reporting mechanism for reporting on artifacts that meet a set of criteria as defined by members of a project team.

The upgraded version also has a number of new user interface enhancements, more flexible site customization capabilities, and a range of improvements to existing tools including discussion forums. It also improves the ability to view and manage documents and files through what company officials describe as “explorer-like” navigation.

“A lot of these improvements to the environment in the areas of overall usability and flexibility will help corporate developers work more efficiently and reduce their time to market,” said Brian Behlendorf, Brisbane, Calif.-based CollabNet’s co-founder and CTO.

With Version 2.6 the company also announced it has qualified the Open Source Eclipse Integrated Development Environment (IDE) so it can be used with source code repositories within the SourceCast environment. Developers can now use Eclipse-based tools to check source code in and out of the CollabNet’s Software Configuration Management system.

CollabNet has broadened out the product’s international support, which now includes the ability to handle multi-language e-mail notifications, which extends the use of local languages for collaborating on software projects. Members of a project can team can receive e-mails in Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and traditional Chinese, a company spokesman said.

CollabNet SourceCast is made up of applications, software development, knowledge management, and project communication that are all controlled and coordinated through a Web-based project workspace.