Microsoft Visual SourceSafe vs Rational ClearCase

Struggling to choose between Microsoft Visual SourceSafe and Rational ClearCase? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Microsoft Visual SourceSafe is a Development solution with tags like source-code, versioning, multiuser.

It boasts features such as Version control system for source code, Check-in/check-out capabilities, Version history and ability to roll back changes, Multi-user access with security controls, Integration with Visual Studio IDE, File locking to prevent conflicts, Branching and merging support, Centralized repository and pros including Easy to learn and use, Tight integration with Microsoft ecosystem, Good performance for small to midsize teams, Handles text files well, Low cost compared to other commercial options.

On the other hand, Rational ClearCase is a Development product tagged with source-code-management, versioning, collaboration.

Its standout features include Version control and configuration management, Parallel development support, Branching and merging capabilities, Distributed development support, Scalability for large software projects, Integration with other IBM Rational tools, and it shines with pros like Robust version control and change management features, Supports distributed and parallel development workflows, Integrates well with other IBM Rational tools, Scalable for large enterprise-level projects.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

Microsoft Visual SourceSafe

Microsoft Visual SourceSafe

Microsoft Visual SourceSafe is a version control system that allows software teams to manage source code changes. It provides versioning, check-in/check-out capabilities, and supports multi-user access.

Categories:
source-code versioning multiuser

Microsoft Visual SourceSafe Features

  1. Version control system for source code
  2. Check-in/check-out capabilities
  3. Version history and ability to roll back changes
  4. Multi-user access with security controls
  5. Integration with Visual Studio IDE
  6. File locking to prevent conflicts
  7. Branching and merging support
  8. Centralized repository

Pricing

  • One-time Purchase
  • Subscription-Based (for some versions)

Pros

Easy to learn and use

Tight integration with Microsoft ecosystem

Good performance for small to midsize teams

Handles text files well

Low cost compared to other commercial options

Cons

Limited scalability for large projects/teams

No distributed version control support

Less robust merging and branching capabilities

Proprietary lock-in to Microsoft stack

No longer under active development


Rational ClearCase

Rational ClearCase

Rational ClearCase is a version control software system developed by IBM. It allows teams to track changes to source code and other assets during the software development process.

Categories:
source-code-management versioning collaboration

Rational ClearCase Features

  1. Version control and configuration management
  2. Parallel development support
  3. Branching and merging capabilities
  4. Distributed development support
  5. Scalability for large software projects
  6. Integration with other IBM Rational tools

Pricing

  • Subscription-Based

Pros

Robust version control and change management features

Supports distributed and parallel development workflows

Integrates well with other IBM Rational tools

Scalable for large enterprise-level projects

Cons

Complex and challenging to set up and administer

High learning curve for users

Expensive licensing costs

Limited support for modern development practices like continuous integration