Rational ClearCase vs Microsoft Visual SourceSafe

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

Rational ClearCase is a Development solution with tags like source-code-management, versioning, collaboration.

It boasts features such as 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 pros including 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.

On the other hand, Microsoft Visual SourceSafe is a Development product tagged with source-code, versioning, multiuser.

Its standout features include 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 it shines with pros like 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.

Feature	Rational ClearCase	Microsoft Visual SourceSafe
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Development	Development

Product Overview

Rational ClearCase

Description: 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.

Microsoft Visual SourceSafe

Description: 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.

Key Features Comparison

Rational ClearCase Features

• 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

Microsoft Visual SourceSafe Features

• 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

Pros & Cons Analysis

Rational ClearCase

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

Microsoft Visual SourceSafe

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

Pricing Comparison

Rational ClearCase

• Subscription-Based

Microsoft Visual SourceSafe

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