[Linuxcoe-devel] Software Engineering Methodology

[Shank, J. R. <js...@hp...>]

With every new project comes the choice in how to run the project. We
want to run the Open Source LinuxCOE Project (OSLP) in such a way that
people from the Open Source Community can easily learn our methodology
and contribute.

There are many methodologies to choose from, but most fall into two
categories well known to most Open Source enthusiasts: the Cathedral or
the Bazaar.

http://www.catb.org/~esr/writings/cathedral-bazaar/cathedral-bazaar/index.html

Cathedral development methodologies are described by the Wikipedia entry
on Open Source as:

"In the Cathedral, model development takes place in a centralized way.
Roles are clearly defined. Roles include people dedicated to designing
(the architects), people responsible for managing the project, and
people responsible for implementation. Traditional software engineering
follows the Cathedral model."

Most HP software engineering methodologies, such as HP
Methodology-Enhanced and the HP Global Method, are Cathedral style. We
can certainly adapt a Cathedral model to work for this project.

Alternatively, we can use the popular Bazaar model embraced by companies
such as Apache, Linux, and Perl. This model is characterized by many
traits (see attached PDF) including early and frequent releases, high
modularization, and a dynamic decision making structure. The advantage
of this model is that many members of the Open Source Community are
comfortable with this model and can adapt to it quickly.

Let's take an initial vote on whether we want a Cathedral or Bazaar
model. Afterwards, we can work on adapting the model to become our
methodology for the OSLP.