StarTeam
| Company type | Proprietary software |
|---|---|
| Industry | Software development, Version control |
| Predecessor | Starbase Corporation |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Founder | Starbase Corporation |
| Fate | Acquired by Borland (2003), then Micro Focus (2009), then OpenText (2023) |
| Products | Version control platform, SCM, SDLC solution |
| Parent | OpenText |
StarTeam serves as a version control platform extensively utilized in software development environments that involve geographically dispersed teams. Acting as both a source code management (SCM) and software development lifecycle (SDLC) solution, it was initially created by Starbase Corporation. Following its inception, Starbase was purchased by Borland in January 2003; subsequently, Borland became part of Micro Focus in July 2009, and later ownership transferred to OpenText in 2023. This client-server system employs relational database technologies such as Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle database to maintain comprehensive records of project modifications, requirements, assigned tasks, threaded discussions, and defect tracking.
Branching support
StarTeam provides branching capabilities incorporating three-way merging techniques, detailed difference comparisons, sophisticated user permission settings, checkpoints, audit trails for both users and administrators, revision tagging, promotion workflows, and extensive customization features. The server facilitates secure remote connections with robust encryption protocols and supports live backup operations without interrupting ongoing activities. Its optional event-driven publish/subscribe mechanism, known as StarTeam MPX, boosts scalability for larger deployments.
In addition to managing file versions, StarTeam integrates the handling of requirements, project tasks, change requests, and discussion threads—linking these elements to enhance traceability throughout the software development process.
Clients
The platform includes diverse client options such as a web-based interface, a cross-platform Java client application, command line tools, and plugins compatible with widely used integrated development environments like Borland Delphi, Borland JBuilder, and Eclipse. It offers application programming interfaces (APIs) for technologies including COM, Java, and the Microsoft .NET Framework. Furthermore, StarTeam supports an MSSCCI-compliant Source Control Plug-in API, enabling integration with IDEs that feature embedded version control as well as third-party applications like Mercury Interactive's TestDirector and IBM Rational DOORS.
Check-ins
StarTeam guarantees atomicity in all check-in operations. When multiple files are committed within a single transaction, every file along with its related process items is updated simultaneously. Should any file be locked or otherwise unavailable—resulting in a failed check-in—the entire transaction is rolled back so that no files or associated items are altered. Users receive immediate alerts if any file obstructs the completion of the check-in process.
See also
Further reading
- Sean Kenefick, Real World Software Configuration Management, Apress, 2003, pp. 84–86.
- Robert A. DelRossi, "(Configuration-management software) At home or away, StarTeam is version control and more," InfoWorld, 11 August 1997, p. 106.
- Larry Seltzer, "Team Programming," PC Magazine, 7 May 2002, pp. 124, 126–128.
- Darryl K. Taft, "Borland Tops SCM Survey," eWeek, 21 June 2007.