Find and compare the best Software Configuration Management (SCM) tools in 2025
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Use the comparison tool below to compare the top Software Configuration Management (SCM) tools on the market. You can filter results by user reviews, pricing, features, platform, region, support options, integrations, and more.
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Jenkins, the premier open-source automation server, boasts an extensive library of plugins that facilitate the building, deployment, and automation of any project. Its versatility allows Jenkins to function not only as a straightforward continuous integration (CI) server but also as a comprehensive continuous delivery hub tailored for diverse projects. This self-sufficient, Java-based application is designed to operate immediately, with installation packages available for Windows, Linux, macOS, and various Unix-like platforms. Configuring Jenkins is straightforward through its intuitive web interface, which features real-time error checks and embedded assistance. With a plethora of plugins accessible in the Update Center, Jenkins seamlessly integrates with nearly every tool utilized in the continuous integration and delivery pipeline. Its plugin architecture allows for significant expandability, offering almost limitless options for enhancing Jenkins’s functionality. Additionally, Jenkins can efficiently allocate tasks across multiple machines, significantly accelerating the build, testing, and deployment processes across various environments, which ultimately leads to increased productivity. This adaptability makes Jenkins a key player in modern software development workflows.
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Bamboo provides exceptional assistance for the "delivery" component of continuous delivery. Its deployment projects streamline the monotonous tasks associated with releasing to various environments, all while enabling you to manage the process through environment-specific permissions. This allows for a more tailored approach to deployment that enhances efficiency and control.
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SaltStack is an intelligent IT automation platform that can manage, secure, and optimize any infrastructure--on-prem, in the cloud, or at the edge. It is built on an event-driven automation engine that detects and responds intelligently to any system. This makes it a powerful solution for managing complex environments. SaltStack's new SecOps offering can detect security flaws and mis-configured systems. This powerful automation can detect and fix any issue quickly, allowing you and your team to keep your infrastructure secure, compliant, and up to date. Comply and Protect are both part of the SecOps suite. Comply scans for compliance with CIS, DISA, STIG, NIST and PCI standards. Also, scan your operating system for vulnerabilities and update it with patches and patches.
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Chef transforms infrastructure into code. Chef automates how you build, deploy and manage your infrastructure. Your infrastructure can be as easily modified, tested, and repeated as application code. Chef Infrastructure Management automates infrastructure management automation to ensure configurations are consistently applied in all environments. Chef Compliance makes it easy for the enterprise to enforce and maintain compliance. Chef App Delivery enables you to deliver consistent, high-quality application results at scale. Chef Desktop allows IT teams automate the deployment, management and ongoing compliance for IT resources.
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Rudder
Normation
€50 per node per yearEfficiently managing your IT infrastructure, particularly if it is critical or hybrid, can be quite challenging when done manually. To achieve optimal control of your systems, leveraging automation alongside configuration compliance is the most effective strategy. Rudder is designed with a robust, compliance-driven automation engine that offers a straightforward, declarative framework for managing system configurations. With Rudder, you can eliminate service disruptions as it ensures your systems remain properly configured by monitoring and managing drift from a centralized platform. You can establish global parameters throughout your infrastructure while also handling exceptions using hierarchical variables. Additionally, you can utilize infrastructure-as-code through the Rudder language, which integrates seamlessly with the web interface, fostering collaboration among all teams involved in the management process. By adopting these practices, organizations can enhance their operational efficiency and reduce the risk of configuration-related issues. -
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Plastic SCM
Codice Software
$6.95 per monthUnity Plastic SCM is a powerful version control and source code management solution designed to enhance collaboration and scalability for teams working with any game engine. It streamlines workflows for both artists and programmers while providing exceptional performance when handling large files and binaries. With a multitude of features, Plastic SCM significantly simplifies the lives of developers. Effective branching and merging are vital for task-oriented development, feature branches, and efficient release management. With Plastic, you can quickly branch even in extensive codebases, facilitating smoother development processes. The tool also allows you to compare refactored code using the integrated semantic diff tool along with the "analyze refactors" feature, which identifies refactored code across various programming languages, including C#/VB.NET, Java, and C. Additionally, the advanced 3-way merge tool, Xdiff/Xmerge, helps users resolve intricate merge conflicts by supporting language-agnostic refactoring. Furthermore, Plastic SCM incorporates the SemanticMerge product, further enhancing its capabilities for developers. This comprehensive toolkit ensures that teams can maintain high productivity and efficiency throughout their project lifecycles. -
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DeltaJSON
DeltaXignia
£49/year/ user DeltaJSON is an assortment of comparison solutions that help manage JSON data. Our SaaS service allows you to compare, merge, patch, and graft (smart graft) using our online app or REST API. Choose between comparing your JSON data, merging it, patching it, or grafting it. Upload two or more JSONs or paste your JSON into the app to compare quickly. With our 'Jobs History tab', you can download previous comparison results by clicking a button. This makes it easy to share the differences with your team. You can now retire the "stare and compare" method where you try to find changes between two or more JSON documents using your vision alone. DeltaJSON can detect even the smallest changes and calculate the total for you. This saves you time and resources. You can choose to report changes in a way that you prefer. Additions and deletions will be highlighted in green while deletions in red. -
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Puppet Enterprise
Puppet
$120 per monthPuppet is revolutionizing the realm of continuous operations. With our innovative products, you can automate your environment seamlessly to achieve cloud speed and scalability, thanks to their inherently responsive and predictive features. An impressive 90% of the largest companies in the US depend on Puppet’s infrastructure as code, which simplifies the intricate nature of contemporary IT infrastructure. At Puppet, we are transforming the possibilities within continuous operations. We empower IT operations teams to effortlessly automate their infrastructure, which allows them to deliver services at the rapid pace and vast scale associated with cloud technology. Our adaptable approach to infrastructure automation fosters rapid innovation, ensuring that security and compliance are integral components of the process. We are pioneering a transition from reactive problem-solving to proactive, large-scale predictions. Say goodbye to unexpected challenges; we operate at the pace of modern business, providing infrastructure automation solutions that restore valuable time to your teams and offer peace of mind to both them and your organization. By leveraging our tools, your business can focus on growth and innovation without the typical operational hurdles. -
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IBM Rational ClearCase offers a structured way to manage software assets such as code, design documents, requirements, test plans, and test results. It supports parallel development, automates workspace management, and ensures secure version control along with reliable build audits and flexible access from almost any location. Users can easily manage versions by deleting older ones, creating and removing branches, as well as listing version histories and comparing or merging different versions. The system accommodates both development and integration models, providing a blend of private workspaces and public integration areas. Furthermore, it includes features like user authentication and audit trails to assist organizations in meeting compliance standards with minimal administrative effort. Ultimately, ClearCase empowers teams to manage their personal workspaces while ensuring access to the necessary file and directory versions efficiently. In doing so, it streamlines collaboration and enhances productivity across software development projects.
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CFEngine
CFEngine
CFEngine is a powerful framework for configuration management and automation that enables the secure oversight of essential IT infrastructure. It equips DevSecOps teams with a flexible toolset for automating routine tasks, allowing them to allocate more time to critical business initiatives. No matter the size or intricacy of your operations, CFEngine ensures that your infrastructure remains secure, compliant, and up-to-date. Having pioneered a transformative approach to infrastructure management, CFEngine has adapted to the evolving demands of these environments over the years. It continues to bolster the reliability of the world's most vital infrastructures by enhancing automation and establishing benchmarks for security and compliance. Available in both open-source and commercial versions, CFEngine empowers users to achieve greater control and insight into their infrastructure while facilitating automation, configuration management, and CI/CD integration. By leveraging CFEngine, organizations can streamline their processes and enhance operational efficiency, ultimately leading to improved business outcomes. -
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A flexible application development and production system for database workflows enhances transparency and management of the software development lifecycle. IBM® Rational® ClearQuest® serves as change management software designed to boost developer efficiency while aligning with the various methodologies, processes, and tools that best suit the project's requirements and the team's dynamics. This platform equips users with the necessary tools and processes to effectively manage changes, addressing the varied demands of developers. Additionally, IBM has introduced a bundled offering within a new consumption model, which transforms the deployment and usage of DevOps software. This fresh approach streamlines the planning necessary for integrating and expanding the essential IBM DevOps products. With features that enable near real-time collaboration among team members, the software supports customizable process automation and compliance to enhance communication, reporting, and insights, ultimately fostering a more productive working environment. Such advancements are crucial for teams striving for efficiency in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
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Surround SCM
Perforce
Surround SCM effortlessly connects with Helix ALM, allowing you to oversee not only code but also requirements, tests, and issues. This integration enables you to interact with these various artifacts through either platform seamlessly. With its adaptable branching options, you maintain full oversight of release management and configuration tracking. The diverse branch types offered by Surround SCM empower your team to handle any project without imposing a rigid process or methodology. Additionally, smart branches preserve a comprehensive linking history, simplifying the merging process and ensuring that automated code merges are accurate from the outset. Surround SCM allows for meticulous control over your artifacts, particularly code, complemented by sophisticated labeling functionalities. The combination of Surround's branching and labeling capabilities is particularly effective, facilitating efficient change management, release handling, and configuration tracking. Furthermore, the built-in code review feature lets you capture reviewer feedback, making it accessible for team members as they engage with files throughout the project lifecycle. This holistic approach to artifact management not only enhances collaboration but also streamlines the development process significantly. -
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IBM® Rational® Synergy is an effective software configuration management (SCM) solution designed to unite global and distributed development teams on a single platform. This task-oriented tool enhances the efficiency and collaboration of software and systems development teams, enabling them to work more swiftly and effortlessly. By addressing the complexities of worldwide collaboration, IBM Rational Synergy improves the productivity of software delivery teams. It ensures that software modifications and tasks are updated in real-time, allowing scattered teams to work together seamlessly within a global framework. Furthermore, its high-performance WAN access enables remote teams to perform operations at speeds comparable to local area networks, minimizing the challenges associated with multiple servers. A centralized SCM repository is utilized to manage all development-related artifacts, including source code and documentation, streamlining the development process. Ultimately, this solution not only fosters enhanced teamwork but also contributes to the overall success of software projects by providing a structured and efficient development environment.
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Adopt DevOps tailored for enterprises by developing comprehensive toolchains that facilitate your application delivery processes. Streamline the automation of builds, tests, deployments, and other essential tasks to enhance efficiency. Utilize customizable and shareable templates to swiftly set up an integrated toolchain that incorporates tools from IBM, various third parties, and open-source options. Leverage Tekton-based delivery pipelines to automate the building and testing processes, while ensuring quality through robust analytics. By utilizing toolchains, you can achieve a cohesive suite of tools that enables the building, deploying, and managing of your applications with ease. These toolchains can incorporate IBM services, open-source resources, or third-party solutions, simplifying development and operational management. With Tekton-based delivery pipelines, you can ensure a consistent approach to building, testing, and deploying applications, significantly reducing the need for manual oversight. Being prepared to launch into production whenever necessary is crucial. Opt for the integrated web-based environment founded on Eclipse Orion, where you can create, modify, execute, debug, and manage source control tasks seamlessly, effortlessly transitioning from code editing to production deployment. This streamlined workflow allows teams to enhance their productivity and focus on delivering high-quality software.
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CA Endevor
Broadcom
Streamline and enhance software development timelines throughout the organization by utilizing CA Endevor, which offers a consistent and automated method for safeguarding and overseeing your software assets. This tool is engineered to simplify the development workflow, managing software alterations from the initial code modification all the way to deployment, complete with change tracking capabilities. Furthermore, CA Endevor Integrations for Enterprise DevOps allows users greater adaptability in their interface preferences, ensuring a seamless integration with their existing DevOps toolkit. With ready-made connections to widely-used agile project portfolio management (PPM) tools, continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) and pipeline management systems, along with plugins for enterprise GIT repositories, development teams can embrace modern frameworks utilized in distributed environments while still capitalizing on the build and lifecycle automation that CA Endevor provides. By enabling automated builds and deployments at the moment of check-in, integrated production delivery becomes a reality, ultimately fostering a more efficient development process. This not only simplifies the management of software changes but also enhances collaboration across teams. -
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ChangeMan ZMF
OpenText
You can ensure quality throughout the entire software development process. The Enterprise Release Option (ERO), for ChangeMan ZMF, simplifies complex and large-scale release management processes. Mainframe development is made easier by bringing together all affected artifacts. ChangeMan ZMF tracks every single change you make. Tracking allows you to catch problems before they become serious. The ChangeMan ZMF Client Pack will help you extend the power of ChangeMan ZMF. The ChangeMan ZMF Client Pack allows you to take full advantage your mainframe development resources. It provides multiple client interfaces. The Enterprise Release Option (ERO), for ChangeMan ZMF, simplifies complex and large-scale release management processes.
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Overview of Software Configuration Management (SCM) Tools
Software Configuration Management (SCM) is a tool that is used to manage and track changes in software development projects. It helps developers, project managers, and other stakeholders keep track of the different versions of software code as well as the changes made over time. SCM also allows developers to collaborate by providing version control and release management.
At its core, SCM is a version-control system that records changes made to files over time so that users can easily review past versions of their work and compare them with the current version. This tool enables developers to track progress, quickly identify new code issues, deploy new features faster and get back to previous versions more quickly if needed.
In addition to tracking software changes over time, SCM also helps teams enforce coding standards by providing automated tools such as linting and static analysis for source code quality assurance. Quality assurance ensures that the coding style used complies with best practices recommended by organizations like OWASP or SANS so that companies can maintain consistent standards across all projects. Furthermore, automated testing can be implemented through SCM to ensure product quality before deploying it into production.
Another important function of SCM is release management which facilitates the coordination between multiple teams when releasing a new version of an application or website in order for everyone involved to know what has changed during each iteration of the project. In addition, it provides an audit trail showing who made which changes at what point in time in case something goes wrong after deployment and needs investigation later on.
One final feature of SCM is integrated reporting capabilities which provide insight into project health by visualizing trends such as bugs fixed per cycle or number of tests passed versus total tests executed etc., thus allowing teams to spot potential issues early before they become major blockers down the line.
Overall, Software Configuration Management tools are invaluable for streamlining development processes through automation while ensuring adherence to coding standards throughout various stages of a project's lifecycle from initial development all the way up until launch day.
Why Use Software Configuration Management (SCM) Tools?
- SCM tools provide greater visibility into the software development process, allowing for more accurate tracking and tracing of changes and providing better insight into how previous versions differ from newer versions.
- SCM tools help to ensure that everyone who is contributing to a project is working with the same set of materials, creating uniformity among different users’ contributions.
- With an SCM tool, developers can easily review their past work and check the history of a particular file or code change, helping them avoid mistakes by evaluating their work within its context.
- An SCM tool makes it easier for multiple developers to collaborate on projects without worrying about conflicts between one another's efforts; each user has access to specific materials as needed while still being able to compare changes made by other users.
- When using an SCM tool, developers have the ability to roll back operations in case of errors or unexpected results - allowing them to restore their environments quickly if needed instead of having to start from scratch after making costly mistakes in development processes.
- By automating parts of successful build tests and deployments, SCMs reduce manual labor associated with release management processes and enable quicker response times when resolving issues associated with production-level releases or proposed feature updates for clients/end-users alike.
- SCMs also streamline team operations so that relevant stakeholders can track progress more effectively regardless of geographic location - allowing teams dispersed across various locations to coordinate project goals seamlessly from one source rather than having communication challenges due to distance or remote time zones making communication difficult.
Why Are Software Configuration Management (SCM) Tools Important?
Software Configuration Management (SCM) tools are extremely important in any organization, big or small. It is the basis for any software development process and helps keep track of changes made to a project over time. The SCM tool helps to plan, coordinate, and manage source code for efficient control and maintenance of computer software applications.
Having an SCM system gives organizations clarity on how individual components of their applications fit together and enables them to determine when they should merge two versions of code into one so that updates can be pushed out more quickly. This efficiency allows teams to collaborate better with each other which helps ensure that everyone is kept up-to-date on changes as they’re implemented. With this type of tool, it makes it much easier for developers to work together when dealing with multiple branches of code. When working with different teams across multiple locations, it allows everyone involved in the project to be on the same page about any changes that have been made or need to be made within a certain period of time.
The SCM tool also provides an automatic backup system which will help prevent mistakes from occurring if someone accidentally deletes something or there’s an unexpected power outage during critical times. Having a reliable source control system ensures that all versions are accounted for so making repairs becomes easy if needed at any point during development cycles. Additionally, its built-in versioning capabilities make sure that all files are up-to-date no matter what environment they're deployed in which improves team productivity and reduces deployment errors significantly.
Overall, having an effective SCM tool is integral for maintaining high levels of accuracy throughout every stage of application development processes as well as allowing teams across different departments access to the same resources without conflicting revisions or causing delays due to inefficient communication channels. It is essential for companies looking optimize their software projects efficiently and reduce costly down time due various obstacles along the way.
Features Offered by Software Configuration Management (SCM) Tools
- Version Control: Software Configuration Management (SCM) tools provide version control, which allows developers to easily track different versions of their software components and make sure they are current and consistent. This feature makes it easier for administrators to deploy software updates efficiently and accurately across their environment.
- Source Code Control: SCM solutions provide a mechanism for developers to store all source code in a central repository where multiple users can access the same code base simultaneously and make changes without overwriting each other’s progress. It also allows them to rollback to any point in time if something goes wrong with any modification that was made later on, allowing them to keep the problem-free parts when reverting back.
- Issue Tracking: SCM solutions come with an issue tracking system which enables developers to identify problems that need fixing or features that need implementing by creating tasks or tickets in the system, tagging them with labels, assigning them to people so they can take action accordingly, tracking the progress of these tasks over time, and categorizing them into relevant categories such as bugs, enhancements or new feature requests etc.
- Automation: SCM systems offer automation capabilities designed specifically for software development teams so they can manage their workflows without extra manual effort such as automatically building new releases after an update is applied or producing reports displaying details about how a project is progressing against its planned schedule etc., saving precious time otherwise spent having staff manually performing these tasks one by one instead of being able to focus on more important stuff like coding.
- Collaboration/Communication Platform: Some SCM tools provide collaborative capabilities which allow developers from different departments within an organization or from various geographical locations around the world with permission control abilities; this enables efficient communication between team members regarding their work progress and helps break down silos between those involved in a particular project making collaboration much more seamless and effective than it used to be in older times where written letters would take weeks just reach someone who lived miles away from you.
What Types of Users Can Benefit From Software Configuration Management (SCM) Tools?
- Developers: Software developers who use an SCM tool can easily track and manage changes to their code. This helps them stay organized so they can better collaborate on projects.
- Testers: An SCM tool allows testers to keep track of which versions of code have been tested, providing them with a clear picture of the current state of the project.
- Project Managers: Project managers are able to easily monitor changes across different branches in order to ensure that software is being developed and tested efficiently as well as stay up to date with deadlines and progress.
- System Administrators: A system administrator may benefit from an SCM tool by being able to quickly identify any configuration issues or errors across various systems, allowing for faster resolution and troubleshooting times.
- Product Owners & Business Analysts: An SCM tool can provide product owners & business analysts the ability to view how different features interact with one another and gain visibility into project timelines.
- Auditors & Regulatory Compliance Officers: By having access to all versions of the source code, auditors & regulatory compliance officers are able to analyze for legal and security standards or possible malicious findings which would help protect the businesses intellectual property or customer data from theft or abuse.
How Much Do Software Configuration Management (SCM) Tools Cost?
The cost of a software configuration management (SCM) tool typically depends on the features and scale required. Commercial tools range from free and open-source solutions to expensive enterprise-level systems that can cost thousands of dollars per year. The costs are usually based on number of user licenses and the amount of storage required.
For larger projects, organizations often purchase full-featured SCM suites with multiple components, such as version control, bug tracking, project planning and reporting, collaboration capabilities, access control mechanisms, performance profiling tools, and so on. These SCM suites can be quite costly; some start at around $99 per user for an annual license. Additionally, businesses will need to pay extra for hosting services or cloud storage if they want to store their data offsite.
Large teams may prefer more comprehensive solutions with additional advanced features such as analytics reports, automated builds and deployments using continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD), as well as team collaboration tools like wikis or forums for sharing information among developers. These packages can range from hundreds to several thousand dollars per month depending on the company’s size and its needs.
At a minimum level of help desk support tasks such as issue tracking and code review platforms might be enough to manage day-to-day tasks but behind those basic goals are other requirements that justify spending money in order to maintain quality assurance standards with complex applications during development cycles. Many companies even find it worth investing in specialized training sessions for their teams or contract consultants in order to get maximum value out of their investments in SCM tools over time.
Risks To Consider With Software Configuration Management (SCM) Tools
There are several risks associated with Software Configuration Management (SCM) tools that both developers and stakeholders should be aware of:
- Unauthorized Access: SCM tools require access to source code, which needs to be secured against unauthorized access.
- Security Breaches: A security breach can occur if an attacker takes advantage of any vulnerabilities in the SCM infrastructure or software. This could lead to theft or destruction of important data.
- Loss of Data: If there is a power failure or hardware malfunction, it may be impossible to recover lost data from the SCM system unless a backup is available.
- Misconfigurations: Misconfigured settings can result in errors or unintended behavior when deploying applications on production systems. In this case, the entire system may need to be reconfigured for optimal performance.
- Lack of Automation and Standardization: Without proper automation and standardization processes in place, inconsistencies can creep into different versions of a project, leading to unreliable outcomes.
Types of Software That Software Configuration Management (SCM) Tools Integrate With
Software configuration management (SCM) is a tool that helps developers manage software projects by tracking, controlling and managing changes to the source code. SCM tools can integrate with various types of software, such as issue-tracking systems, databases and other version control systems. Issue-tracking systems help teams to prioritize tasks and track bug reports. Databases are used to store data records in a structured way, while version control systems allow multiple users to collaborate on the same project without overwriting each other's code. SCM tools can also be integrated with other development applications such as continuous integration platforms, architecture diagrams and static analysis tools. By integrating these applications, software teams get visibility into their development process and can make more informed decisions when deploying updates or making changes to their application codebase.
Questions To Ask Related To Software Configuration Management (SCM) Tools
- What changes will the SCM tool make to our existing workflows?
- How will the SCM tool help us control quality of software development?
- What are the features and functions offered by this particular SCM tool?
- What types of source code can be stored/managed within the system?
- Are there any limitations or restrictions on how we can use automated builds with this platform?
- Can different versioning systems (e.g., GIT, Subversion) be used with the SCM tool?
- Is support available for popular programming languages and frameworks (e.g., Java, Python, Ruby)?
- Does the SCM solution integrate with other applications and services that your organization uses (e.g., JIRA, Slack)?
- Is it possible to assign privileges to users so that some have limited access to certain parts of the system or repositories?
- Are there any customization options available which allow you to tailor what functions and features are accessible depending on user role/groups?