IBM updates Rational development suite

IBM Rational is introducing several enhancements to its Rational product line intended to enhance customers' own product development efforts.

"We're focused on the larger strategy of moving toward providing better support for our customers as they develop smarter products that are more interconnected, more wired," said Greg Sikes, director of enterprise architecture and systems modeling for IBM Rational.

The product rollout includes IBM Rational Systems Architect 11.3.1, which features integration with the Rational Focal Point project and portfolio management package. It also connects to the IBM Rational Insight performance measurement and management product and supports the Open Group Architecture Framework version 9.  Version 11.3.1 offers capabilities to help users build sophisticated systems and business architectures and supports enhanced reporting, analysis, and decision support.

Also part of the rollout is IBM Rational DOORS (Dynamic Object Oriented Requirement System) Web Access 1.3 for requirements management.  "What's new with this release is a web-based capability that allows teams anywhere in the world to not only consume the requirements information but also input and edit the requirements as well," Sikes said.

Another product being introduced, IBM Rational Rhapsody 7.5.1 for model-based design and development, enables increased collaboration between development and quality assurance teams. It also improves documentation of systems engineering designs and supports enhanced AUTOSAR (Automotive Open Systems Architecture) capabilities.

Also, IBM Rational Software Architect for WebSphere Software 7.5.4, which enables development of SOA, features a module for delivering communications services, such as integrated voice, video and web.

IBM also is offering Enterprise Verification Management Solution, featuring a test and simulation environment for chip designers to more easily test products. "System on a Chip" development is enhanced. The solution features Cadence Design Systems Incisive Enterprise Emulator as well as Rational and Tivoli products.