Many companies utilize static analysis tools in some fashion. However, we often find they are not leveraging them to their fullest potential. At SPK and Associates, we believe in driving quality up front, at the Engineering Desktop, and not relying solely on finding...
Software Development & Release Management
Creating a low cost, high performance ESX cluster
As Senior Systems Integrator for SPK and Associates, a California based IT services company specializing in infrastructure management services, I recently completed an interesting project. The goal was to create an ESX cluster for a small engineering group...
Using Rational Response Files to Install ClearCase and ClearQuest
This week we continue on the topic of installing using IBM Installation Manager. But with a bit of a difference. Instead of bringing up the IM install GUI and using it to conduct the installation, we will take a step toward greater installation automation and create...
Design Output: A Review of 21 C.F.R. §820.30(d) and FDA Warning Letter Trends
Design Output: A Review of 21 C.F.R. §820.30(d) and FDA Warning Letter Trends
Using IBM Rational Packaging Utility
In this post, we talk about how to use IBM Rational Packaging Utility along with Installation Manager to first create an installation package containing multiple products (in this case ClearCase and ClearQuest 7.1.2, and License Key Administrator 8.1.1). Then we will...
CAPA: A Review of 21 C.F.R. §820.100 and FDA Warning Letter Trends
SPK and Associates routinely review warning letters to help our clients stay in step with FDA trends. One of the problem areas most often cited in company audits continue to be the CAPA system/program. This month we will take a look at some of the latest FDA...
Using Windows ClearCase Variables – CLEARCASE_PRIMARY_GROUP and CLEARCASE_GROUPS
Windows ClearCase has a couple of very useful environment variables - CLEARCASE_PRIMARY_GROUP and CLEARCASE_GROUPS. These variables can be a bit confusing at first blush, but they turn out to be rather important for controlling access to VOB elements, and creating...
Computer System Validation: A Closer Look at 21 C.F.R. §820.70(i) and FDA Warning Letters
Avoiding 21 C.F.R. §820.70(i) FDA Warning Letters
Migration of Your ClearQuest User Database in 7 Steps
Many customers of SPK & Associates utilize the IBM/Rational suite of products. As IBM partners we are often asked to define, configure and deploy IBM tools and processes. SPK has provided Engineering Technology Services to Medical Device companies for over 12...
Leveraging Group Policy to Setup Wireless Access
In my last post, I introduced Clonezilla as an easy way to deploy Windows-based workstations into a corporate environment. But once a workstation enters the corporate network, what sort of policy applies to it? What sort of actions can a user take on their...
Upgrading from ClearCase/ClearQuest 7.0 to 7.1
As an IT engineering expert for SPK and associates, a California based IT services company, I write blog posts on topics such as Software Configuration Management and other Engineering Applications. This week I’d like to blog about my experiences in upgrading...
Which software configuration management (SCM) system is right for you?
At SPK and Associates we are often asked for direction with respect to versioning control systems. The management of software and related artifacts is core to your development process and a key factor in determining the operational productivity of your...