Catalyst Systems view of ALF

I had an interesting insight today from Tracy Ragan at Catalyst Systems. She pointed out that the most important aspect of this project for them is that ALF represents, for the first time, true cooperation between lifecycle tools. She said "In most cases we are asked to write custom integrations between requirements tools, SCM tools and testing tools. These custom integrations are costly to the end user and require constant maintenance as new incompatible releases are installed. " She was really excited to be part of the project and looks forward to the day when ALF will change all that. "It will allow end users to choose their favorite tools without having to develop the integration between the tools. ALF has the potential to change how competing tools within the software industry perceive one another. ALF is a perfect example of how the solution is not about eliminating competition, but instead opening up the number of competing products from which an end user can choose. " This is a key benefit of the project - by levelling the playing field it will foster competition and this has to be better for the industry: both for the customers and for the vendors.

Kevin