IBM’s Rational Method Composer, version 7.5, is a package comprising an authoring and configuring tool, a publishing tool (e.g., to HTML, PDF, Word), and an extensive content library covering processes and methodologies used in Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) and IT Governance. Rational Unified Process (RUP) and a core set of RUP streams are provided out-of-the-box with RMC, plus plug-ins such as RUP Business Modelling package, RUP for Commercial Off The Shelf software packages, RUP for Legacy Evolution, and many others. RMC plug-ins beyond RUP have expanded considerably, with content from IBM, such as Tivoli Unified Process, and also partners. Butler Group particularly liked the new feature, IBM Practices, a way of decoupling different process segments in the form of ‘practices’: this approach allows for maximum flexibility to fit the individual process requirements of organisations. RMC is built on the Eclipse Process Framework, and uses major parts of the Software Process Engineering Meta-model 2.0 (SPEM 2.0). RMC plays a central role in disseminating information on processes and methods to complement IBM’s ALM tools. RMC is most suitable for MLEs adopting a disciplined approach to ALM.

Organizations modernizing application development – for example, adopting agile or service-oriented development methods – need to make corresponding changes in ALM to plan, measure and report on their development activities. This MarketScope assesses the market offerings and their providers.