Perforce Software Adds New Ways to Visualize
the Evolution of Source Code in Latest SCM Release

Developers and managers can see integration and branch history at a glance

ALAMEDA, Calif., June 7, 2004 - Perforce Software today announced the release of version 2004.1 of its Fast Software Configuration Management (SCM) system. Perforce SCM 2004.1 includes two new major visualization features that enable users to quickly understand the evolution of their source code: a revision graph representing branch history (see Screenshot #1), and a folder compare feature (see Screenshot #2).

The revision graph feature in 2004.1 displays a tree-style graph representing the branching history of a specified file, including all file branch points, edits, and merges. The folder compare feature displays two folders side by side in expandable tree views, allowing the user to compare folder structure (displaying which files have been added and deleted) and file contents. Both components are part of the Perforce Visual Client (P4V), a cross-platform interface for Windows, Linux and Mac OS X.

"We have always had a strong branching model to support parallel development and multiple releases," explained Christopher Seiwald, president and chief technology officer of Perforce Software. "Now we can have a strong visualization of that model."

"Complexity is inherent in SCCM (Software Change and Configuration Management) and strengthening graphic representation of the development process is an important feature, offering a more immediate way to understand a file's evolution," said Jim Duggan, senior analyst with Gartner Inc.

New Visualization Features Illuminate the Strength of Perforce's Parallel Development

A hallmark of Perforce SCM is its intelligent management of multiple software releases using its Inter-File Branching system. The revision graph and folder diff features enable users to see project history at a glance.

Specific features include:

• Identification of all file branch points, edits, and merges.
• Comparison of any two file revisions by selecting their revision icons.
• A fast zoom feature for easy navigation and quick, global views of file change histories, even for files with extensive branch histories.
• The ability to determine whether files are associated with a set of tagged file revisions (Perforce labels).
• Drag-and-drop comparison of both folder structure and file contents.

Availability

Perforce SCM 2004.1 is available now. Interested developers are invited to download and evaluate Perforce SCM free from the Perforce Web site without obligation for a 45-day trial. This offer includes free technical support during the evaluation period. A free, fully functional, two-user version is also available from the Web site. End-user licenses, including one year of support and maintenance, start at $750 per seat; volume discounts are available. For additional price and license information, send e-mail inquiries to info@perforce.com or visit www.perforce.com.

About the Perforce SCM System

Perforce, the Fast Software Configuration Management (SCM) system, tracks and manages software development for enterprises large and small. Perforce is easy to install, learn and administer; seamlessly handles distributed development, and supports developers across more than 50 operating systems. Perforce ensures development integrity by grouping multi-file updates into atomic changes, enables concurrent development, and intelligently manages multiple software releases using its Inter-File Branching system.

About Perforce Software

Perforce Software Inc. develops, markets, and supports Perforce, the Fast Software Configuration Management System. Headquartered in Alameda, Calif., Perforce Software sells worldwide and has international operations in Europe, Japan and Israel. In addition to application software companies, Perforce customers represent a broad range of industries including the game development, electronics, pharmaceutical and financial services markets. For additional information, contact Perforce Software via email at info@perforce.com or phone at +1.510.864.7400, or on the Web at www.perforce.com.

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