Software Design Implementation - Issue/Module/Bug/Feature Tracking Solution

The company is growing and we're starting to implement more and more complex software designs. I feel a need for some tracking software... I just don't know if it exists.

I currently maintain a Google Doc Folder (shared by our 3 developers) with a well-organized doc for each module. A doc is also created per major upgrade to a module or modules. For all other "tracking"... we have interal forums.

I want the following: I want get an immediate printout of all Project_01 features or bug fixes on a particular project with the option to hide or show developer comments that have been implemented in the last X number of days.

This clearly suggests a web-based system where developers enter issues, bugs, and features with appropriate tagging. Entries should be commentable, taggable, dated, editable and reporting should be based upon tags, dates, developers, projects, etc.

I figure I'm going to be perceived as naive by the grizzled veterans floating around here, though I've been running this business for 4 years (so I've been around). I don't think we have the resources to absorb the overhead of implementing something like CMMI... but then again, I don't really know what's best.

My personal evolution to using Google Docs per Application Module + internal phpbb forums for everything else has been pretty nice compared to the way we started out (marker boards, Microsoft Word docs). I just feel like I can go a long ways towards exceeding client expectations if I had the ability to track features/bugs/issues better with superior on-demand reporting.

Thoughts?

Thanks

Update: Went with MediaWiki integrated with Mantis

I agree, it does meet all of my requirements. I'm giving it a try. It'll obviously increase my business overhead expenses... we'll see how it competes with Mantis + (plugins to make it less of an eye sore)

hamlin11 2009-07-12 07:10:56

I regurlarly use mantis. Easy to install/use. A good balance between functionnality and simplicity.

neuro 2009-07-11 21:18:18

ANd well, it can be easily coupled with sunversion ...

neuro 2009-07-11 21:19:32

I like the idea that there are plugins and I can modify it to meet my needs. FogBugz is great to use so far, but... costs money per developer and I have to pay for every single upgrade. Either way, I'm going to give them both an honest chance.

hamlin11 2009-07-12 07:08:17

What's the deal with the interface being horribly ugly and hard to look at? I mean, FogBugz isn't "pretty", but at least my eyes don't hurt after using it for 10 minutes. I'm going to spend a few hours on it regardless.. hopefully I can find some plugins to make it more aesthetic.

hamlin11 2009-07-12 07:11:40

I disagree with "I think with 3 developers, in the same building, you probably can get by without software tools". I think I'd get a bug tracking system even if it was just one developer. The key is exposure to clients. If open source software projects can have respectable bug tracking software, I see no reason why this company shouldn't. It creates a perception of seriousness, IMO.

duffymo 2009-07-11 21:40:51

I'm in agreement. We've "gotten by" for a while. I'd like to be a bit more responsive with respect to status updates and fix reports for clients.

hamlin11 2009-07-12 06:24:23

Well, I'd say FogBugz looks pretty nice. It meets every single one of my requirements. I'm going to spend several hours with it because I think this will go a long ways towards increasing our productivity and becoming more and more responsive to clients. I'm also looking at Mantis

hamlin11 2009-07-12 07:09:35

ansaurus

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Software Design Implementation - Issue/Module/Bug/Feature Tracking Solution

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