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Technical Lead, Methods & Tools at Volkswagen
Real User
Top 20
Configuration management features improve workflow but require a steep learning curve
Pros and Cons
  • "I find the configuration management features of Helix Core particularly valuable."
  • "The customer service and support are excellent."
  • "It has an extensive feature set that leads to a steep learning curve, where users need to learn quite a bit of features to work with it effectively."
  • "However, it has an extensive feature set that leads to a steep learning curve, where users need to learn quite a bit of features to work with it effectively."

What is our primary use case?

We use Helix Core in our software development processes as a configuration management solution. Our typical use cases include system-level configuration management, versioning software, and managing files related to software such as traces and large binary files.

What is most valuable?

I find the configuration management features of Helix Core particularly valuable. The tool provides comprehensive functionality for versioning and managing large files, which makes it highly usable. 

We also utilize its strong baselining features and the ability to efficiently cherry-pick data to build new configurations. Although we have deactivated some features like branching and merging, its overall feature set helps streamline our workflow significantly, requiring us to manage large binary assets effectively.

What needs improvement?

I need to work more with Helix Core to identify specific areas for improvement. However, it has an extensive feature set that leads to a steep learning curve, where users need to learn quite a bit of features to work with it effectively. While its customization is not an issue, the GUI might not appeal to everyone.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with Helix Core for about a year now.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Helix Core is extremely stable. I would rate its stability as ten out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I would rate Helix Core's scalability as eight or nine on a scale from one to ten. It is crucial for us to have this level of scalability because we handle a considerable amount of large binary assets, making our repositories quite large.

How are customer service and support?

The customer service and support are excellent. During a difficult case involving IDP integration, I received an email reply within 15 minutes. With a few email interactions and a subsequent Teams call, the issue was resolved the same day. I couldn’t ask for more as a customer.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

Before Helix Core, we used IBM Rational Synergy. We switched because Synergy is out of maintenance.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was straightforward. The first test deployment took about five minutes, as it simply involved executing a statically linked binary, which immediately provides a server environment.

What about the implementation team?

Currently, I am responsible for maintaining Helix Core as a part-time job. However, this will change when we scale up, potentially requiring more resources.

What was our ROI?

Not yet, as we are still in the introduction phase.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Pricing is relatively moderate at three to four out of ten. I find this cost justified for the capabilities provided by the product.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We evaluated other solutions like Mercurial, Plastic, and Subversion before deciding on Helix Core.

What other advice do I have?

I would rate Helix Core seven out of ten. It is not perfect, yet it is pretty solid. The product is best suited for large-scale configuration management, and that's why we chose it.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
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Sr. Project Scheduler at a government with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Top 20
Good reporting for team alignment although connectivity require updates
Pros and Cons
  • "The tool provides traceability and reporting, which are important for compliance and measuring progress."
  • "The tool provides traceability and reporting, which are important for compliance and measuring progress."
  • "Improved graphics in terms of metrics and connectivity to SharePoint from Microsoft products would be beneficial."
  • "I would rate the IBM Engineering Workflow Management a seven or an eight. I am leaning closer to seven based on a couple of items I mentioned that I would like to see or know more about, such as improved reporting."

What is our primary use case?

I essentially use IBM Engineering Workflow Management under agile methodologies for the development of stories, use case stories, and test cases with end-to-end traceability.

What is most valuable?

The tool provides traceability and reporting, which are important for compliance and measuring progress. The reporting part for management is probably the most significant. It provides more efficiencies for our scrum team, ensures everyone is on the same page, and offers leadership insight into progress.

What needs improvement?

Improved graphics in terms of metrics and connectivity to SharePoint from Microsoft products would be beneficial.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have used the solution for about three years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is stable. It's effective.

How are customer service and support?

I haven't received any complaints, so I would probably give the support a rating of eight out of ten.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

IBM Engineering Workflow Management has been the solution of choice for years, predating my time working with the tools. I have no experience with other tools.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was straightforward.

What about the implementation team?

A team of two managed the deployment, and the initial deployment took about a couple of days. It's an evolving process.

What was our ROI?

The return on investment is seen through efficiencies for the scrum team and providing insight into leadership progress.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

I have no experience with other tools, I have received feedback that Jira is more basic and not as powerful as EWM.

What other advice do I have?

I would rate the IBM Engineering Workflow Management a seven or an eight. I am leaning closer to seven based on a couple of items I mentioned that I would like to see or know more about, such as improved reporting. 

I rate the overall solution a seven out of ten.

Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
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