How to verify link consistency between RQM and DOORS 9

Authors: MaeveOReilly
Build basis: RQM 4.x, 5.x and DOORS 9.x

The link model between IBM Rational DOORS and IBM Rational Quality Manager (RQM) is based on the concept of two links. For example, for every link from an RQM Test Case to a DOORS Requirement, there should also be a link from the DOORS Requirement to the RQM Testcase. This second link is called the 'backlink'. Not all OSLC integrations are implemented this way, some use link discovery. However backlinks are the implementation for DOORS 9 and RQM. See more details in: Back links and link discovery, http://www-01.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/SSYQBZ_9.6.0/com.ibm.doors.install.doc/topics/c_backlinks_linkdiscovery.html?lang=en

For the integration to work correctly and to ensure reporting is accurate, it is important that two links are always maintained. A failure to create or delete one must result in user action.

The link is present in RQM but not in DOORS

The locking model of DOORS makes this the most common scenario. The user in RQM tries to create a link to a requirement in DOORS but it fails as someone in DOORS as the module open in edit mode. To resolve this please see: https://www.ibm.com/developerworks/community/blogs/nfrsblog/entry/a_little_known_tip_on_how_to_create_a_full_link_after_checking_create_partial_link_in_rational_quality_manager_linked_to_doors?lang=en

The link is present in DOORS but not in RQM

This is less common but is seen most often if the RQM test case has been deleted. It can be corrected manually in DOORS by removing the Test Case link. The attached DXL can also be run on a module to check for any deleted test cases. Ideally this situation should be avoided by deleting the link to the requirement before the test case is deleted. Access to deleting the test case could be restricted to users who know to do this.

Verifying the consistency

Other areas which could result in link inconsistency is Copying and Scripting (or any form of automation). Case must be taken that links are created and where relevant deleted in both applications. It is not sufficient to create it in RQM or to just delete in DOORS.

The status of the links can be verified by looking at the traceability views in RQM. https://jazz.net/downloads/rational-quality-manager/milestones/4.0.1M4?p=news#backlink That can verify that the backlinks exist and that the requirement is covered by a test case in the relevant test plan.

Related topics: Deployment web home, Deployment web home

External links:

• Integrate Rational Quality Manager with Rational DOORS using Open Services Lifecycle Collaboration
• How to increase the Rational DOORS Web Access logging levels
• How to enable logging for DWA Interoperation server
• IBM

Additional contributors: IntegrationsTroubleshootingTeam