SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SOFTWARE INTEGRATION AND FACTORY DEPLOYMENT
Publication number:
US20120036049A1
Publication date:
2012-02-09
Application number:
13/160,715
Filed date:
2011-06-15
Abstract:
A software management database contains data structures supporting computer software provisioning for a range of CTO/BTO variations, language variations, region variations, and operating system variations.
Administration; Management; Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading, distribution or shipping; Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement, balancing against orders
Administration; Management; Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading, distribution or shipping; Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders; Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement, balancing against orders Itemization of parts, supplies, or services, e.g. bill of materials
Commerce, e.g. shopping or e-commerce; Buying, selling or leasing transactions; Electronic shopping Item recommendations
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application 60/722,130, filed Sep. 29, 2005, incorporated herein by reference.
I. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for software integration and factory deployment of the software.
II. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Producing consumer electronics and in particular computers that might incorporate, in addition to operating systems with various configurations and suites of applications, several subsystems, each in turn with their own software drivers, can be complicated. Not only must a bill of materials (BOM) be defined, managed, and conformed to, but product defects and corrective actions must also be managed in way that ensures corrective action can be known and taken across the globe.
Because of the complexity inherent in the above considerations, it can happen that more than a single management system might develop over time, complicating efforts to integrate knowledge and data. As recognized herein, it is desirable to have a management system that can integrate the knowledge and input of designers, engineers, software integrators, etc. in ways that reduce engineering lead times and provide ease of tracking defects and cures to the defects in a single, globally shared system within an enterprise, while providing an easy way to manage regional differentiation of software offerings, sharing information between business groups within the enterprise, and eliminating duplicative data maintenance.
For example, many computers are sold on a configure to order/build to order (CTO/BTO) basis. Each software part can have a multidimensional relationship with each stock keeping unit (SKU) that represents a product when region, language, various operating system versions, and platforms are factored in. Thus, each software part can potentially have dozens of version releases to accommodate all of these variables. As but one example of the complexity of providing CTO/BTO computers, one version of a “click to DVD” software may be used only on French Windows MCE SR series SKUs that are sold only in Quebec, but another version may be designed to work on any model using Windows XP Home Edition Spanish Version regardless of region.
As another example of complexity, consider that there are currently about ten Sony VAIO platforms worldwide, and each platform may contain multiple VAIO models with variations on CPU, RAM, HDD capacity, wireless (WLAN, WWAN, and Bluetooth), graphics chipset, etc. Several major regions that include an even greater number of languages in many different countries, along with plural operating system variations, may require support. Still further, each model of VAIO for each region/language/country/OS variation contains well over one hundred pieces of software, each of which may be a unique version for only that model, or may be used for multiple models of VAIO, giving an idea of the exponential scope of the relationship between software and computer models the database must be designed to support. In summary, the relationships between software parts and the platforms they are used on have become extremely complex, and with this critical recognition in mind, the invention herein is provided.
In addition, the present invention critically recognizes that the quality of the final product is important. As understood herein, each piece of software may contain defects, or when combined in an image with other software may cause defects to be generated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
As set forth further below, processes and tools are provided herein for quickly assessing the quality of a project by relating the defects to part releases, which are in turn related to projects. For example, if a major flaw is found in a particular release version of a part, this defect is related to the appropriate part release or releases so that the defect is instantly related to all the projects that use the particular part release. Given the complexity of the software BOMs, without the present invention this task would be difficult and time consuming to do manually.
Thus, preferred implementations of the present invention correlate the relationships between software parts, the platforms they are used on, and the quality of those parts.
A method is disclosed for managing computer production in an enterprise. The method includes receiving a block of software offerings, with each block being associated with at least one product series. A product series component structure is received that defines parts for a respective product series. Parts that are required for a product series are added to the block associated with the series, with parts being assigned to each software class and related software specification pair in a block based on the part or parts required for the pair to thereby define a design structure. The method includes establishing a software bill of materials (BOM) based on the design structure using a template and/or a snapshot.
In non-limiting implementations the method includes defining software offerings. A software offering includes at least one software class and at least one associated software specification. Software offerings are associated with respective product series to establish a configuration, with configurations cumulatively defining a configuration range that contains product offerings of the enterprise for all regions in which the enterprise does business. The method may include grouping classes into blocks. A block is associated with at least one product series.
The non limiting method may also include defining which classes are dependent on each other, and defining which blocks are base blocks. Defects can be associated with related classes and corrective actions associated with respective defects.
If desired, the method can includes associating a respective installation file with each software offering. Each installation file may include a data file format version number, a version number of an installation data snapshot, an installation order for modules, data required for confirming successful installation, cyclic redundancy check (CRC) data for each binary file, path information thr locating files in a file store, partition size information for recovery and customer partitions. Also, installation anal recovery tools may use a list of software releases directly instead of microcode, which is used only for customer recovery, with microcode bit mappings being constrained to respective recovery media sets.
In another aspect, a software management database on a computer readable medium can contain data structures supporting computer software provisioning for a range of CTO/BTO variations, language variations, region variations, and operating system variations.
Non-limiting data structures may include bill of materials (BOM) entities containing information related to parent BOMs and child BOMs, if any. Each BOM entity can also include an engineering part ID, a software release ID, a major version ID, a group ID, a component ID, a planning parts ID, and a software series ID. A plan parts entity can also be provided that includes launch dates for software base releases, import dates for software bases indicating when the bases were imported into computers, and identifications for software bases.
Other non-limiting entities in the database may include component entities including launch dates for software base releases, import dates for software bases, identifications for software bases. Software release entities containing a base ID, a name, a file path, a launch date can also be provided, as can be software release status entities that include data representing status and name of a software release. Additional database entities may include: a group entity containing data representing a name and launch of a type, a series entity containing a software series ID, base ID, name, an indication of being active, a launch date, an import date, an engineering parts entity containing an engineering part ID, a base ID, a type ID, a name, a launch date, and indication of dependent parts, an engineering parts major revision entity containing information related to default use, an engineering part software release entity containing information on a related engineering part entity, a related engineering parts major revision entity, a related language code entity, and a language entity containing information related to a language name and a language code.
In another aspect, a computer-implemented system for creating bills of materials (BOMs) includes logic that can be executed by a computer and stored on a computer readable medium. The logic facilitates creation of BOMs using templates and/or snapshots. BOMs can be automatically generated based on part attributes and groups of parts, major versions, and releases. The logic can automatically check BOMs to reduce errors.
In still another aspect, a computer system executing logic stored on a computer readable medium enters, into a first database, first software data. The first software data includes operating systems and configure to order build to order (CTO/BTO) options. The system transfers at least some of the first software data in the first database to a comprehensive global database, referred to herein colloquially as “ePic.” Second software data such as operating system updates, device drivers, and utilities is automatically adding to a bill of materials (BOM) through the comprehensive global database. Also, software along with metadata that describes the software can be checked into the comprehensive global database by users, and the BOM for a specific series/language/region can be frozen/locked and the process to create factory deliverables including software image, software modules, and data can then begin.
The database tracks defects and relates them to parts, stores test cases which are related to parts which in turn allows test strategies to be auto-generated.
The details of the present invention, both as to its structure and operation, can best be understood in reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1-3 are diagrams of non-limiting software management phases;
FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of non-limiting overall software development, integration, and factory deployment processes;
FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a non-limiting software planning process;
FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a non-limiting bill of materials (BOM) creation process;
FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a non-limiting software development process;
FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a non-limiting software integration process;
FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a non-limiting factory deployment process;
FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of aspects of a non-limiting factory deployment process;
FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a non-limiting software installation process;
FIGS. 12-17 are non-limiting screen shots used for defect management and test case management purposes;
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing software inputs to the epic database interface;
FIG. 18A is a flow chart of logic of downloading an image to a test system;
FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing how BOM snapshots are generated, automatically at least in part, and entered into epic;
FIGS. 20 and 21 are consolidated diagrams showing the interaction between various entities in a non-limiting implementation;
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing various data entities in the ePic database and some of their attributes;
FIG. 23 is a map showing a non-limiting deployment regime;
FIG. 23A is a flow chart showing software integration logic;
FIG. 24 is a flow diagram showing a non-limiting factory deployment process; and
FIGS. 25-27 are further non-limiting defect-related screen shots.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In the present non-limiting implementation, only part of the software data is contained in a data store referred to below as “DB Hero”. Specifically, software data that is visible to customers (e.g., operating systems, configure to order/build to order (CTO/BTO) options, software highlighted on web sites, etc.) is entered into DB Hero. As set forth in the specification below, periodically, some of the data from DB Hero is pushed to a comprehensive global database referred to herein as ePic, including both stock keeping unit (SKU) data and software data.
Software data that is not as visible to customers (such as operating system updates, device drivers, utilities, etc.) are added to the bill of materials (BOM) through the comprehensive global database. Software is checked into the comprehensive global database by developers, vendors or engineers, along with metadata that describes the software for process tools. The BOM for a specific series/language/region is frozen/locked and the process to create the factory deliverables (software image, software modules, and data) can then be started. As set forth in the detailed specification below, various process tools and manual process can be used to create the factory deliverables, all of which use data stored in the comprehensive global database.
Additionally, the factory deliverables are tested and validated to meet quality standards. The factory deliverables, and the metadata that describes them, are then delivered to the factory to be used in mass production.
To better understand terms used herein, the range of potential software offerings for a given sales cycle is defined as a set of classes and specifications. The class structure captures how the various software items will be offered to the customer, and is a specific type of software. Specifications, on the other hand, are individual software items that are associated with classes. Thus, a specification is an option that the customer may choose within a class, and a class may have more than one specification while a specification is assigned to only one class. Software offerings (classes and specifications) are associated with individual series, with the resulting structure being called the “configuration range,” The configuration range for a SKU is a list of all the Classes (and specifications) that are offered for that SKU.
By way of non-limiting example only, a “class” might be “pre-installed office software”, and specifications within that class from which the customer can select might be “MS Office professional”, “MS Office Small Business”, “MS Office Basic”, and “MS Works.”
With the detailed description below it will be appreciated that the database herein supports software variations in CTO/BTO, language, region, and OS. In addition, this database, and the tools that use it, allow for the creation of CTO systems, based on individual customer orders, in the mass production process with every piece of software preinstalled and ready to use, allowing for a virtually infinite number software offerings to customers as opposed to a few pre-defined options.
Also, unnecessary duplicate data entry is eliminated, hardware components are automatically mapped to software releases, and developers can specify language and geographic region supported for each software release at the time of software check-in, with the correct release being assigned to each BOM automatically. Further, BOMs are created using templates and snapshots for efficiency. Moreover, BOMs are automatically generated based on part attributes to reduce effort, and groups of parts, major versions, and releases can be defined and reused. Automatic checking of the BOMs is provided to reduce errors. In addition, installation and recovery tools use a list of software releases directly instead of microcode, which is used only for customer recovery, with microcode bit mappings being constrained to each recovery media set that is defined. This solves the problem of limited microcode bits and makes the changing of a recovery key easier.
Below are details of one non-limiting implementation of present principles, FIG. 1 illustrates that the present methods may be undertaken by a computer system 10 including one or more enterprise computers 12, each potentially having its own monitor 14 which can display the screen shots described below. The enterprise computers 12 can be used by developers and software engineers to execute the invention. Thus, the logic and the databases herein (including the so-called “DBHero” database 16 and global database 18, referred to herein as “epic”) may be distributed over plural computers if desired, and some of the method steps may be undertaken by human users of the enterprise computers 12 while other method steps can be undertaken automatically by logic resident on computer readable media in computers. The computer readable media can include but is not limited to RAM, ROM, floppy disks, hard disk drives, optical disk drives, solid state memory devices, etc.
Referring briefly to FIG. 19 out of turn, logic for creating BOMs is shown. Beginning at start state 20, a software developer or integrator selects a software series, discussed above, from a list of series. The series can include data on software that an end user ordinarily “sees”, e.g., operating systems and configure to order/build to order (CTO/BTO) software options.
A human language and/or geographic region is selected at state 24 and then based on the selected language and region, at state 26 a processor in one or more of the enterprise computers 12 shown in FIG. 1 can retrieve a list of component parts, including images and modules. These component parts typically include software the end user ordinarily does not “see” such as operating system updates, device drivers, and utilities.
The software integrator then selects the image or module to be built at state 28, and at state 30 a BOM snapshot from a list is selected for the part selected at state 28. In response, a processor in one or more of the enterprise computers 12 shown in FIG. 1 then downloads, at state 32, BOM items from a file store that may be resident in the global database 18 shown in FIG. 1 to create an image to be loaded onto a computer to be vended. The image is checked in to the global database 18 at state 34 and uploaded to the file store, from whence it may be downloaded in the factory and loaded onto a computer to be vended. The process ends at state 36.
A detailed description of a non-limiting implementation of the invention follows below.
0 Project Objectives
0.1 Goals
Enable a global software CTO process which can be used for all VAIO business styles (CTO, BTO, Retail).
Redesign the software process from design through manufacturing to be a global process.
Define a global modular software specification.
Define a global recovery specification.
Integrate the software and hardware design process.
Shorten lead-time to market.
Reduce engineering costs.
Shift engineering resources from maintenance roles to value-add development roles.
Maintain product quality in the new process.
Create a flexible process and system.
Automate tasks where appropriate to create greater accuracy and speed in activities.
0.2 Critical To Quality
World-wide scalability.
Global access to system (including third parties).
Data portability.
Multi-language handling for software items.
Seamless interfaces to DH Hero.
Turn-key factory deployment.
0.1 Dependencies and Assumptions
1.1 Dependencies
1.2 Assumptions
LangRegion Specifications (Specs) in DB Hero will be reused between series.
Software parts in DB Hero will be defined so that the “Part Name” and “Major Version” will be separate fields.
No language/region specific information will be entered for parts into DB Hero unless royalty/licensing requirements differ by language/region for the given software part.
User Roles and Responsibilities
Product Planner
Determines the VAIO hardware and software offerings to be made to customers.
Program Manager
Works with product planners, sales and marketing, and engineering to produce a detailed product plan and offering strategy for each VAIO product series.
Software Developer
Develops software to be included in VAIO product offerings.
Prepares software so that it may be delivered to the factory for installation on products.
Software Integrator
Uses OPK (OEM Pre-installation Kit) in combination with build systems to prepare images.
Prepares data used in the factory to convert manufacturing bills of materials (BOMs) to a list of software items for installation.
Prepares data used to facilitate the software recovery by the customer in the event of a failure with their VAIO product.
Project Test Lead
Person in charge of preparing test cases and test strategies for a series and/or project (project would be Windows beta or VAIO mouse—this concept is not managed by ePic).
Assesses defects and devises test strategies to ensure they are fixed.
Test Lead
Tester in charge of an individual software release/component
Maintain test cases as requirements change.
Resolves defects.
Tester
Tests software deliverables to ensure quality product.
Identifies and tracks defects.
Reports quality status.
Sometimes maintains test cases as requirements change.
Factory Engineer
Deploys the tools and software deliverables to the factory floor so that they may be automatically installed.
Collects data produced in the factory installation process and delivers it to a data warehouse.
Customer
Makes hardware and software choices when placing an order for a custom product.
Initiates the recovery process in the event of a system failure.
The customer does not interact with the SIFD system directly.
3 Party Developer
Checks current software releases.
3rd Party Factory Engineer/QA Tester
Downloads or receives software deliverables and tools.
3 Business Process
3.1 Hardware Design
The Software Integration and Factory Deployment Project solution will operate within the context of the new design process specified as part of the DB Hero project. FIGS. 1 through 3 represent a non-limiting version of DB Hero process.
FIGS. 1-3 do not include software related tasks. One objective of the proposed invention is to integrate the software and hardware design processes.
3.2 Overall Software Process—Now Referencing the Non-Limiting Process Outlined in FIG. 4.
1. Software Planning and Design
a. Description
i. Program Managers and Product Planners define software offerings.
b. Inputs
i. Previous cycle's software offerings.
ii. New software offerings.
c. Outputs
i. Configuration (Config) Range and Component Structure.
d. System Interactions
i. Offering structure and planning parts are entered in DB Hero.
ii. Planning Parts and Component Structure are transferred to ePic.
2. Software Development
a. Description
i. Register engineering parts and develop software.
b. Inputs
i. Software offerings.
ii. Planning parts from DB Hero.
c. Outputs
i. Software applications, drivers, documentation, and other software items.
d. System Interactions
i. Part registration and item check-in in ePic.
3. Software Integration
a. Description
i. Define image BOMs, build images, define media sets (factory and recovery), and prepare factory deliverables.
b. Inputs
i. Software items checked-in by developers.
c. Outputs
i. Images, Modules, and Series Software BOM.
d. System Interactions
i. Register parts.
ii. Check image releases.
iii. Create series software BOM.
iv. Define recovery media.
4. Release to Manufacturing
a. Description
i. Planner or Program Manager issues a RIM for a series/region.
b. Inputs
i. Series software BOM
c. Outputs
i. Installation data file. RTM'ed image and module releases.
ii. RTM Notification.
d. System interactions
i. RIM is issued in ePic.
ii. Installation data file is auto-generated in ePic.
5. Download installation data, images, and modules to factory
a. Description
i. Factory engineer downloads required files from ePic or receives them by disk,
ii. Factory engineer deploys the files to manufacturing servers.
b. Inputs
i. Notification email of updated installation data.
c. Outputs
i. Factory has up to date BOM information and all required images and modules,
d. System interactions
i. Factory engineer downloads or receives latest version of installation data file.
ii. If the factory receives files by network, the factory file store system automatically downloads required images and modules and removes obsolete files.
iii. If the factory receives files by disk, the factory engineers load the files manually into the local factory file store.
3.3 Planning
The process outlined in the non-limiting diagram of FIG. 5 may be carried oat in the DB Hero system. This process describes how the software and hardware design processes are integrated in DB Hero.
The process definitions are tailored to capture details relevant to SIFD only. Details of the hardware design process are not captured here.
This process describes how the software and hardware design processes are integrated in DB Hero.
1. Define Series
a. Description
i. Hardware planners define the series code names and numbers for a given sales cycle.
b. Inputs
i. The list of new product series to be offered for a given sales cycle.
c. Outputs
i. Series prototype numbers.
ii. Series code-names.
d. System Interactions
i. Series information is entered into DB Hero.
2. Identify Software Offerings
a. Description
i. The planner or program manager defines the software strategy for a given sales cycle. This strategy does not yet specify which software offerings will be made at a series level.
ii. Sony and 3rd party software offerings that may be carried over from a previous cycle are identified.
iii. New Sony and 3rd party software offerings are identified.
iv. Updates to existing specifications are made if required.
v. New specifications are added to classes if required.
b. Inputs
i. Previous cycle 3rd party vendor software items.
ii. Previous cycle Sony software items.
c. Outputs
i. The tentative list of 3rd party and Sony software offerings for the given sales cycle.
d. System Interactions
i. None.
3. Define Classes and Specifications
a. Description
i. A “Class Definition Committee Meeting” is held multiple per year. The purpose of each meeting will be to define the software classes and their contents (specifications) to be used two sales cycles later. Hardware classes are defined separately.
ii. The range of potential software offerings is defined for the given sales cycles as a set of classes and specifications. Offerings for individual product series will not be defined at this point.
iii. The classes and specifications defined are global and commonly used across all regions. The class structure captures how the various software items will be offered to the customer.
iv. Specifications for individual software items, if known, are identified and associated with classes.
b. Inputs
i. Previously defined classes and specifications.
ii. New class definition ideas.
c. Outputs
i. Class Names.
ii. Specification Names (e.g. class contents).
iii. Class/Specification relationships.
d. System Interactions
i. A DB Hero administrator enters the classes into DB Hero. Users cannot input classes due to limitations of DB Hero Software.
ii. A Product Planner or Program Manager enters specification information and elms/specification relationships into DB Hero.
4. Define Planning Level Parts (e.g. royalties, catalogue, etc.)
a. Description
i. Software offerings are broken down into individual parts. Offerings which have varying royalty, licensing, or catalogue requirements must be broken up into discrete items.
ii. These parts will be associated with classes and specifications during the block definition process at a later time.
iii. These parts will later be used in ePic to help create SW BUMS,
b. Inputs
i. Software offerings.
ii. Royalty, licensing; and catalogue requirements.
c. Outputs
i. List of software parts.
d. System interactions
i. The parts identified are registered in DB Hero.
5. Define Offerings Structure and Constraints
a. Description
i. Software offerings (classes and specifications) are associated with individual series. The resulting structure is called the Config Range. The Config Range is global in scope and contains all product offerings, both hardware (HW) and software (SW), for all regions.
ii. Constraints on the offering range are identified as necessary for engineering or business reasons. These constraints are also global in scope; they do not reflect regional constraints. Regional constraints will be implemented in regional CTO sales systems or implicitly included in fixed configurations defined from the Config Range.
b. Inputs
i. The software offerings (classes and specifications) identified for the given sales cycle.
c. Outputs
i. Offering strategy, structure, and constraints, series by series.
d. System Interactions
i. The classes selected are associated with a series and are entered in DB Hero resulting in the Config Range,
ii. Constraints are defined in DB Hero as rules against the Config Range.
6. Define Block Structure
a. Description
i. Block structure definitions are used to generate the component structure. Users group classes into blocks and define which classes are dependent on each other and which blocks are “base blocks.”
b. Inputs
i. Config Range for each series,
c. Outputs
i. Block structure of the classes for a given series.
ii. Component Structure without parts.
d. System Interactions
i. The blocks defined are entered in DB Hero.
ii. Classes are associated with the blocks per the defined block structure in DB Hero.
iii. “Dependency” and “Base Block” flags are set as required.
7. Confirm Component Structure
a. Description
i. Program Manager or Product Planners confirm components without parts whether these components are made in just proportion—without exaggeration or omission—for their region.
ii. Confirmation of components is done by each region.
b. Inputs
i. Component Structure without parts.
c. Outputs
i. Confirmation List.
d. System Interactions
i. None.
Notes:
1, DB Hero series can be made “cycle-less” by adding an additional class specifying product cycle or software revision for integrators to manage software offerings from series to series.
3.4 Engineering Software BOM Creation—Now referencing the limiting process outlined in FIG. 6.
1. Transfer Parts and Series info to ePic
a. Description
i. The parts and series defined DB Hero are transferred to ePic.
b. Inputs
i. Series and Parts registered in DB Hero,
c. Outputs
i. Series and Planning Parts registered in ePic.
d. System Interactions
i. Scheduled system process and/or user initiated process.
2. Planning BOM Creation
a. Description
i. Parts required for each block are added to the block structure for a series. The parts are assigned to each class/specification pair in a block based on which parts are required for that option. This structure is called the “Design Structure.”
ii. When the Design Structure is complete, DB-Hero generates the Component BOM, e.g. Component Structure, for the series.
b. Inputs
i. Block Structure.
ii. Parts.
c. Outputs
i. Component Structure with parts,
d. System Interactions
i. Parts are associated with specs via a block/spec pivot table DB Hero.
3. Define engineering image and module parts as required
a. Description
i. Developer or integrator defines engineering parts in ePic as required. ePic engineering parts can include many things, including images, modules, recovery media sets, documentation, etc.
ii. Developer defines technical attributes of each part. (See ePic attributes below for more details.)
iii. Developer optionally specifies the target series for this part. One or more target series may be specified.
iv. Developer specifies the languages to be supported by this part.
v. Developer specifies dependencies between this part and other parts.
vi. Developer provides installation instructions, including installation order.
vii. Once these parts have been fully registered in ePic, associated software releases for the standalone parts can be checked-in.
viii. Composite parts, e.g. images, multipart modules, and recovery media, will require BOMs to be created before automated building can begin.
b. Inputs
i. Information from hardware engineers, software engineers, and planners.
c. Outputs
i. List of parts with their associated attributes and target series/language information.
d. System Interactions
i. Parts, attributes, and target series/language information is entered into ePic via user interface.
4. Associate planning level parts with engineering parts
a. Description
i. Developer/Integrator associates planning parts from DB Hero with one or more engineering parts defined in ePic.
ii. This activity is done for any planning parts that correspond to ePic engineering parts.
iii. These associations will be used later to generate the “Series Software BOM”.
b. Inputs
i. DB Hero part list (planning parts).
ii. Engineering parts as defined in ePic.
c. Outputs
i. Planning to engineering part associations.
d. System interactions
i. The associations will be created via ePic user interface.
5. Define image & module contents where required
a. Description
i. Developer/integrator creates individual image/module BOMs by defining relationships between parts. The Engineering Parts to be included in a given image or module are specified as the children of the top level part.
b. Inputs
i. Parts completely defined in ePic.
c. Outputs
i. Image/module BOMs,
d. System Interactions
i. Developer/Integrator creates BOM structures in ePic using functions specific to each part type, e.g., “Image Planner”, “Media Planner”, “Module Planner.”
6. BOM Confirmation
a. Description
i. Program Managers or Product Planners confirm component structure.
ii. Confirmation of component structure is done by each region.
b. Inputs
i. Component Structure, including parts.
c. Outputs
i. Confirmation list or minutes of meeting,
d. System Interactions
i. None.
7. Transfer Component BOM to ePic
a. Description
i. The component BOM for a given series is transferred to ePic.
b. Inputs
i. DB Hero Component BOM.
c. Outputs
i. Component BOM registered in ePic.
d. System Interactions
i. Scheduled system process and/or user initiated process.
8. Create Series Software BOM
a. Description
i. The “Series Software BOM” is a detailed BOM containing all the software releases assigned to a given product series and their relationship to DB Hero Component part numbers. It represents all the software releases (image, module deliverables) that could be installed on a unit and not the software BOM for a specific configuration.
ii. This BOM is initially generated automatically based on the target information of engineering parts, engineering part associations with planning parts, and the DB Hero Component DOM. The user can then make changes before the BOM creation process is complete.
iii. This data will be combined with recovery and installation data to create an installation data file for the factory.
iv. After initial generation, this BOM may be manually modified in the system to manage exceptions/limitations of software releases that are not covered by basic assignment to series and languages or DB Hero constraints.
b. inputs
i. Image/module target series information.
ii. Planning part/engineering part associations.
iii. DB Hero Component BUM.
c. Outputs
i. Series Software BUM.
d. System Interactions
i. User will create Series SW BUM using a wizard.
ii. Series Software BUM may be edited via ePic
3.5 Software Development—Now Referencing the Non-Limiting Process Outlined in FIG. 7.
1. Register DB Hero Part
See section 7.3, step 4.
2. Transfer Parts to ePic
See section 74, step 1.
3. Register Part (ePic)
See section 7.4, step 3.
4. Associate Planning Parts with Engineering Parts
See section 7.4, step 4.
5. Develop Software Module
a. Description
i. Software Developer codes software module,
b. inputs
i. Part definition and technical attributes as specified in ePic.
c. Outputs
i. Packaged software module with all required installation scripts.
d. System interactions
i. None.
6. Check-In Software Module
a. Description
i. Developer checks-in a software build.
ii. Developer updates technical attributes as required. These attributes include installation details, supported languages, and other technical information about the release.
iii. Developer logs release notes.
b. inputs
i. Packaged software module with all required installation scripts.
c. Outputs
i. Module is stored in the ePic file store.
ii. Technical information and release notes stored in ePic.
d. System Interactions
i. The module check-in procedure will be initiated via ePic user interface or client utility.
ii. Files will be uploaded to a local file store, should they be available. If the files represent a module or application, they will be replicated automatically to other file stores. If files represent an image, they will not be replicated to other file stores unless other system users request the replication.
3.6 Software Integration—Now Referencing the Non-Limiting Process Outlined In FIG. 8
ePic System Interlace can Engage Each Regional Build Tool Implementation.
1. Extract Build Info
a. Description
i. Integrator initiates build process. Build tools gets build data from ePic to be used as input to the build tools.
b. inputs
i. ePic image ROM and technical attributes.
c. Outputs
i. Build data fat matted generically.
d. System Interactions
i. Each regional build system will interface with ePic to obtain image BOMs and software parts.
2. Build Image
a. Description
i. Image is constructed using build tools.
b. inputs
i. Build data extracted from ePic.
c. Outputs
i. Image files and additional data to be stored in ePic.
d. System Interactions
i. None.
3. Check-in Image
a. Description
i. Integrator checks-in image files to ePic.
b. Inputs
i. Image files and additional data to be stored in ePic.
c. Outputs
i. Image files are store in the ePic file store and relevant data is updated.
d. System. Interactions
i. Information required for check-in will be entered manually into ePic via UI or supplied by the build system via an interface to ePic.
ii. Image files are uploaded to local file store as part of check-in function.
3.7 Test Management and Defect Tracking
3.8 Factory Deployment
3.8.1 Online Factory Deployment Process—Now Referencing the Non-Limiting Process Outline in FIG. 9.
1. Release to Manufacturing
a. Description
i. Program Manager releases a series to manufacturing. This is done at for a Series/LangRegion combination.
ii. The system performs a number of sanity checks:
1. Ensure that all SW releases are Golden Master or Release Candidates.
2. Ensure that releases exist in the system for the selected LangRegion.
b. Inputs
i. Series SW BOM.
c. Outputs
i. New snapshot of RTM'ed Series SW BOM.
d. System Interactions
i. PM issues RTM in ePic.
2. Generate Installation Data File
a. Description
i. The system updates the Installation Data File for the RTM'ed releases.
b. Inputs
i. Series Software BOM.
ii. Software release attributes.
c. Outputs
i. Updated installation data file.
d. System Interactions
i. None. This is an automated ePic process,
3. Notify Factory Engineers
a. Description
i. ePic notifies factories that installation data has been updated. Only factories that are affected should be notified.
b. Inputs
i. Changed Installation data file.
c. Outputs
i. Email notification message.
d. System Interactions
i. None. Automated ePic process.
4. Download Installation Data File
a. Description
i. Factory Engineer downloads the installation data file from ePic,
b. Inputs
i. Notification email.
c. Outputs
i. Latest installation data file.
d. System Interactions
i. Initiate update of installation data file for the Series/LangRegion via file store function,
5. Download Image and Module Files.
a. Description
i. The factory file store is updated with the latest image and module files.
b. Inputs
i. Installation data file.
c. Outputs
i. New required images and modules are downloaded to local file store.
ii. Obsolete images and modules are deleted from local file store.
d. System interactions
i. Initiate update of image/module releases for the Series/LangRegion via file store function.
6. Place order (NOTE: This step does not involve interaction with ePic. It is depicted here to show the order process relative to factory deployment for a CTO sales process).
a. Description
i. Customer places an order on a sales system.
b. Inputs
i. Customer CTO choices or Fixed SKU selection.
c. Outputs
i. Configuration as a list of DE Hero components.
d. System Interactions
i. Customer places order in sales system.
ii. Sales system or order management system passes order on to factory shop floor control system,
iii. Factory shop floor system delivers list of components to installation tools.
7. Install Software
a. Description
i. The installation data file and list of components in a file for the configuration are provided as inputs to the installation tools.
ii. The installation tools automatically install required software. Sec section 7.9 for further details.
b. Inputs
i. Configuration of DB Hero component part list.
ii. Installation data file from ePic.
c. Outputs
i. Log data file.
d. System Interactions
i. Installation tools are executed via automated factory process.
ii. Log file must be collected to a central location (should be implemented in factory process).
8. Deliver Log data to GARATA
a. Description
i. Log data file generated during the installation process is delivered to GARATA for loading into the database.
b. Inputs
i. Log file from installation process.
c. Outputs
i. Log file stored in GARATA or other data warehouse system.
d. System Interactions
i. Log file should be delivered to appropriate Sony server by FTP or other means.
ii. Files should be loaded into a database.
3.8.2 Offline Factory Deployment Process is Shown in FIG. 10.
3.8.3 Running Change Process
This section describes how running changes would be issued using ePic. This is the VOA EPC process adapted to ePic functionality.
3.8.3.1.1 Purpose
To facilitate, review and implement any Engineering Processing Changes (EPC's) to projects after initial RTM has been issued.
3.8.3.1.2 Definitions
EPC-A: A running change in which existing software on the Series Software BOM RTM snapshot is patched in the manufacturing process. These are deployed as modules of type EPC. There are two types of EPC modules:
Temporary—Applied during imaging and “thrown away”. Not in HDD recovery partition.
Permanent—Applied during imaging and “kept”. Copied to the HDD Recovery Partition.
EPC-M: A running change in which a foundation image or module is added/changed/deleted to/from the RTM snapshot of a Series SW BOM.
3.8.3.1.3 Deliverables
EPC Notification—an automatic email triggered when a program manager re-issues an RTM.
EPC Executable—module checked-in to an ePic file store and distributed using online (network) or offline (media) delivery methods.
Updated Installation Data File (IDF).
Testing Result (Product Quality Group).
Testing Result, if applicable (Manufacturing Quality Group).
Date EPC was implemented (Manufacturing)—relevant data should be delivered to GARATA.
3.8.3.1.4 Participants
Program Management Representative
Software Integration Representative
Quality Group Representative
Sustaining Group Representative
Application Champion or other applicable group representative
Manufacturing Representative
3.8.3.1.5 Roles & Responsibility
1. Program Manager—Initiates EPC request, facilitates the documentation, posting and announcement of EPC release. Issues RTM in ePic to release the IDF and images/modules.
2. Software Integration Representative—Creates executable, checks in executable to ePic, announces release.
3. Quality Group Representative—Tests and verifies EPC on applicable models.
4. Manufacturing Representative—Tests and verifies EEC on applicable models, if applicable. Implements EPC and provides date of when EEC was implemented.
3.8.3.1.6 Process
1. Program Manager will email a software integration representative for an EEC request.
a. Email should appropriate documentation: issue(s), resolution, applicable models.
2. Software Integrator will create EPC module or replacement image module. This may also be performed by the developer.
a. New release will be checked-ifs to ePic.
b. Appropriate changes will be made to the Series SW BOM template.
c. New snapshot of the Series SW BOM Template will be created and flagged as a release candidate (RC).
d. Quality group will be notified.
3. Quality member tests software module.
a. Test strategies are updated.
b. Testing is performed and test results logged.
c. If testing fails Integrator is notified and steps from #2 repeated.
d. If testing is successful all interested parties are notified.
4. Program manager issues an RTM for each applicable Series/LangRegion in ePic.
a. System sends running change notification to applicable persons.
5. Installation data file and new release(s) are delivered to factory.
a. Online or offline factory deployment methods documented above are used to deploy EPC.
6. If applicable, factory quality group tests new deliverables.
a. If testing fails, interested parties are notified and steps from #2 repeated.
b. If testing succeeds, interested parties are notified.
7. Factory Engineer deploys new deliverables are deployed in production environment.
a. Data concerning which units have the EPC applied is collected (from installation tool log data) and delivered to persons responsible for loading data into GARATA.
3.9 Installation
The installation process and tools will be common for all QA, Factory, and Recovery applications and is in reference by the non-limiting process of FIG. 11.
1. Generate Software Release List
a. Description
i. The list of DB Hero component part numbers representing a configuration are converted into a list of software releases.
ii. This step can be skipped and process can begin from step 2 if a valid software release list has been generated by other means.
b. Inputs
i. Configuration (DB Hero component part list).
ii. Installation data file from ePic.
c. Outputs
i. List of software releases,
d. System Interactions
i. Installation tools function,
2. Generate Recovery Key
a. Description
i. A list of software releases is used to generate a MCode.
b. Inputs
i. Software release list.
ii. Installation data file,
c. Outputs
i. Encrypted MCode.
d. System Interactions
i. Installation tools function.
3. Write Recovery Key to DMI
a. Description
i. The Encrypted MCode is written to DMI.
b. Inputs
i. Encrypted MCode.
c. Outputs
i. MCode stored in DMI.
d. System Interactions
i. This is done using DMI writing tools.
4. Partition Hard Drive
a. Description
i. The hard drive is partitioned according to data in the installation data file.
b. Inputs
i. Installation data file.
ii. Series and LangRegion.
c. Outputs
i. Hard drive is partitioned appropriately.
d. System Interactions
i. Installation tools output a list of partitions with sizes.
ii. Partition tools are used to partition the hard drive as part of factory process.
5. Copy required file to recovery partition (HDD Recovery Only).
a. Description
i. If the series uses HDD Recovery partition, the recovery partition is prepared by the installation tools:
1. The WinPE recovery partition is written to P1.
2. Images modules and required data are copied to the recovery partition.
3. Installation data file (or a portion of it) are copied to recovery partition.
b. Inputs
i. Software release list.
ii. Installation data file.
c. Outputs
i. Recovery partition is completely setup.
d. System Interactions
i. Installation tools function.
6. Prepare Customer Partition(s)
a. Description
i. If the series uses HDD recovery, then the customer partitions are prepared by initiating the user recovery process in “unattended mode.”
ii. If HDD recovery is not used, the installation tools prepare customer partitions directly.
b. Inputs
i. installation Data File.
ii. Software Release list.
c. Outputs
i. Customer partitions are prepared.
d. System Interactions
i. Installation tool function.
7. Generate Log Data
a. Description
i. Data about the releases installed are stored in a file suitable for loading into GARATA or any other data warehouse.
b. Inputs
i. Data about installation activities.
ii. Information about the unit (S/N, service tag, MCode, etc).
c. Outputs
i. File containing log information.
d. System Interactions
i. Creation of the log file is an installation tools function.
ii. The log file must be collected and delivered to appropriate system as part of factory process.
Within this process flow, three use cases for installation tools will be supported:
1. Installation using a list of DB Hero component part numbers.
a. Convert list of component part numbers to list of software releases.
b. Generate MCode using list of software releases.
c. Install software.
2. Installation using a MCode.
a. Generate list of software releases using MCode.
b. Install software.
3. Installation using a list of releases.
a. Generate MCode (optional).
b. Install software.
Factory Installation will use method #1 only. For retail models the DB Hero component part number list can be prepared offline and distributed at RTM time.
Recovery Media Sets (RDVD's or Fulfillment Media) can use method #2.
HDD Recovery and recovery using customer created media can use method #3.
Test system preparation can use all three methods.
3.10 Recovery
3.10.1 Recovery Media Preparation
1. Define recovery media engineering parts.
a. Description
i. Engineering parts for fulfillment recovery media are defined in ePic as “Recovery Media Sets,” Engineering parts for user created recovery media are not defined.
ii. NOTE: ePic need not be aware of specific recovery media types (SRCD, ARCD, etc.). This can be managed by recovery media creation tools. ePic also need not support media layout functions: eventually only RDVD's with a single set of recovery tools and factor-v distribution media need be supported.
b. Inputs
i. Series Software BOM snapshot.
ii. Additional Engineering parts required for recovery media,
iii. Media set specific information.
c. Outputs
i. Recovery media BOM in ePic.
d. System Interactions
i. User defines recovery media using “recovery media planner” in ePic.
2. Generate MCode Specification.
a. Description
i. System calculates MCode Specification. An MCode Specification (or MCode Spec) is a set of bit/release relationships. More than one release can be assigned to one bit.
b. Inputs
i. Series Software BOM.
ii. Component/Release Mappings.
c. Outputs
i. MCode Specification.
d. System Interactions
i. Automated process with possible manual intervention.
3. Create Recovery Media.
a. Description
i. Recovery Media (AKA, Fulfillment Media or RDVD's) are created using external tools.
ii. Tools use BOM's created in ePic.
iii. Optionally, media images can be checked into file store as a software release.
b. Inputs
i. Recovery Media BOM and attributes as defined in ePic.
c. Outputs
i. Physical Recovery Media.
ii. Optionally, media images.
d. System Interaction
i. Media creation tools interface with ePic to retrieve Recovery Media BOM and part attributes.
ii. Media images optionally checked-in to ePic file store, interactions with other systems.
4 Interaction with Other Systems.
4.1 Overview
ePic will interface with many systems and tools. This chapter summarizes those interfaces.
1. DB Hero
a. DB Hero may be the global product data management system (PDM) for the VAIO business.
b. ePic can gather data from DB Hero to be used in BOM creation and factory deployment.
c. ePic can interface directly to DB Hero to retrieve needed data. No data need be fed back into ePic.
2. Image/Module Build Tools
a. Tools used to build image (or module) releases and check them into the ePic file store.
b. ePic will export BOM data to these tools and provide functionality for checking in binary releases.
c. Data and functionality will be exposed to tools via an interface DLL.
3. Test System Preparation Tools
a. Tools used to install software on systems to be used for testing.
b. ePic will expose BOM data for pre-integration testing and installation data files for post-integration testing.
c. Data and functionality will be exposed to tools via an interface DLL.
4. Media creation Tools/Systems
a. Tools used to create recovery and factory media. Similar to image building tools.
b. ePic will export BOM data to these tools and provide functionality for checking in media image releases.
c. Data and functionality will be exposed to tools via an interface DLL.
5. VELSUN
a. Global sustaining defect tracking system.
b. ePic will provide functionality for exporting defects to this system.
6. VALSUN
a. Software development defect tracking system,
b. ePic will provide functionality for exporting defects to this system.
7. ESG
a. VOE sustaining system.
b. ePic will export software parts and BOM data and defects to this system.
8. OASIS
a. VOA tool to create MCode writing floppy disks.
b. Used by many Sony personnel to image systems with Recovery Media.
c. ePic will pass simple parameters to this system using an HTTP GET/POST request.
4.2 A Project Peripheral Components
Several components external to the core ePic system will be developed by Neusoft, VOA, and VBD to facilitate these system interactions. Detailed requirements for these components are captured throughout chapter 9.
ePic Interface DLL
Win32 library.
Detailed requirements in chapter 9.14.
Installation Tools
Installation tools used in for testing, factory installation, and recovery media
Tools use the ePic installation data file, DB Hero component list, and/or software release list as inputs.
Tools output data suitable for import to GARATA.
Test System Preparation CD
WinPE based CD may be used to install software releases managed by ePic on test systems to be developed by SIT.
Current US implementation, called MINDS (Modular Installation Network Download System), adapted to meet requirements. interacts with ePic using the ePic Interface DLL and utilize the Installation Tools.
MCode Encoder/Decoder DLL
Mcode encoding/decoding libraries adapted to work with ePic Installation Data Files by SIT.
This library used by both ePic and Installation Tools for all MCode encoding/decoding requirements.
In addition to the above components, build systems interface with ePic and use ePic data (see chapter 12). Sirs build system (Magellan) will interface with ePic using the ePic Interface DLL. SDN will use the build system provided by VOA.
5 Requirements
5.1 Key Terms
The following terms are important for understanding requirements in this section. Additional terms are defined in chapter 13.
LangRegion: Term used to describe the combination of an ISO-639 language code with an ISO-3166-1 country code. (For example, “es_SP”, “es_MX”, “jp_JP”, “en_UK”, “en_US”, etc.), ePic and DB Hero will use LangRegion codes to define which language/region combo is to be supported by a software release.
Engineering Part: All software, documentation, and media sets are defined as “engineering parts” in ePic. Each engineering part can have many software releases associated with it.
Major Version: Attribute of an Engineering Part referring to the Major Version of a software item. Major Version is treated like an individual entity in ePic for certain functions.
Release: A release corresponds to a specific set of files and directories checked into ePic for a specific engineering part. Releases can satisfy one or more LangRegions.
Planning Part: ePic term for software parts defined in DB Hero.
Packaged Software: Software which has been packaged using WISE, Install Shield or some other installer technology (whether it was packaged by Sony or an ISV). Packaged Software is NOT the same as a module.
Foundation Image: Also known as “Base Image”. This is a set of files includes the OS and any software items (drivers, utilities, etc.) the integrator chooses to include. Recovery related components (PAC files, data files, etc.) are also considered a part of the Foundation Images.
Module: Software packaged with WISE which is suitable for use by factory installation tools (the installation is silent/unattended; the installation can be verified by install tools; the module is BIOS locked; etc.). ePic will support three types of modules: “Module”, “X-Module”, or “EPC.” “Modules” install in a single configuration, “X-Modules” are can install different configurations depending on target system characteristics. “EPC's” (Engineering Process Changes) are used for patches or running changes.
General
Requirements that apply to all aspects of the system are listed here.
5.1.1 Usabliity/Performance
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
GEN-2.1
All system data should be
stored and presented in
double-byte characters.
GEN-2.2
All user interface prompts,
No inter-
command line tools, and
nationalization
online documentation
of UI's!
will be in English only.
GEN-2.3
System should perform
adequately for users in
remote regions so that
work schedules are not
impacted by network
speeds.
GEN-2.3.1
Page views via the
Sony intranet shall take no
more than 10 seconds per
view.
GEN-2.3.2
Uploads/downloads between
file stores on the Sony intranet
should occur at a minimum
rate of 450 MB per hour
(1 Mbps).
GEN-2.4
Online user documentation
should be available.
5.1.2 Availability
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
GEN-3.1
The main system (ePic) must be available to all Sony
users 24 hours a day via intranet.
GEN-3.2
Manufacturing deliverables should be available to 3rd
If network delivery is available, it is
parties.
preferred, but an offline delivery method
could also be used.
GEN-3.2.1
Only RTM'ed or Test RTM'ed items should me made
available to 3rd party factories.
GEN-3.2.3
Pre-release deliverables may be distributed to 3rd
parties (for example, for validation purposes). Such
deliveries should be limited to only what is required to
ensure efficient use of resources.
GEN-3.3
Release check-in functionality should be available to 3rd
Per 2005-6-30 BRD feedback from
parties not on the Sony Network.
VBD.
5.1.3 Support
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
GEN-4.1
Live support for the system
must be available to all
users 24 hours a day.
5.1.4 Security
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
GEN-1.1
Authentication policy as specified by SGS,
The SGS operated “Common
Authentication” system will be used for
authentication for all users.
GEN-1.1.1
System should be accessible only to named users.
GEN-1.2
Authorization policy.
GEN-1.2.1
System authorization will be role/resource based. See
table in 9.2.4.1 for role to resource mappings.
GEN-1.2.2
Authorization of the web-based application will be
performed at a screen level.
GEN-1.2.3
Users can be assigned to one or more roles.
GEN-1.2.4
3rd party users can only access data for series which
they have been explicitly authorized to view.
Requirements to be provided by SGS.
5.1.4.1 Role to Resource Mapping
Each instance of an entity can also have an “owner list”. Users with permissions to create/edit and entity can add other users to the owner list. Users on the owner list can edit that instance of the entity regardless of their assigned system role(s).
Role
PM/
Test
Project
Factory
3rd Party
Resource/Function
Planner
Developer
Integrator
Tester
Lead
Test
Engineer
User*
Admin
BOM-1.1: Manage series information.
X
X
X
BOM-1.2: Manage planning parts.
X
X
X
X
INT-1.12: Create/edit SKU's.
X
X
X
BOM-1.9: Create/edit sample SW BOMs
X
X
X
(release lists).
BOM-1.3/DEV-1.1: Manage engineering parts.
X
X
X
BOM-1.4: Manage images.
X
X
BOM-1.6: Create series SW BOM.
X
X
BOM-1.7: Set dependencies.
X
X
X
BOM-1.8: Create/edit groups.
X
X
DEV-1.2: Check-in SW releases.
X
X
X
X
MFG-1.1/MFG-1.2: Issue RTM/Test RTM.
X
X
Download installation data and binary data for
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
SW releases.
Download latest DB Hero data into ePic.
X
X
Add users, set privileges.
Manage 3rd party access.
X
Set champion of parts.
X
X
Mass edit entities.
X
Create/edit Test Case.
X
X
X
Create/edit Test System.
X
X
X
X
Create/edit Test Strategy.
X
X
X
Edit Test Case Result.
X
X
Create/Edit Defect (except for status and
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
resolution).
Create/Edit Defect (set status and resolution,
X
X
X
X
X
X
except for “fix-verified” resolution).
Create/Edit Defect (all attributes).
X
X
X
X
Defined MDA/Benchmark categories/keys for
X
test cases.
Edit miscellaneous IDF Data
X
X
Third party users can only view data for Series they have been authorized to view (see section 9.13.1, requirement ADM-1.3, “Manage 3rd party data access.”).
For VBD/SDNA, software project leaders (SPL's) will be assigned both the “PM/Planner” and “Developer” roles.
5.1.5 Legacy Data
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
GEN-5.1
For all groups who
Data will be manually
require any legacy data
entered to assist in training
to be loaded, legacy
users and quality testing.
data will be manually
ePic schema is significantly
entered and software
different from any existing
releases manually
systems. Data import may
checked-in.
be impractical.
5.2 Planning
These are requirements for the “high-level planning” functions implemented in DB Hero that impact STD. Only business rules or functional requirements which are necessary to ensure proper STD functionality are captured here.
5.2.1 Usage Requirements
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
Regional differentiation of software offerings
will be managed in ePic.
This is generically solved by implementing
DB Hero “spec to component relationship”
functionality (see section 9.6, INT-1.9).
5.2.2 Business Rules
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
PLAN-2.1
A special DB Hero Class
ePic must use this to
(e.g., Product Cycle or SW
revise software from
Revision) must be introduced
cycle-to-cycle.
into a Series Config
Range in order for the Series
to be “cycle-less.”
5.3 Engineering Software BOM Creation
Requirements for the “low-level planning” functions and software BOM creation in ePic are listed here.
The following is a graphical representation of an ePic Engineering Part to help readers understand requirements:
5.3.1 Usage Requirements
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
BOM-1.1
Manage series information.
BOM-1.1.1
A series can be designated as active or inactive to
1
indicate whether the series is EOL.
BOM-1.1.2
Product cycle (SP05, SU05, FA05) must not be
Since many products can be in production for
1
required to organize data in the system. Product cycle
many cycles, the active/inactive designation
will be an attribute of a series.
will be used in place of product cycle.
BOM-1.1.3
Set series attributes.
1
BOM-1.2
Manage planning parts.
1
BOM-1.2.1
Associate engineering parts with planning parts.
This information will be used to generate a
1
Associations can be made to part name or a part name
“Series Software BOM”.
and major version.
BOM-1.3
Manage engineering parts.
1
BOM-1.3.1
Create/edit engineering part.
1
BOM-1.3.2
Set part type. The following part types will be
See ePic attributes in section 10.4.
1
supported by ePic:
1. Foundation Image
2. P1 (recovery) Image
3. Monolithic Image
4. OS Setup
5. Application
6. Driver
7. Online Documents
8. OS Add-on
9. Module
10. Internal Tools
11. BIOS/Firmware
12. Recovery Media Set
13. Factory Media Set
14. Other
BOM-1.3.3
Set part attributes.
See ePic attributes in section 10.4.
1
BOM-1.3.4
Engineering parts can be composite parts, consisting of
This applies to not just images, but modules
1
several other parts, or a single standalone part.
and other part types as well.
BOM-1.3.5
Engineering parts can be associated with planning parts
More fine grained associations are possible by
1
(so that series associations can be made via the DB
editing the “Series Software BOM Template.”
Hero Component BOM), or they can be manually
LangRegion associations to releases will be
associated with individual product series (for example,
handled at module check-in time.
manual association would be made for hardware
specific software items).
BOM-1.3.5.1
User may also specify “all series” so that the part
So if new series are added after this is set, they
1
would be used for all active series existing in the
would still pick up this part in their BOMs.
system at any moment in time.
BOM-1.3.6
The LangRegions to be supported by a part can be
1
specified at part creation time.
BOM-1.3.7
One or more software releases can be associated with
1
each part. Each software release can be associated
with one or more LangRegions.
BOM-1.3.8
For each LangRegion, one of the associated releases
The default release can be manually
1
can be flagged as “default.” The default release will be
overridden after Series Software BOM
used for “Series Software BOM” creation.
Template generation (see BOM-1.6.2).
BOM-1.3.9
Electronic data files for printed documentation can be
Per 2005-6-30 BRD feedback from VBD.
1
defined as engineering parts and stored in ePic. No
additional functionality specific to these items is
required.
BOM-1.3.10
Installation priority of the part can be specified relative
Satisfies VBD QA WG requirements 1c.
1
to other part names/major versions as “BEFORE” or
Installation tools will calculate installation
“AFTER.” The system will not allow invalid
order for a set of modules at installation time.
installation order states (e.g., circular installation order
relationships) to be defined.
BOM-1.3.11
The Bios Lock ID (BLID) must uniquely identify a
Satisfies VBD Factory Install WG
1
foundation image. This means that relationship
Requirement 1b.
between BLID and FI will be one-to-one.
BOM-1.3.12
The user can specify whether parts are active or not. If
1
a user sets a part “inactive” then the system will
ignore/hide the part in any BOM creation activities.
BOM-1.4
Manage images/modules. Images and modules are
To be implemented as a “Part Registration”
1
engineering parts which can be final deliverables.
wizard.
BOM-1.4.1
Set image/module type.
1
BOM-1.4.2
Create/edit image/module BOM Template. Each
Composite parts only.
1
composite engineering part has exactly one BOM
Template.
BOM-1.4.2.1
Groups, Part Names, Part Major Versions, and/or
1
Releases can be added to BOM templates.
BOM-1.4.2.2
Auto generate image/module BOM using target series
1
attribute of parts and groups. User can edit auto-
generated BOM before it is saved.
Perform Sanity checks:
The first check is to alert users that items
4
Ensure items included in template must not be
which are optional for a given series might be
installed individually (use planning part
included in the foundation image. The system
associations).
cannot know for sure from the DB Hero
Ensure dependencies are satisfied.
component structure, but it should indicate to
the user that an eng. part has planning part
associations.
BOM-1.4.2.4
Releases flagged as “disabled” cannot be added to a
Per review with SDNA 2005-9-14
1
BOM template.
(corresponding attribute REL-025 added).
BOM-1.4.3
Snapshot BOM template (Freeze BOM).
NOTE: This requirement applies to Series SW
1
BOM Templates in addition to image/module
BOM Templates.
BOM-1.4.3.1
A snapshot contains only software releases
1
(unspecified releases on the template will be set to
defaults). Snapshots cannot be edited manually.
BOM-1.4.3.2
All part information at the time of snapshotting is
1
frozen in a snapshot. Changes made to the main data
after snapshotting will not be reflected in the snapshot.
BOM-1.4.3.3
BOM snapshots are exposed to build tools via the build
1
tool interface.
BOM-1.4.3.4
A BOM snapshot is retrievable as a file via ePic UI.
1
Dropped. Satisfied by ePic “group” concept
described in BOM-1.8..
BOM-1.6
Create Series Software BOM.
1
BOM-1.6.1
System will generate a “Series Software BOM
See requirement BOM-1.8 for definition of
1
Template”, which consists of the list of specific part
“group”.
names, major versions, groups and/or releases assigned
to a series, using DB Hero component structure,
planning part associations with engineering parts, and
the properties of engineering parts. The system will
show default value for unspecified items on the
template.
BOM-1.6.2
Edit “Series Software BOM Template”. Releases can
This function allows special release
1
be edited manually.
dependencies/incompatibilities to be handled.
BOM-1.6.3
The Series SW BOM will include mappings from one
Satisfies VBD QA WG requirement 1 g.
1
or more DB Hero components to one or more ePic
software releases. See section 9.6, requirement INT-
1.10.
BOM-1.6.4
Once the Series SW BOM Template is complete, the
1
user can snapshot the template. A snapshot contains
only software releases (unspecified releases on the
template will be set to defaults). Snapshots cannot be
edited manually.
BOM-1.6.5
All part information at the time of snapshotting is
1
frozen in a Series SW BOM snapshot. Changes made
to the main data after snapshotting will not be reflected
in the snapshot.
The system will indicate problems to the user when
4
displaying the Series SW BOM template. Problems can
be:
Non-RC/GM releases.
Target series information in conflict with
planning part association.
Dependencies not satisfied.
No default releases available for a part.
No releases available for a given language.
Dependencies are not satisfied.
BOM-1.6.7
The system should not allow an “inactive” part/release
Added per review with SDNA 2005-9-14.
1
to be added to a series SW BOM template.
BOM-1.7
Dependencies between engineering part names and/or
Satisfies VBD QA WG requirements 1a and
2
part name/major versions can be specified.
1b.
BOM-1.7.1
Other parts can be selected and dependencies will be
2
specified as “DO NOT CARE”, “EXCLUDE”, or
“REQUIRED.”
BOM-1.7.2
The system will not allow circular dependencies to be
2
defined.
Satisfies VBD QA WG requirements 1 g.
Dropped per review session with VBD 2005-
9-15.
BOM-1.8
Create edit groups. Groups are user defined lists of
This is an internal ePic concept intended to
1
engineering part names, major versions, releases, or
allow users to define re-usable collections of
other groups.
parts. This concept, if used properly, makes
BOM creation more efficient.
BOM-1.8.1
Groups can be added to composite part BOM
Note that groups are, for the most part,
1
templates. Changes made to group contents after group
functionally equivalent to BOM templates.
assignment to a BOM template will be reflected on the
BOM template.
BOM-1.9
Create edit test software BOM. A test software BOM
Per VBD review 2005-9-15: A facility for
5
is a manually created list of software releases for a
creating and sharing test software BOMs must
single configuration. The releases must be listed in
be available in the system.
proper order of installation (based on installation
This function will be used by both developers
priorities specified in the system).
and testers. It is the only way to create a
software BOM in the system before a series
software BOM has been prepared.
A test software BOM is, by definition, a
snapshot. BOM templating functions will not
be used for test BOMs.
BOM-1.9.1
User can search for and select part names, part major
5
versions, or releases to be added to a test BOM.
System will select default release if user does not
specify a specific release.
BOM-1.9.2
System should provide filtering capabilities to the user
5
for selecting items for the test BOM.
BOM-1.9.3
System should examine dependencies of the items
5
selected and automatically add releases to satisfy these
dependencies.
BOM-1.9.4
User can download file containing the test BOM.
5
BOM-1.9.5
User can save the test BOM in the system, BOM can
5
be given a name for later retrieval.
3
5.3.2 User Interface Requirements
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
BOM-2.1
Part Registration Wizard.
Implements the Image and Module Planners.
1
BOM-2.1.1
Set general part attributes.
1
BOM-2.1.2
Set type specific part attributes.
1
BOM-2.1.3
Set part dependencies and installation order.
1
BOM-2.1.4
Associate with planning part/set target series.
1
BOM-2.1.5
If part is a composite part, show BOM Template
1
creation interface (optional).
BOM-2.1.6
BOM snapshotting function (optional).
1
BOM-2.2
Series Software BOM Builder (Wizard).
1
BOM-2.2.1
System generates the series software BOM and shows
1
it to user with distinctive display of releases that fail
sanity checks or are marked as special.
BOM-2.2.2
User can edit Series SW BOM.
1
BOM-2.2.3
User can snapshot Series SW BOM.
1
BOM-2.2.4
User can create Component/Release mappings (see
1
INT-1.10).
BOM-2.3
Entity Editor. Access to all attributes of an entity in
1
one place.
BOM-2.3.1
Screens must allow all attributes for each major system
The same functionality as the wizard is
1
entity to be edited one screen.
supplied for each entity type.
5.3.3 Business Rules
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
BOM-3.1
Business Rule for Engineering Part Creation
BOM-3.1.1
A new part should only be created for a major version
release of software. Major version is defined as
specification change. Iterative releases within a major
release, to fix defects and such, are called Release
Versions.
BOM-3.1.2
A part name should include the name of the part only,
in general terms. For example: Adobe Premiere
Professional, VAIO Zone, Sonic Stage. The major
version number is an attribute of the part, and can be
concatenated for UI and reporting purposes. For
example, a part can be created with the Part Name of
“Adobe Premiere Professional” and the major version
number of “7.1”. The part becomes the concatenation
of the part name and major version number: “Adobe
Premiere Professional 7.1”.
BOM-3.1.3
Part names should not contain specific references to a
series or CTO options. The following examples would
not be acceptable: “Adobe Premiere 7.1 for IRX-3560”
or “WinDVD 5.6 for Six Channel Speakers.”
BOM-3.1.4
Part names can only contain the characters: a-z, A-Z, 0-9,,
Only pintable ASCII characters (including
—, or.
space) should be allowed in part names.
BOM-3.1.5
Major Version Number is a text field, with the same
character restrictions.
BOM-3.2
Changes to DB Hero controlled entities must be made
in DB Hero only and then propagated to ePic via
interface. Entity attributes owned by DB Hero must,
therefore, not be editable in ePic.
5.3.4 Interface Requirements
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
BOM-4.1
Load series master from DB Hero.
1
BOM-4.2
Load parts master (planning parts) from DB Hero.
1
BOM-4.2.1
Certain classes of hardware parts (HDD's, CPU's, etc.)
Hardware parts are required for Test/Defect
1
should not be filtered from the master parts list. If that
management system functions.
is not possible, all hardware parts should be loaded and
ePic should filter hardware parts from UI.
BOM-4.3
Load component structure from DB Hero.
1
BOM-4.4
Load updates to all previously loaded DB Hero data.
1
BOM-4.5
DB Hero interface behavior rules:
BOM-4.5.X applies to all DB Hero interface
2
requirements.
BOM-4.5.1
DB Hero BOM data can be manually loaded from into
1
ePic (via ePic UI). Data updates should be performed
using the most efficient means available.
BOM-4.5.2
Pre DB Hero release BOM data can only be loaded into
One button to update all DB Hero data for a
2
ePic manually. Initial load of any BOM must be
series is ideal.
manual.
BOM-4.5.3
After the DB Hero release, structure/part changes
Without ECNs manual load is the only
2
which generate an ECN are automatically implemented
possibility (except for series and parts, whose
in ePic. Revision history is not kept.
masters are synced regularly).
BOM-4.5.4
ECNs can be requested by date range. ePic should
Update period should be a configurable ePic
2
periodically request all ECNs since last update
system option.
automatically.
BOM-4.5.5
Email and UI notifications will be produced for
2
software integrators for the following changes to DB
Hero BOMs:
Any SW part (planning part) change on
component BOMs.
Any changes (HW or SW) to components
used in component/release mappings.
Changes to Config Range/Line-up.
BOM-4.5.6
DB Hero data will be loaded into ePic at most once per
If users need up-to-date data, they can initiate
1
day, and at least once per week.
a manual transfer via ePic UI.
5.4 Software Development
ePic requirements to support developers who use the system are listed here.
The detailed format for software modules is documented separately in a “Modular Specification”.
5.4.1 Usage Requirements
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
DEV-1.1
Engineering part registration (developer specific
See “Software Engineering BOM Creation”
1
requirements).
for additional information concerning part
registration.
DEV-1.1.1
The set of LangRegions supported by the module must
1
be specified.
DEV-1.1.2
The part can be associated with a planning part and/or
See BOM-1.3.5.
1
target series. Neither is required (though warning
should be issued if neither is selected).
DEV-1.2
Check-in software release (non-image).
1
DEV-1.2.1
Developer must identify LangRegions supported by the
1
software release to be checked-in.
DEV-1.2.2
Developer must indicate installation method and
1
unattended installation command. Alternate
installation commands may also be entered with
comments.
DEV-1.2.3
Developer must indicate any special requirements of
These releases will be given special attention
1
the software release (incompatibilities, special
during “Series Software BOM” creation.
instructions). System will flag release as having
Can include a flag on release called “Special”
special requirements where appropriate.
or “Warning.” These releases would be called
out on part templates and snapshots and
comment would be displayed.
DEV-1.2.4
Developer must enter release notes. A release note is
See attributes in section 10.4 for more details.
1
text entered into ePic. User can append an entry to the
release note.
DEV-1.2.4.1
Users can download all release note entries in a single
1
text file via the UI.
DEV-1.2.5
Software item check-in should allow files to be
1
checked-in to local mirror and uploaded to main store
asynchronously.
DEV-1.2.6
If the item to be checked in is not an image, it will
1
automatically be replicated to other file stores. If the
item is an image, replication will not occur
automatically. Users can request to the system that an
image be downloaded to their regional file store via
ePic UI.
DEV-1.2.7
The following statuses can be specified for a release:
Satisfies VBD QA WG requirement 1d.
1
“ES/Test”, “FF”, “Pilot”, “CF”, “RC”, and “GM.”
Satisfies VBD Factory Install WG requirement
2a.
DEV-1.2.8
User can optionally request that the system send the
1
release email.
DEV-1.2.8.1
Release email address list is a configurable system
This list could also be auto-generated based on
1
item.
roles.
DEV-1.2.9
User can set a release “inactive.” Inactive releases
1
cannot be set as “default” and vice versa.
DEV-1.3
Create/Edit Vendor
1
DEV-1.3.1
User can store information about a software vendor
1
(Name, Address, Contact, Sony Contact).
DEV-1.3.2
Vendor can be optionally associated with an
It is appropriate to include vendor name in part
1
engineering part.
name and also have a vendor association.
DEV-1.4
User can initiate download of any release via ePic UI.
1
5.4.2 User Interface Requirements
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
DEV-2.1
Extracting engineering part, release,
Per 2005-6-
1
BOM data, and planning part
30 BRD
associations from the database
feedback
must be efficient for the developer.
from VBD.
DEV-2.2
Users should be able to easily initiate
1
download of any release via ePic UI.
5.4.3 Business Rules
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
DEV-3.1
Business rules specified as
part of requirement BOM-
3.1 apply to developers, as well.
5.4.4 Interface Requirements
None
5.5 Software Integration
ePic requirements to support integrators who use the system are listed here. ePic will provide a single interface to build tools. Each regional group is expected to modify their build tools to work with the new interface.
Functionality specified here is to be used by integrators as part of image creation and Series Software BOM creation. Functionality to manage DB Hero SKU's and associated BOMs and create dummy SKUs and BOMs is also included here.
5.5.1 Usage Requirements
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
Dropped. File store related requirements will
be captures in section 9.10.
INT-1.2
Check-in software release (image).
1
INT-1.2.1
Software item check-in should allow files to be
1
checked-in to local mirror and uploaded to main store
asynchronously.
INT-1.3
Schedule software integration activities.
Future Requirement. Not in scope.
NTH
INT-1.4
Track software integration activities.
Future Requirement. Not in scope.
NTH
INT-1.5
Event triggered notification concerning software
Future Requirement. Not in scope.
NTH
integration activities.
INT-1.6
System should not have any functional dependencies
Build systems will be loosely coupled with
1
on any external build systems.
ePic.
INT-1.7
Monolithic Images will be created by selecting a SKU
User must select which series SW BOM
5
that has been loaded from DB Hero or manually
snapshot to use for this function.
created in the system (see INT-1.12). The system will
automatically create the Image BOM using the series
software BOM.
INT-1.7.1
Monolithic image BOMs are not editable by users.
User must edit the appropriate Series Software
5
BOM to change monolithic BOMs.
INT-1.8
ePic will support creation and deployment of MLHD
MLHD configurations are like SKUs that
5
configurations.
include software for more than one
LangRegion.
INT-1.8.1
MLHD BOM Template will be automatically generated
5
based on user selected SKU BOM(s) loaded from DB
Hero or manually created in ePic (see INT-1.12).
INT-1.8.2
MLHD BOM is not manually editable.
User should edit SKU BOM and associated
5
Series Software BOM to change MLHD BOM
contents.
INT-1.8.3
MLHD BOM will be exposed to build system just like
An attribute will allow VOE build system to
5
any other image BOM.
distinguish MLHD BOMs from other images.
INT-1.9
Component selector. Allow user to create DB Hero
User can use this function to specify a
2
Component lists by selecting DB Hero specs and
configuration or just a set of components.
classes.
This function is used to specify component-to-
release mappings during series SW BOM
Creation (BOM-1.6) and dummy SKU BOM
Creation (INT-1.12.2). It is intended to make
it easier for users to select components by
allowing them to select the same items a
customer would in a sales system.
INT-1.9.2
If user is creating a configuration, DB Hero constraints
This is necessary to create valid
2
are checked by the system once all selections have been
configurations.
made.
INT-1.9.3
DB Hero spec-to-component relations are used to
Thomas will not implement constraints
2
convert user selected specs/classes to a list of
enforcement which is required for ePic.
components.
Dropped. VOA must adapt DB Hero
2
deliverables to existing systems and Thomas
will not have all required functionality.
INT-1.10
Specify Component-to-Release Mappings. One or
These mappings will be included in the
1
more DB Hero Components is mapped to one or more
“installation data file,” and factory tools will
Releases on a Series SW BOM template.
use these mappings to select the correct
releases to install on a configuration based on
the list of DB Hero components that make up
that configuration (this is a SKU BOM).
INT-1.10.1
If no mappings exist, the system will auto-generate
1
mappings by using planning part associations to resolve
which components will be selected.
INT-1.10.2
User can use component selector to select additional
1
components to be used in a component/release
mapping or select components directly.
INT-1.10.3
System will perform sanity checks upon submission of
1
mappings:
Ensure all SW items on the Series SW BOM have
mappings with DB Hero components.
INT-1.11
Integrators can request images from non-local file
Images are not synced to other file stores by
1
stores be copies to the local store.
default.
INT-1.12
Manage SKU's. A SKU represents an individual
SKU BOMs are used by the system to auto-
2
configuration.
create monolithic image BOMs (INT-1.7) and
MLHD BOMs (INT-1.8).
A SKU (stock keeping unit) is a DB Hero part
representing a configuration. The part number
of such an item is also called SKU or F-
number. A SKU BOM is a SKU part with a
list of DB Hero component parts representing
one configuration as children.
Some configurations (for retail products) are
officially defined in DB Hero. These product
configurations are referred to as Fixed SKUs.
INT-1.12.1
SKU BOMs are loaded from DB Hero as part of DB
2
Hero interface functionality. SKU BOMs contain a
SKU item as parent and components as children.
INT-1.12.2
User can also manually create SKU's. User can use
2
the component selector (INT-1.9) to create a SKU
BOM. For manually created SKU BOMs, user should
specify the SKU Description.
INT-1.12.3
User cannot edit SKU BOMs originating from DB
2
Hero.
5.5.2 User Interface Requirements
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
Moved to section 9.4.2, requirement BOM-
2.1.
5.5.3 Business Rules
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
INT-3.1
Both regional and global of foundation
images will be supported by ePic. When
reqional images are used, foundation
images will be designed and built locally
in each engineering division using ePic
and local build tools.
5.5.4 Interface Requirements
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
INT-4.1
Provide image BOM data and software items for
1
VOA's build environment.
Dropped.
INT-4.3
Provide image BOM data and software items for
1
SDNA's build environment.
INT-4.4
Data and functionality will be exposed to build tools
DB Connection will be used by SDNA. VOA
1
via interface DLL.
and VOE will use web services.
INT-4.5
Build data will be exported via system interface.
Build data is a snapshot of a BOM template
1
for an engineering part. The interface should
expose other data so that the remote user can
select snapshots.
INT-4.5.1
Data to be exported:
1
Active Series Master
LangRegion Master
Image/module BOM Snapshots
All entity attributes
Binary data (in file store)
INT-4.5.2
Functions to be provided:
Multiple calls required to get BOM. Filtering
1
Authenticate
of data should be done client side.
Get Active Series
Get LangRegion Master
Get Composite Parts for Series
Get Snapshot List for Part
Get Snapshot BOM
Get Binary Data for SW Release ID (from
file store)
INT-4.6
Check-in functionality will be provided via system
1
interface.
INT-4.6.1
Data to be imported:
Part registration is needed since some parts
1
Release attributes
(like “clean” or “base+” OS images) will be
Binary data (to file store)
auto-created from build tools.
Part Registration
INT-4.6.2
Functions to be provided:
Register part functionality must be available
1
Authenticate
remotely, for example, so that a PIDVD part
Check-in (to ePic)
(factory media) can be created by build tools
Upload files (to local file store)
automatically for each monolithic image
Register Part (to facilitate auto-creation of
created.
related parts)
Set default release
INT-4.7
Config Range must be retrieved from DB Hero.
For INT-1.9. Interface specified in “DB Hero
2
Common Interface Protocol Specification
2005-07-07”, page 12 and 27.
INT-4.8
Constraints must be retrieved from DB Hero.
For INT-1.9. Interface specified in “DB Hero
5
Common Interface Protocol Specification
2005-07-07”, page 14 and 30.
INT-4.9
Spec-to-Component relations must be retrieved from
For INT-1.9. Interface specified in “DB Hero
2
DB Hero.
Common Interface Protocol Specification
2005-07-07”, page 17 and 35.
INT-4.10
All SKU BOMs must be retrieved from DB Hero and
For INT-1.7 SKUs are identified by F-
2
stored in ePic.
number. Interface specified in “DB Hero
Common Interface Protocol Specification
2005-07-07”, page 10 and 24.
5.6 Factory Deployment
This section captures ePic requirements specific to factory deployment. Some of these requirements extend previously specified functionality. The requirements and data format for the installation data file is captured in section 9.8.
5.6.1 Usage Requirements
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
MFG-1.1
Snapshot Series Software BOM. This functionality
Snapshots are used for several operations:
1
should be available from the series software BOM
Installation Data File creation, Test Strategy
management screens.
management.
MFG-1.1.1
A snapshot can be flagged as a Release Candidate
The latest RC snapshot is used for generating
2
(RC).
Test Strategies. This function would be used
for the “BOM Freeze” milestone in VOA.
MFG-1.1.2
User must enter a text version string (or snapshot
For example, “1.0”, “1.1.1-rc”, or “Build 1”.
1
name) for each series software BOM snapshot. This
Business units will decide conventions this
version string should be unique for Series/LangRegion
field.
combination.
This is in addition to system generated ID. It
is used throughout the system and external
tools as the name of the snapshot.
MFG.1.2
Issue RTM or Test RTM. RTM's and Test RTM's will
Test RTM's will be used as a mechanism for
4
be issues by Series/LangRegion.
pre-releasing BOMs for PVT events.
MFG-1.2.1
Only one snapshot for a given Series/LangRegion
This implies that different snapshots could be
4
combination can be flagged as RTM or Test RTM.
used for different LangRegion combinations.
MFG-1.2.2
System must send when an RTM has been issued in
5
the system. Email must include the following
information:
Installation data file name with hyperlink to ePic
page from which it can be downloaded.
Name and email of user who issued the RTM.
Engineering organization of the user.
MFG-1.3
Running change management.
4
MFG-1.3.1
If a user issues an RTM against a Series/LangRegion
4
combination for which a RTM snapshot already exists
the system should warn the user that a previous
snapshot was RTM'ed and this is a running change.
MFG-1.3.2
When system sends release mail to users, the mail
For example:
5
should indicate that the change is a running change to
Changes since initial RTM:
RTM'ed software. In addition to items described in
<part name> <detailed ver.> (<rel. id>)
MFG-1.2.2 the following items should be included in
[ADDED]
the mail:
<part name> <detailed ver.> (<rel. id>)
List of releases added/deleted/changed since initial
[DELETED]
RTM. Items which are patches (EPCs) should be
<part name> <detailed ver.> (<rel. id>)
tagged as such.
[CHANGED]
List of releases added/deleted/changed since the
<part name> <detailed ver.> (<rel. id>)
last running change release. Items which are
[ADDED] [PATCH]
patches (EPCs) should be tagged as such.
Changes since last RTM:
<part name> <detailed ver.> (<rel. id>))
[ADDED]
MFG-1.4
Manage partitioning information. System will provide
This data will be included in the installation
5
functionality for specifying partition sizes for all
data file.
partitions to be used on production systems. Special
partitions “recovery” and “system” (or C drive) can be
defined. “System partition must always be specified.
MFG-1.4.1
Partitions sizes can be defined for each
5
Series/LangRegion combination.
MFG-1.4.2
Partition sizes should be specified in MB (megabytes).
5
MFG-1.4.3
For the recovery partition, user can select “dynamic”
If a partition size is dynamic, installation tools
5
instead of specifying a size. For system partition user
will decide what the size will be.
can specify “single partition” instead of specifying a
If partition size is “single partition”, then all
size.
available space remaining on the disk would
be allocated for the partition.
MFG-1.4.4
For the “system” partition, user must specify a
This is used in the factory so that a diagnostic
5
minimum size. This is always required.
partition can be created. For single partition
models the partition size will be extended to
the final size at the end of the factory process.
MFG-1.4.5
If user selects “dynamic” for recovery partition size,
5
user must also specify “recovery partition installed
size.” This is the size in MB of all data included in the
recovery image. It is needed to calculate a dynamic
partition size.
MFG-1.4.5
For each partition specified, user must specify a disk
For example, “Disk 1, Partition 2, SYSTEM.”
5
number, partition number, and label name.
MFG-1.4.6
For each partition specified, user must specify a file
Standard partition types and numbers should
5
system type. This type will be stored as a hexadecimal
be used.
number, but system should prompt users with partition
type name.
MFG-1.5
Factory Media Management. System should provide
4
some addition functionality to facilitate media delivery
to factories when defining factory media engineering
parts.
MFG-1.5.1
System should provide function for auto-creating
4
media BOM based on a series SW BOM snapshot.
User can select the snapshot (by RTM, Test RTM,
Latest, or version field) and system will prepare a
BOM which includes the appropriate installation data
file.
MFG-1.5.2
System should provide function for auto-creating a
4
media set containing only files which have changed
from another media set. User should select two series
software BOM snapshots. Default is initial RTM'ed
snapshot and latest RTM'ed snapshot. Appropriate
installation data file will be included on the BOM.
MFG-1.5.3
User can manually add/remove releases from the
4
Factory Media BOM.
MFG-1.6
Miscellaneous IDF data maintenance. Functions for
4
managing data in the IDF not covered elsewhere in this
document must be provided.
5.6.2 User Interface Requirements
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
MFG-2.1
RTM/Running Change Wizard.
5
MFG-2.2
Download Installation Data file.
3
5.6.3 Business Rules
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
MFG-3.1
. . .
5.6.4 interface Requirements
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
MFG-4.1
5.7 Installation and Recovery (ePic)
These requirements describe ePic functionality required to support software installation and recovery.
5.7.1 Usage Requirements
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
INST-1.1
“Installation Data File” (IDF) Management.
1
INST-1.1.1
Installation Data File (IDF) must include the following
Satisfies VBD Factory Install WG requirements
1
elements for each Series/LangRegion:
1a-f.
Minimum tools version number - checked
Factory Install WG 1c and 1f-1 are satisfied
by tools to ensure the correct version is
since P1 images, patches, and running changes
being used (configurable value).
are treated like any other module.
Version number of the installation data
snapshot.
The contents of Snyinst.oem. Installation
order for the modules.
Mapping of DB Hero components to ePic
SW releases.
Data required for the installation tools to
confirm successful installation of each
release.
CRC data for each binary file.
Total size of each release binary data (used
for dynamic partition size calculation).
Path information required to locate binary
files in the file store and download them
(via SMB share).
Partition size information for recovery and
system partitions. All partition information
defined in the system should be included
and a field listing total number of partitions
defined should be calculated and included
in the file.
BIOS time zone offset from GMT by the
series/LangRegion (e.g., GMT +8, GMT −7).
For each release included in the file,
engineering organization for the developer
who checked-in the release.
Recovery type (HDD Recovery or media
only).
MLHD specific information, if applicable.
Relevant MCode specification(s).
List of all software releases and attributes of
all software releases on the Series SW
BOM (BLID will be included as an
attribute of FI releases).
INST-1.1.3
An installation data file can be automatically
Intended to satisfy Factory Install WG
3
downloaded to a factory file store, it can be retrieved
requirement 3a.
manually via ePic UI, or it can be retrieved via DLL
interface.
INST-1.1.4
Installation data files are generated for each Series
There will be many IDF's. To make
2
Software BOM Snapshot.
management easier special requirements have
been specified for online (STOR-1.10 and
STOR-1.14) and offline (MFG-1.5) factory
deployment methods.
INST-1.1.5
All users can retrieve the “Test RTM” or “RTM”
Satisfies Factory Install WQ requirement 1f-2.
4
version of the installation data file for a given series.
Sony users can additionally retrieve the “latest”
snapshot of an installation data file.
INST-1.1.6
Each installation data file must have a unique name
1
with the unique identifier included in the name.
INST-1.2
“RTM”, “Test RTM”, and “latest” snapshots of
4
installation data can be generated and stored in the
system.
INST-1.3
Installation data will be “cycle-less.” Installation data
2
will support all cycles for a given series.
INST-1.4
All users must have a system account to access these
2
services.
INST-1.5
Third party users should have access only to data
5
relevant to them. Data will be restricted by series (see
ADM-1.3).
INST-1.6
MCode management.
4
INST-1.6.2
A MCode specification (bit mapping to software
This means that MCodes can be duplicated with
4
releases) is defined for each Recovery Media Set.
each instance having different meanings.
INST-1.6.3
The system will generate a MCode specification once
4
the Recovery Media Set BOM and Series SW BOM
for the associated series' are complete. This function
can be re-run if the BOM changes and existing MCode
Mappings will not be affected.
INST-1.6.4
The system can calculate a MCode given a list of SW
Satisfies VBD Factory Install WG requirement
5
releases or a list of DB Hero components representing
2c.
a single configuration.
INST-1.6.5
The system can calculate the list of software based on a
5
given MCode.
INST-1.6.5.1
User can produce a list of software from an encrypted
5
MCode or unencrypted MCode. If the MCode is
encrypted, user must also enter a UUID (text string) to
facilitate decryption.
INST-1.6.6
The system can calculate a MCode based on a SKU
System must first convert list of DB Hero
4
BOM (user defined or from DB Hero) defined in the
components to a list of software releases to
system.
accomplish this.
A SKU BOM must be used, because
calculating a valid MCode requires that DB
Hero constraints have been enforced for the
configuration (see Component Selector, INT-
1.9).
INST-1.6.6.1
User can optionally generate an encrypted MCode by
5
entering a UUID in the system.
INST-1.6.7
The MCode specification will be included in the
4
installation data file.
INST-1.7
Recovery Media Planner. Users can define a BOM
4
template for a Recovery Media Engineering Part using
a wizard or form.
INST-1.7.1
User selects the Series and LangRegion for which the
1
recovery media will be created. User can optionally
must select an OS, as well.
INST-1.7.2
System will auto create a Recovery Media BOM
4
template. This function is identical to Series Software
BOM auto-generation except that it is also constrained
by OS selection.
INST-1.7.2.1
User can manually add/remove engineering
1
parts/release/groups to the BOM template.
INST-1.7.2.2
User can create snapshots of the Recovery Media BOM
1
template. Requirements are the same as for Series
Software BOM.
INST-1.7.2.3
A function for comparing Recovery media BOM
Recovery Media BOM's and Series SW
5
snapshots to series SW BOM snapshots should be
BOM's (their lifecycles are different) are not
available. Differences should be shown to the user.
directly related. This function is necessary so
that users can reconcile differences.
INST-1.8
The ePic component selector function must provide a
This is just a button or hyperlink.
4
function for issuing an HTTP GET or POST to the
This function cannot yet be merged into ePic
OASIS system in the VOA (This system generates
because it is heavily tied to VSMS and legacy
MCode writing floppy disks for Sony personnel around
support will be required for a while. This can
the world). The HTTP request will include an
eventually be convened to a standalone tool
unencrypted MCode and any other data necessary to
which runs alongside ePic once the VSMS
produce a MCode floppy in OASIS.
dependencies can be lifted.
5.7.2 User Interface Requirements
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
INST-2.1
Recovery media planner (wizard).
1
INST-2.1.1
Select Series, LangRegion, and OS. One or more of
1
any of these items may be selected. Set media specific
attributes.
INST-2.1.2
System auto-generates media BOM. Show software
Series SW BOM is required for auto-
4
releases and media layout. Allow user to add items to
generation. If it is unavailable, user may
BOM. Items generated from Series SW BOM cannot
create BOM from scratch.
be edited.
INST-2.1.3
Generate MCode bit mappings. System stores bit
4
mappings. Existing bit mappings are frozen if any
Series/LangRegion assigned to media set it RTM'ed.
Additional mappings may be created post-RTM.
5.7.3 Business Rules
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
INST-3.1
MCode format will be changed:
Current MCode space occupied by
PCODE will be replaced with a
MCode Spec identifier.
All remaining bits will be used for
algorithmic mapping bits to
software items. There will no
longer be HW/SW MCode -
only SW MCode.
INST-3.2
HDD recovery and recovery from
customer created recovery media
will not be dependent on MCode.
MCode is required only for recovery
using Sony supplied recovery media
(as defined in ePic).
5.7.4 Interface Requirements
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
INST-4.1
. . .
5.7.5 MCode Specification Changes
5.7.5.1 Current MCode Implementation
5.7.5.2 New MCode Implementation
Changes:
Number of bits available for software will increase from 48 to 80.
PCode value will be replaced with an ePic “MCode Spec” identifier,
Recovery tools will require only MCode and installation data file (included on media) to recovery a machine. Reliance on any other DMI fields will be eliminated.
Installation Data File Mockup
<?xml version=″1.0″ encoding=″UTF-8″>
<InstallationDataFile>
// Versioning information and other top level data
<Header>
<Series name=″″/>
<LangRegion name=″″/>
<BomSnapshot id=″″ versionString=″″/>
<MinimumToolVersion version=″″ />
</Header>
// List of DB Hero component ID to SW release mappings
// (created as part of Series Software BOM management)
<ComponentReleaseMap>
<Mapping>
<ComponentIDList/>
<ReleaseIDList/>
</Mapping>
...
</ComponentReleaseMap>
// List of MCode bit mappings
// MCode spec by recovery media set or Series/LangRegion/OS
<MCodeSpec>
<OperatingSystem id=””>
<Mapping>
<MCode bitmask=″″ value=″″/>
<ReleaseIDList/>
</Mapping>
...
</OperatingSystem>
...
</MCodeSpec>
// Partition Data
<ParitionInfo/>
// List of all releases and their attributes for the Series/LangRegion
// (includes BIOS/Firmware releases)
<SeriesSoftwareBom>
<Release id=″″ blid=″″ ...>
<SetupCommand/>
<Dependencies/>
</Release>
...
</SeriesSoftwareBom>
</InstallationDataFile>
5.8 Installation and Recovery (Tools)
As part of the requirements process global modular and recovery specifications will be defined. These requirements describe changes that must be made to US installation and recovery tools in order to work with ePic. These tools will become the global Installation and Recovery Toolset.
5.8.1 Usage Requirements
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
TOOL-1.1
Image and Module part types can be downloaded and
Requirements TEST-1.1 to TEST-1.4 satisfy
2
installed automatically using the same tools to be used
QA WG requirements for network installation
in the factory.
item 2.
Patches and running changes are “Modules”
and are thus included.
TOOL-1.2
Installation without a Series SW BOM must be
This functionality should be provided on a
2
supported.
boot CD.
Software list building/storing functional
requirements added to ePic per 2005-9-15
VBD review.
TOOL-1.3
Installation of a clean OS should be possible.
VBD QA WG Requirement.
2
This is for early SW development (of drivers,
for example). ePic will allow such images to
be checked in and users can use QA
installation tools to image units.
TOOL-1.4
BIOS/Firmware and tools (e.g., to burn BIOS, write
3
firmware or write DMI) part types should be
downloaded automatically.
TOOL-1.5
BIOS/Firmware parts should be automatically
3
installable.
TOOL-1.6
Release Notes and Bug Lists for all parts can be
2
automatically downloaded.
TOOL-1.7
Paper manual contents can be automatically
2
downloaded.
TOOL-1.8
QA download and installation services and tools must
Satisfies QA WG requirements for network
2
be available worldwide to VAIO engineering groups,
installation item 3 and 5c.
outsourced QA groups, and ODMs.
Detailed list of users is included in the original
document.
TOOL-1.9
Tools should check the minimum required version in
2
the installation data file and should return an error if
they are a lower version.
TOOL-1.10
Tools will determine install order based on data from
2
ePic.
TOOL-1.11
Tools must operate in WinXP and WinPE.
Satisfies QA WG requirements for network
2
installation item 5e and 2i.
TOOL-1.12
Tools must implement function to convert an MCode to
This enables the distribution of MCodes to
2
a list of software releases (using the installation data
factory for Fixed SKU production, and it
file) and vice versa.
enables calculation of MCodes on the fly by
installation tools during the modular
installation process.
TOOL-1.13
Unique ID of each software release must be verified
Satisfies VBD QA WG requirement 3a.
3
after installation.
TOOL-1.14
Installation tools must be able to detect whether a
Satisfies VBD QA WG requirement 3b.
3
module successfully installed.
TOOL-1.15
Installation tools should support automatic creation of a
Satisfies QA WG requirements for network
3
target environment on a machine.
installation item 5a.
TOOL-1.15.1
Target environment includes an HDD image.
Assumption is that this is a foundation image.
3
TOOL-1.15.2
Target environment includes firmware and BIOS
3
updates.
TOOL-1.15.3
Target environment includes updating of DMI data.
3
TOOL-1.16
Installation tools must have locking mechanism so that
Satisfies QA WG requirements for network
3
they only work on Sony PCs.
installation item 5b.
TOOL-1.17
QA installation can be initiated using a WinPE boot
Satisfies QA WG requirements for network
2
CD.
installation item 5d.
TOOL-1.18
Installation tools must work in Windows.
2
TOOL-1.19
Installation tools must support preparing recovery
Satisfies QA WG requirements for network
3
partition only without performing full install.
installation.
TOOL-1.20
An automated system should exist that can scan
This would help facilitate Test System data
3
hardware data for test systems and load it into ePic
entry.
through a network connection.
WMI based configuration checking
implementation could be used to satisfy this
requirement.
TOOL-1.21
A DLL should be provided that utilizes MCode
1
encoding/decoding and MCode decryption/encryption.
TOOL-1.22
Three use cases for installation tools will be supported:
1. Installation using a list of DB Hero
component part numbers.
a. Convert list of component part
numbers to list of software
releases.
b. Generate MCode using list of
software releases (optional -
could be done offline).
c. Install software.
2. Installation using a MCode.
a. Generate list of software
releases using MCode.
b. Install software.
3. Installation using a list of releases.
a. Generate MCode (optional -
could be done offline).
b. Install software.
5.8.2 User Interface Requirements
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
TOOL-2.1
5.8.3 Business Rules
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
TOOL-
For the use cases defined in TOOL-1.22:
3.1
Factory Installation will use method #1
only. For retail models the DB Hero
component part number list can
be prepared offline and distributed
at RTM time.
Recovery Media Sets (RDVDs or
Fulfillment Media) will use method #2.
HDD Recovery and recovery using
customer created media will use method
#3.
Test system preparation will use all
three methods.
5.8.4 Interface Requirements
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
TOOL-4.1
5.9 File Store/Mini-ePic
5.9.1 Usage Requirements
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
Moved to Business Rules section.
Moved to Business Rules section.
STOR-1.3
New module and application releases will automatically
1
be synced with other engineering file stores. Images
will not.
STOR-1.4
Sony user can request that images from another
1
engineering file store be transferred to their local file
store via ePic UI.
STOR-1.5
Factory engineers can automatically sync their local file
File store solution would thus require a
3
store by providing installation data file to
function for parsing the installation data file.
synchronization tool.
STOR-1.5.1
All binary data required will be automatically
3
downloaded to factory file store according to
installation data file.
STOR-1.5.2
Obsolete releases will be automatically deleted from
The “delete obsolete files” function is intended
3
factory file store according to installation data file.
for factory use. Factories will usually only
This function can be optionally disabled.
require latest RTM'ed releases. Obsolete
releases would be any releases that were
removed/replaced in the installation data file.
Such a function ensures that factories will
never need to allocate more storage than is
absolutely necessary to the file store.
STOR-1.5.3
Factory engineers can only download “RTM” or “Test
3
RTM” releases as indicated in the installation data file
they receive.
STOR-1.6
For each release, one or more files and directories can
1
be checked into file store.
STOR-1.6.1
During release check-in, upload process should be a
User should not have to zip up files or FTP
1
fully automated and atomic operation.
them anywhere.
STOR-1.7
During a download operation, the total size of the files
3
to be downloaded can be reported to the user before the
download starts.
STOR-1.8
Users must be able to load binary data into the file
Some factories will receive images and
3
store from media.
modules on DVD (factory media set).
STOR-1.9
User must be able to operate the file store without a
Perhaps factory file store can work with just
1
database connection to ePic.
installation data file. Engineering stores may
use database connection to acknowledge
check-in(s) and perform other advanced
functions.
STOR-1.10
File store will provide a function for downloading latest
This function is for factories.
3
installation data file for a Series/LangRegion. The
Series/LangRegion list for this function should be kept
in a configuration file and downloads should be
manually triggered.
STOR-1.10.1
User should be able to view/download the list of
3
changes (the same as in requirement MFG-1.3.2) when
the file store download is triggered.
STOR-1.11
The file store solution should be deliverable as an
Package is sent with user manual and required
1
easily installable package with a simple configuration
configuration parameters.
file.
STOR-1.12
The file store solution should be deployable to a wide
File store users will have more flexibility in
1
range of system architectures.
hardware selection or they can leverage
existing infrastructure.
STOR-1.13
File and directory management.
1
1
STOR-1.13.2
Files should be stored in a flat file structure with each
It is acceptable to have a few directories on the
1
file uniquely named.
file store, as long as it is human navigable.
Files could be named as the release ID with
type prefix.
STOR-1.14
A factory file store can be synchronized based on the
Intended to satisfy Factory Install WG
3
installation data file.
requirement 3b and 3d.
STOR-1.15
Files and directories (binary data) in the file store
Satisfies Factory Install WG requirement 3c.
1
should be uniquely named.
5.9.2 User interface Requirements
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
STOR-2.1
Solution should be command-line
Operations can
1
based. Some functions may be
be scripted. No
implemented in a daemon.
graphical UI
required.
5.9.3 Business Rules
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
STOR-3.1
Any business unit requiring a file store will be
Storage requirements will vary for each
responsible for purchasing and maintaining hardware.
installation.
STOR-3.2
Any non-GM software must be available for a specified
Satisfies QA WG requirements for network
period of time (e.g. 100 days) after the GM version has
installation item 4.
been released.
STOR-3.3
Golden Master (GM) SW releases must be available
Satisfies QA WG requirements for network
for an indefinite period of time.
installation item 4.
If indefinite period is impossible one of the following:
By the end of OS support period.
By the end of product support period.
By the end of key parts availability for HW services.
5.9.4 Interface Requirements
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
STOR-4.1
File store must communicate with other
1
file stores.
STOR-4.2
Files stores must authenticate before
1
connecting to another file store or
ePic for any reason.
5.10 Test Management and Defect Tracking
The following key concepts are central to ePic Test Management and Defect Tracking functionality:
Test Case: Unit test case associated with a single hardware or software item.
Test Case Strategy: A collection of test cases for a series or engineering part/major version. Partially auto-generated based on the releases on a series software BOM. The test case strategy changes over time as items on the series software BOM change.
Defect: A flaw of a software or hardware item. Defects can be linked to test cases or standalone.
Test System: A PC used for testing. ePic will track the configurations of test systems.
9.11.1 Usage Requirements
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
TEST-1.1
Three primary system roles are used for the
3
Test/Defect components of ePic: “Project Test
Lead,” “Test Lead,” and “Tester.”
TEST-1.1.1
Only “Project Test Leads” and “Test Leads” can
3
create/edit Test Cases and create/edit Test Strategies.
TEST-1.1.2
Testers can update the results of a Test Case or
3
create/edit defects. Testers can edit Test Case
definitions if they have been added to the owner list
for the Test Case by a Test Lead or Project Test
Lead.
TEST-1.1.3
Developers and Integrators can update status and
“Fix-verified” resolution is used to confirm
3
resolution of defects, but cannot set resolution of
regression tests were successful.
defects to “Fix-verified.”
TEST-1.1.4
Any user with an assigned role in the system can
Authenticated users without roles are given
3
enter a defect in open status.
read-only access to all parts of the system.
TEST-1.2
Defect management.
3
TEST-1.2.1
Defects can be associated with one or more
Thus for hardware defects, DB Hero part
3
engineering part/major versions, releases, series, or
numbers are used, and for software defects
hardware parts. Defects cannot be associated with
(including BIOS and firmware) ePic part
software planning parts from DB Hero.
numbers are used.
TEST-1.2.2
If a user chooses to associate a defect with a series,
3
the user should then have the option of selecting
releases from the series software BOM (if available).
TEST-1.2.3
Before entering a defect, the user should be able to
Search functions should be accessible from the
3
search existing defects to ensure that duplicates or
create defect view.
similar defects do not already exist.
TEST-1.2.4
Defects can be associated with one or more Test
3
Systems.
TEST-1.2.4
Defects must be associated with Test Cases if they
3
are discovered as part of testing (see requirements
TEST-2.1.4). Defects can also manually be
associated with a test case.
TEST-1.2.5
Any changes made to an existing defect should be
3
captured in a history log. The user, date/time, and
attributes changed should be captured. Changes to
values for status and resolution of defect should be
tracked in the history log. For other attributes values
do not need to be tracked.
TEST-1.2.6
Users checking-in new part releases are required to
This will be required for ALL users who check
3
update the status and resolution of any open defects
in releases regardless of whether their
linked against that part/major version.
organization uses the Test Mgmt/Defect
Tracking functions of ePic. This is critical for
correctly assessing the quality level in any
release on the series SW BOM, as will as
auto-generating the regression portion of a
Test Strategy.
TEST-1.2.6.1
System will display a table of open defects and allow
It is preferred that notes entry be a separate
3
user to enter status, resolution, and notes for each
screen invoked by a link to facilitate a more
defect.
compact UI.
TEST-1.2.6.2
If user sets defect resolution to “Will Not Fix” or
3
“Deferred” a note is required.
TEST-1.3
Foundation Image (FI) Defect Propagation Tool.
This is a special purpose function required
4
because each FI is defined as separate
engineering part in ePic, but defects found in
the FI will often apply to many FIs (for
example, defects cause by build tools). It is
intended to be used by integrators/image
builders as opposed to QA personnel.
TEST-1.3.1
System displays all open defects against foundation
4
images and a table of all active foundation image
engineering parts and releases.
TEST-1.3.2
Attributes displayed for foundation images facilitate
4
dimensional analysis to identify other FIs affected by
a defect. User can sort table by column or filter table
by column values.
TEST-1.3.3
User can select one defect and one or more releases
4
in the FI table and assign the defect to all selected
FIs.
TEST-1.4
Create/edit test system. User can define test systems
5
(PCs used for testing software and hardware) in ePic.
TEST-1.4.1
Each BOM should include a list of basic categories
Such categories are maintained in DB Hero as
5
to help user create test BOM: CPU, HDD, ODD,
an attribute of parts called “Classification.”
Motherboard, LCD, etc. Parts for specific categories
This attribute should be used for this function.
are not required to be entered; these categories are
used only as filters for the hardware parts list.
TEST-1.4.2
The user can create a BOM for the hardware (DB
5
Hero HW parts) and Firmware (ePic eng. parts) in a
test system. User can browse parts by series or
description.
TEST-1.4.3
The user should be able to define addition parts on a
Sometimes users must substitute parts that are
5
test system BOM template that are not included in
not on the DB Hero BOM in the test system.
DB Hero part lists. User defined parts will only be
User defined HW parts would use the same
available for test system management. User defined
attributes as DB Hero HW parts.
parts will use the same categories as normal DB
This function will also be used for special
Hero parts.
items which must appear on the RTM report,
like firmware versions.
TEST-1.4.4
User can use parts from more than one series on a
Appropriate parts may not be available so user
5
test system BOM.
should be able to use any part in test systems.
TEST-1.4.5
When a defect is related to a test system, the test
5
system BOM template and other data is
automatically snapshotted. The snapshot must be
related to the defect.
TEST-1.4.6
DMI settings for each test system must be stored in
This data is included on RTM report. This
4
ePic. The user can enter the values for a set of keys.
data is output from the SXSYSINF tool
The keys required are “Manufacturer,” “Model
maintained by System Engineering. Keys
Name,” “BIOS Lock ID,” “MCode (Un-encrypted),”
must be kept in sync with the development of
“MCode Tool Version (CDS Models Only),” “BIOS
this tool.
Information,” “Universal Information.” Keys should
be configurable (no admin screen necessary).
TEST-1.4.7
User can associate a test BOM or SKU BOM with a
4
test system. This BOM will be used to image the
system.
TEST-1.5
Test Case Management.
3
TEST-1.5.1
Test Cases can be associated with a series or
3
engineering part/major version combo. An
association is not required.
TEST-1.5.1.1
A Test Case result (Pass/Fail/Impeded/Not Tested)
3
can be stored for each combination of series and part
release. Results are not stored unless the test case is
added to a test strategy (default is “Not Tested”). A
text note and timestamp must be stored for each
result entered in the system. User should be able to
retrieve the Test Case result history for a test case for
a given Test Strategy or Release.
TEST-1.5.1.2
Test cases have the following categories:
3
Basic, Ad-hoc, Use Case, Compatibility, FIV,
Benchmarks, MDA, Screen Shot Capture,
Accessory, Business Unit, and Other. Some
categories have special requirements. See
description of categories in section 9.11.5.1.
TEST-1.5.1.2.1
Benchmark and MDA Tests results include admin
3
defined category/key sets. Category, Key, and the
Value stored are all text fields. Categories should
have names and long descriptions.
TEST-1.5.1.2.2
Only users with admin privileges can define key
These keys change regularly but infrequently.
3
names to be used for Benchmark and MDA testing.
An admin screen (not config file) is required
for this function.
TEST-1.5.1.2.3
Screen Shot Capture tests can have an image file
This is a special test case used for the RTM
3
(.JPG, .PNG, or .BMP) attached to it.
report.
TEST-1.5.1.2.4
Compatibility Tests can have a list of required parts
3
attached to them. This is a text field filled out
manually.
TEST-1.5.1.3
For all test cases “Level” can be set. Levels can be 1,
This attribute is used in Test Strategy
3
2, 3, or “Sampling/Sanity Check” (see section 10.4.8,
generation functions (see below).
TST-13).
TEST-1.5.1.4
Test Case data for a single test case can be exported
Per VOE review, 2005-11-10.
3
to an Excel spreadsheet.
TEST-1.6
Users can define named Test Case Groups.
Functionality is similar but not identical to
3
groups used in software BOM creation.
TEST-1.6.1
Test Case Groups can be public or private. Private
3
groups are visible only to the user that created the
group.
TEST-1.6.2
Test Case Groups can be assigned to the same
3
entities as Test Cases. Such assignments are used as
defaults when a user creates a new test within a
group.
TEST-1.7
Test Strategy Management.
3
TEST-1.7.1
Each series defined in the system will have a test
3
strategy associated with it by default. A series test
strategy is a list of test cases and/or defect
regressions to be executed against the latest series
software BOM snapshot for that series.
TEST-1.7.2
User can create and ad-hoc named test strategy to
3
facilitate pre-integration testing. This test strategy
can be associated with exactly one engineering
part/major version.
TEST-1.7.3
Test cases and defect regressions can belong to more
3
than one test strategy. Test case can be added to a
strategy only once (no duplicates allowed).
TEST-1.7.4
Test strategy auto-update and editing: Test strategies
Only project test leads can perform these
4
are partially auto-updated when a Project Test Lead
activities.
accesses the test strategy for a given
Series/LangRegion combination.
TEST-1.7.4.1
For series test strategies, if a new series software
4
BOM snapshot has been changed or if the status of
the snapshot has been changed to Release Candidate
(RC), the system will auto-update the test strategy for
any releases or that have changed since the last time
the test strategy was generated. Release for
composite parts will be recursively processed
(system will examine the BOMs for each composite
part, including FIs).
TEST-1.7.4.2
For ad-hoc test strategies the system will examine the
4
associated engineering part. Composite parts will be
recursively processed.
TEST-1.7.4.3
Auto-update of test strategies is performed only for
4
the selected LangRegion.
TEST-1.7.4.4
1st build (release) test strategy auto-update:
4
Triggered for the first release checked-in for the first
major version of an engineering part.
TEST-1.7.4.4.1
Level 1 and 2 test cases associated with the
4
series/part and Level 1 and 2 test cases with no
associations are added to the test strategy.
TEST-1.7.4.4.2
User can manually add level 3 test cases and test case
4
groups. User can remove any auto-added test cases.
TEST-1.7.4.5
Minor revision test strategy auto-update: Triggered
4
for any new releases/defaults which are not the first
release. Test cases are updated as follows:
TEST-1.7.4.5.1
Defect regressions are added to the test strategy:
4
Defects with resolution “Fixed” which are associated
with the current engineering part/major version or
any of its releases are added to the test strategy as
“defect regressions.” There are no test cases
associated with defect regressions (though there may
be test cases associated with the defect itself, they are
not used here).
TEST-1.7.4.5.2
System adds test cases for any open defects against
If defects matching the criteria do not have
4
the current engineering part/major version with
associated test cases then they are ignored by
Priority of “Must Fix” or “Should fix.” Test cases
the system.
for open defects with Priority equal to “None” and
Severity equal to “1” are also added to the test
strategy.
TEST-1.7.4.6
Major Revision test strategy auto-update: Triggered
4
for the first release checked in against a major
version that is not the first major version.
TEST-1.7.4.6.1
Defect regressions are added to the test strategy:
4
Defects with resolution “Fixed” which are associated
with the previous engineering part/major version or
any of its releases are added to the test strategy as
“defect regressions.” There are no test cases
associated with defect regressions (though there may
be test cases associated with the defect itself, they are
not used here).
TEST-1.7.4.6.2
System adds test cases for any open defects against
If defects matching the criteria do not have
4
the previous engineering part/major version with
associated test cases then they are ignored by
Priority of “Must Fix” or “Should fix.” Test cases
the system.
for open defects with Priority equal to “None” and
Severity equal to “1” are also added to the test
strategy.
TEST-1.7.4.7
Final build test strategy auto-update: Triggered
4
whenever the latest series software BOM snapshot
has been flagged as a Release Candidate (does not
apply to ad-hoc test strategies).
TEST-1.7.4.7.1
System adds Compatibility, FIV, and Screen Shot
If a new snapshot has been generated and them
4
Capture Test Cases to the test strategy.
flagged as an RC before the test strategy has
been auto-updated, the system should also run
the appropriate auto-update tasks.
TEST-1.7.4.8
User can re-initiate test strategy auto-update
4
manually at any time.
TEST-1.7.4.9
When an auto-update executes, system should
For example, using color coding.
4
display changes (test case adds, deletes, and status
changes) to the user visually.
TEST-1.7.5
User can select a part on the test strategy and view all
3
open defects.
TEST-1.7.5.1
User can add test cases associated with open defects
3
to the test strategy.
TEST-1.7.5.2
User can add the defect as a defect regression
3
(implies changing status to “closed” and resolution to
“fixed”).
TEST-1.7.6
User can add/delete any test case or test group from a
3
test strategy (even if the test case was added as part
of an auto-update action).
TEST-1.7.6.1
If a level 1 or regression test case is deleted, a
Only one warning should be displayed for
3
warning/confirmation dialog is displayed to the user.
multiple selections.
TEST-1.7.6.2
A note indicating that level 1 or regression test cases
3
were deleted from a test strategy, and who deleted it
when, should be added to the history log.
TEST-1.7.7
System should invalidate (set to “pending”) any test
This will only be done for Series Test
4
case result for parts if a new release for a part on
Strategies, not Ad-Hoc ones.
which they depend (based on dependencies defined
in ePic) has been checked in. The invalidated test
cases should be indicated (highlighted) for the user
on screen. Results of the previous test case result
should be retained by the system for reference.
TEST-1.7.8
Leads can assign Test Cases on a Test Strategy to
3
individual testers.
TEST-1.7.9
User can attach one or more test BOMs created using
A test BOM can be extracted from the system
4
the function described in section 9.4.1, requirement
via interface and used by installation tools to
BOM-1.9.
prepare a test system.
TEST-1.7.10
User can attach one or more SKUs to the test strategy
The BOM associated with the SKU can be
5
which have been created using the function described
extracted from the system via interface and
in section 9.6.1, requirement INT-1.12.
used by installation tools to prepare a test
system.
TEST-1.7.11
When a tester accesses a test strategy, the system will
3
display test cases/defect regressions assigned to that
user, and any test cases/defect regressions not
assigned to any user. Tester can update the result of
each test case and the status/resolution or each defect
displayed.
TEST-1.7.12
Test must select the Test System used before any test
5
results can be changed.
TEST-1.7.13
System must provide a view of a test strategies by
See RPT-21.
4
active series which displays the percentage of test
cases completed.
TEST-1.8
System must provide function to escalate defect to
This requires an interface to the VELSUN
5
VELSUN (global sustaining system).
system maintained by SDNA.
TEST-1.9
System must provide function to push defect to
This requires an interface to the VALSUN
5
VALSUN (software defect system used by
system maintained by SDNA.
SDNA/VBD).
TEST-1.10
Reports currently provided by VSMS for CISC must
4
be available in ePic.
TEST-1.11
All notes/text area fields should provide advanced
5
editing functionality.
TEST-1.11.1
Spell checker functionality should be available.
5
TEST-1.11.2
Formatting functionality as follows:
5
Bullets
Numbered lists
Color text
Font selection
TEST-1.11.3
Formatting applied in edit screens should be
5
maintained for reports.
TEST-1.12
Benchmark/MDA Field editor. User can define
3
delete keys used for Benchmark/MDA test case
categories. Only users with admin privileges can use
this function.
9.11.2 User Interface Requirements
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
TEST-2.1
User interfaces for viewing test cases/strategies should
3
provide efficient means for updating data.
TEST-2.1.1
List of test cases and defect regressions should be
3
displayed in upper right panel. Test cases can be
marked as pass/fail and defect resolution can be
changed in this panel without opening other windows,
only scrolling and clicking.
TEST-2.1.2
Facilitating for updating multiple test cases should be
For example, check boxes for selecting test
3
provided.
cases and action buttons that apply attribute
changes to all select test cases.
TEST-2.1.3
Details of each selected test case should be displayed in
3
lower right panel.
TEST-2.1.4
Test cases marked as “failed” should trigger a prompt
3
for entering a defect. Defects created in this manner
will be automatically linked to the appropriate test case.
TEST-2.2
Defects can be entered directly from the main
3
menu/navigation panel or can be entered when a test
case has been marked as failed. If a defect is entered in
connection with a test case the defect.
TEST-2.3
Installation tools and recovery images can be
Same as requirement DEV-2.2 since these
1
downloaded from ePic manually by UI.
items will be defined as engineering parts in
ePic.
9.11.3 Business Rules
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
TEST-3.1
9.11.4 Interface Requirements
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
TEST-4.1
VELSUN Interface. Used to escalate defects to global
Satisfies US sustaining requirements.
5
sustaining group.
TEST-4.2
VALSUN Interface. Used to push defects into software
5
development defect database used in VBD/SDNA
TEST-4.4
Tools interface. Tools will provide functions for
Assumption is that testers will perform all test
4
selecting test BOMs and SKU BOMs to be provided to
case/defect updating and test BOM
installation tools.
preparation via ePic UI.
TEST-4.4.1
Data to be exported:
These requirements can be merged with build
4
Active Series Master
tool requirements since the same tools
LangRegion Master
platform will be used to interface to ePic.
Test BOMs
SKU BOMs
All DB Hero Data for Component Selector
TEST-4.4.2
Functions to be provided:
Some functions defined in requirements INT-
4
Authenticate.
4.5 and INT-4.6 will be used and are
Get Active Series.
duplicated here.
Get open defects for engineering part (used during
Test BOMs contain software release ID's and
release check-in).
thus don't require an installation data file.
Update defect status and resolution (used during
SKU BOMs are DB Hero component lists and
release check-in).
will require an Installation Data File.
Get Test Strategy for series/part.
Get Test BOMs for test strategy.
Get SKU BOMs for test strategy.
Get Installation Data File for series.
Get Binary Data for SW Release ID (from file
store).
Functions to allow the component selector function
to be used remotely with tools to create and save
SKU BOMs.
9.11.5 Definitions
9.11.5.1 Test Case Types
Name
Description
Basic
Ad-hoc
Use Case
Describes a regular user scenario.
Compatibility
List of steps to test compatibility with external
devices (e.g., printer or camera).
FIV (Final
Image Validation)
Benchmarks
Performance parameters captured as key/value pairs.
MDA (Microsoft
Performance parameters dictated by Microsoft
Development
captured as key/value pairs.
Agreement)
Screen Shot Capture
Special test case consisting of just an image, which
is included on the RTM report.
Business Unit
Accessory
Other
9.11.6 Screen Shot Mock-ups
FIGS. 12-17 show various non-limiting screen shots for defect submission, defect update, test case submit form, defect view, test results, and test case update, respectively.
Reporting and Notification
9.12.1 General Requirements
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
RPTREQ-1
System must provide a custom reporting engine which
3
will allow custom SQL to be stored and run.
RPTREQ-2
Reports can be viewed on screen or downloaded in the
XML is not required for software integration
3
following file formats:
and factory deployment reports, because the
Adobe Acrobat (PDF)
installation data file contains all required
Microsoft Excel
information in a single XML file.
Comma Separated Values (CSV)
MS Word format is required for the RTM
XML (Test/Defect Reports only except for RTM)
report. If Word format files cannot be
Microsoft Word (RTM Report Only)
generated then a format that can be imported
into MS word is acceptable as a substitute.
RPTREQ-3
Some complex reports are configurable by the user.
Details are specified in report descriptions.
3
Which data sets to be included and criteria for the
report data can be specified before the report is
generated.
9.12.2 Reports
The following predefined reports must be provided by ePic. Samples can be found in the appendix (chapter 13.3)
ID
Report Name
Description
Comments
Priority
RPT-1
Series Report
Report of all relevant information for a given Series
2
(SW BOM and Metadata).
RPT-2
Series BOM
Report of all relevant SW BOM information for a
2
Report
given Series.
RPT-3
Series Metadata
Report of all relevant metadata for a given Series.
2
Report
ID was skipped (it is retained to avoid confusion).
RPT-5
BOM Report
Report of all relevant information for a given Part,
Has Optional Data Choices: parts,
2
Group or Release which has a BOM.
dependencies, parents, children,
releases.
RPT-6
Module Release
Report of all relevant information for a given Module
Has Optional Data Choices: parts,
2
Report
Release including BOM and Metadata.
dependencies, parents, children,
releases.
RPT-7
Group Report
Report of all Parts and Releases in a given group.
Has Optional Data Choices: parts,
2
dependencies, parents, children,
releases.
RPT-8
Image BOM
Report of all Parts and Releases in a given Image
Has Optional Data Choices: parts,
2
Report
BOM.
dependencies, parents, children,
releases.
RPT-9
BOM Freeze
Report of all relevant information for a given Series
Previous report is an optional drop
2
Report
BOM - which includes a report of new items, updated
Test Cases that need to be executed: List of test cases
with ‘Test Results’ equal to ‘Not Tested’ or ‘Impeded.’
RPT-16
Test Status for
Same as above for all active series. Sorted by Series.
Test/Defect report.
2
all Active Series
RPT-17
Defect report
Displays all available attributes for a defect. User can
Test/Defect report.
2
for Individual
optionally request that defect history be included in the
Defect
report.
RPT-18
Defects by user,
This is a configurable report for Defect analysis. It is
Test/Defect report.
3
team, series,
intended to be a way to export defect data for analysis
cycle, etc.
into external tools or for importing to other systems.
Filtering fields for Defect: Defect ID, Defect Status,
Defect Resolution, Responsible persons, Priority,
Severity, Exposure, Champion, Defect Submitter,
Submit Date, Close Date, Frequency, Assigned to,
Microsoft Defect ID, Beta ID, Sustaining Status,
Sustaining Priority, Days Open (less than or equal to
given number), Series, Part.
System will include all available defect attributes in
one table/data structure.
RPT-19
Test Case
This report is similar to RTP-18 except it is for test
Test/Defect report.
2
Report
cases.
Filtering fields for Test Case: Test Case ID, Test Case
Type, Test Results, Part, Series, Test Area, Status,
Level, Submitter, Last Updated, Excluded Series,
Submit Date, Linked Defects (to a particular test case).
System will include all available test case attributes in
one table/data structure.
RPT-20
Test Strategy
Listing of test cases on a test strategy. User can
Test/Defect report. PQD would
2
Report
optionally request a view.
like this report to function
similarly to the view on
http://platform.itd.sel.sony.com/
(click on “test cases” on menu).
RPT-21
Test Strategy
A view of a test strategies by active series which
2
Status Report
displays the percentage of test cases completed.
RPT-22
End-of-cycle
This report contains summary information on various
3
Defect Report
defects for one or more series and/or time periods. It
is to be used as a post-cycle analysis tool.
User can select one or more Series/LangRegions. User
can also select one or more cycles or date ranges (for
product cycle, initial product cycle attribute of the
series would be used). User can also select which sub-
reports to include.
Data is exportable as PDF or excel files (it is okay if
more than one excel file is generated).
The sub-reports are as follows:
Defect Priority
Defect Severity
Defect Exposure
Defect Resolution by Application Champion
Defect Resolution by Module (recursive for FI
BOM)
Top Ten Deferred/Will Not Fix Defects.
RPT-23
Build Count
Table of Series, OS, FI build count, and Recovery
Test/Defect report. Used for end-
2
media build count.
of-cycle accounting.
User must select cycle, date range, or all active series.
RPT-24
FI Test Case
Test Case results for a cycle or date range by FI
Test/Defect report.
2
Report
release.
RPT-25
Module Test
Test Case results for a cycle by Series SW BOM
Test/Defect report.
2
Case Report
snapshot (test strategy).
9.12.3 Notification
9.12.3.1 General Requirements
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
NOTE-1
Email notifications will not be tied to
4
roles, but functions for adding sets of
email addresses to a notification list by
system role or group should be
available. Any email address can be
added to a notification list (not just
system users).
NOTE-2
When a new user is assigned a role in
4
ePic system should present a list of
events to the administrator for which
notification is available. User will be
added to the list for any events selected.
NOTE-3
All notification lists can be edited
4
manually in the system.
9.12.3.2 Events
The following events will trigger email notification to users. On screen notifications are indicated elsewhere in this document.
ID
Description
Reference
Comment
EVENT-1
Email notification is issued when a release check-in is
DEV-1.2.8
completed (files have been uploaded to file store).
EVENT-1.1
Email notification lists should be stored for each
This requirement will satisfy the
Engineering Part Type (editable via admin screen).
need to monitor image builds
(Pilot, RC, GM events).
EVENT-2
RTM email notification requirements. RTM emails
MFG-1.2.2,
should be sent when “Test RTMs,” “RTMs,” and
MFG-1.3.2
“running change RTMs” are issued in the system.
EVENT-2.1
Email lists should be maintained by series.
EVENT-2.2
Emails should clearly indicate which event for which the
email is being sent.
EVENT-2.3
Each email notification should contain a unique identifier
in the subject line and body of the message that can be
used to refer to the message. RTM email notifications
should be logged in a history log that can be viewed via
ePic UI.
EVENT-2.4
Email content should also be attached as a PDF
document to the email message (to be used as official
documentation).
EVENT-3
Series SW BOM snapshot created. Changes since the
Notification of changes to the
last snapshot (per MFG-1.3.2) should be included in the
Series SW BOM (module/image
notification.
insertions).
EVENT-3.1
Email lists are maintained by Series.
EVENT-4
Series Software BOM snapshot flagged as release
This is a “BOM Freeze”.
candidate.
EVENT-4.1
Email lists are maintained by Series.
EVENT-5
Defect submission or defect status/resolution change.
Defect monitoring is performed by engineering part.
Users can also choose to receive all.
EVENT-5.1
Application champion and any users on the owner list for
If a user wants to monitor a
the affected engineering part should be automatically
specific part they must be added
added to the notification list. Any owners of a test case
to the owner list.
associated with the part must also
be notified.
EVENT-5.2
Users can also subscribe to receive defects events by
Series and/or LangRegion.
EVENT-6
New series loaded in ePic from DB Hero.
9.13 Administration
9.13.1 Usage Requirements
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
ADM-1.1
Add/edit user.
1
ADM-1.1.1
User is required to be associated with an engineering
1
organization.
ADM-1.1.2
User can be assigned one or more roles.
1
ADM-1.1.3
Users email address must be stored by system.
1
ADM-1.2
Add/edit engineering organization.
1
ADM-1.2.1
Engineering organizations can be Sony or 3rd party.
1
ADM-1.3
Manage 3rd party data access.
3
ADM-1.3.1
One or more series can be assigned to a 3rd party
3
organization. The 3rd party organization users will only
be able to see/download data concerning the series'
which have been assigned to them.
ADM-1.4
Add/edit LangRegion's.
1
ADM-1.4.1
User can add/remove LangRegions to/from the master.
1
ADM-1.4.2
DB Hero SPECS are mapped to corresponding
This requirement can be dropped if
1
LangRegions defined in the system.
LangRegion relationship to DB Hero SPECS
and COMPONENTS can be identified
programmatically.
ADM-1.5
System will provide functionality to make batch
This is an admin function only. Users must
2
changes to attributes entities. User can search for
change items one by one.
entities, select groups of items to change, and change
one or more attributes for all items in the group.
ADM-1.6
System should provide a function for defining teams of
Some test/defect functions call for assignment
2
users.
to a team.
The group management functionality
implemented in ePic prototypes may satisfy
this requirement.
ADM-1.7
Admin functions for defining values for Test Area
2
(10.4.9, TST-006) and Status (10.4.9, TST-013) should
be available.
9.13.2 User Interface Requirements
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
ADM-2.1
9.13.3 Business Rules
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
ADM-3.1
9.13.4 Interface Requirements
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
ADM-4.1
9.14 ePic Interface Library
This section describes requirements for the ePic database interface library API for Build Tools and Test System Preparation Tools. Some interface requirements and tools requirements in other sections of this document are satisfied in whole or in part by this API.
VOA tools covered are Magellan and Modular Image Network Download System (MINDS).
All VOA build tools use ePic data, but most of the tools use flat files created by Magellan, as the source of data. Build tools also check in software releases and images and thus need to be able to write data to the ePic database and upload files to the file store.
VOA test system preparation is performed using MINDS tools. These tools are provided on a WinPE CD. This toolset will be made available to ePic users.
SDNA will use VOA provided build tools.
9.14.1 ePic Database Interface Requirements
The ePic database interface should provide the following functions. When a “Recordset” is specified as return value, all applicable attributes for the entity should be included in the Recordset.
ID
Function
Parameters
Return value
Comments
Used By
Priority
DLL-1
Authenticate
User
UserID
Authenticate user. The
Magellan,
2
Password
SecurityToken
security token should be
MINDS
Action (optional)
passed on to all other
functions. All other
functions can then check
for a valid security token
before getting data.
DLL-2
GetImageBOMData
SecurityToken
Recordset
This function should
Magellan
1
BOM Snapshot ID
return all items on the
isBasePlus (optional)
specific Image BOM
isOPK (optional)
that meet the criteria
isRecoverable (optional)
set by the optional
arguments. If an
optional argument is not
passed to the function,
that criteria should be
ignored
DLL-3
GetModulesEPCs
SecurityToken
Recordset
This function should
Magellan
1
Series ID
return all modules and
LangRegion
EPCs for the specified
isPermanent (optional)
Series/LangRegion. If
Permanent argument is
True, return all permanent
items. If it is False, return
all temporary items. If it is
not specified return all
items.
DLL-4
GetSeries
SecurityToken
Recordset
This function should
Magellan,
1
return all active series.
MINDS
DLL-5
GetLangRegions
SecurityToken
Recordset
This function should
Magellan,
1
return all available
MINDS
LangRegion values.
DLL-6
GetBOMList
SecurityToken
Recordset
This function should
Magellan,
1
Series ID
return a list of available
MINDS
LangRegion
Image BOM
isImageBOM (optional)
Snapshots/Module BOM
isModuleBOM (optional)
Snapshots/All BOM
Snapshots (depending on
optional arguments) for
given Series/LangRegion.
DLL-7
GetBOM
SecurityToken
Recordset
This function should
Magellan,
1
BOM Snapshot ID
return the BOM contents
MINDS
(parts release list) for
selected BOM Snapshot
ID.
DLL-8
UploadFiles
SecurityToken
Boolean
This function should
Magellan,
1
Part Release ID
upload Part Release files
MINDS
Files to be uploaded.
to the ePic file store. One
function call should
upload all the required
files. We do not want to
call this function for
each file. This function
must be called after
CheckInPart Release. It
may be called minutes or
hours after
CheckInPartReleasefor
modules (because
modules require release
ID to be embedded in the
module).
DLL-9
CheckInPartRelease
SecurityToken
Part Release ID
This function should add
Magellan
1
All Part Release data for
a new Part Release to the
this Part Type.
ePic database.
DLL-10
UpdatePartRelease
SecurityToken
Boolean
This function should
Magellan
1
Part Release ID.
update Part Release
All other Part Release
record. This function is
data for this Part Type.
required as some part
releases may be created
using ePic and then
updated from Magellan
DLL-11
GetSeriesForPart
SecurityToken
Recordset
This function should
Magellan
2
Part ID
return a list of Series that
have this Part on their
BOM Templates.
DLL-12
AddPartReleaseToSeries
SecurityToken
Boolean
This function should
Magellan
2
Part Release ID
assign the specified Part
Series IDs
Release to one or more
Series.
DLL-13
GetDefectsForPart
SecurityToken
Recordset
This function should
Magellan
2
Part ID
return a list of defects that
Status (optional)
are currently assigned to
this Part. Optionally result
set can be filtered by
defect status.
DLL-14
UpdateDefects
SecurityToken
This function should
Magellan
2
Part Release ID
update the defect status of
Defect IDs
specified defects. This
New Defect Statuses
allows the user to specify
New Defect Resolutions
what defects have been
New Defect Notes
fixed in this Release
DLL-15
GetReleaseEmailContents
SecurityToken
Text
Get the email text. This is
Magellan
2
Part Release ID
used to display the email
notification to the user
before it is actually sent
out.
Emails sent from
Magellan will provide
information on PAC Files,
FI image, AppInfo and
DataFile contents.
DLL-16
SendMail
SecurityToken
Boolean
Send email notification.
Magellan
2
Part Release ID
The contents of the email
CCText
will be generated
automatically like part
releases checked in from
ePic. Emails sent from
Magellan will have a
different target recipient
list. User should be able
to add additional
recipients.
DLL-17
LaunchComponentsSelector
SecurityToken
String/Recordset
Launch Component
MINDS
2
Series ID
Selector to allow user
LangRegion is FreeStyle.
to select a configuration,
check for validity and
returns valid selection of
parts.
This is used to create a
SKU BOM in freestyle
mode
DLL-18
GetSKUBOMSnapshotList
SecurityToken
Recordset
This function should
MINDS
2
Series ID
return a list of avaiiable
LangRegion
SKU BOM snapshots for
given Series/LangRegion
DLL-19
GetSKUBOM
SecurityToken
Recordset
This function should
MINDS
2
BOM Snapshot ID
return the SKU BOM
contents (parts list). It
should also return the
installation data file
(either as XML or
location from where it can
be obtained).
DLL-20
AddLog
SecurityToken
BOOL
This function adds a
MINDS
2
MACAddress
record to the log.
IPAddress
SessionID
User
Action PartReleaseName
ReleaseID
Size
StartTimestamp
EndTimestamp
Time
Mode
DLL-21
GetLog
SecurityToken
Recordset
This function should get
MINDS
2
LogID (optional)
the specified log record.
DLL-22
GetSystemTime
SecurityToken
String
Get time on DB server;
MINDS
2
value used in AddLog.
(This can be implemented
within AddLog in which
case this function is not
required).
DLL-23
IsHDDProject
SecurityToken
BOOL
Check if Series uses HDD
MINDS
2
Series
recovery
LangRegion
9.14.2 Technical Requirements
Database access for use in MINDS must be able to run in the stripped down version of Windows, Windows Preinstall Environment. (This generally means the code must be written in C++. It's possible to write the programs in Java, Python, Perl, etc., but this would need to be tested and set up within WinPE.)
The Database Interface Layer should support applications running in different environments and developed using different programming languages, as shown in the Appendix 1.3.1.
All functions in the epic Database Library should implement stateless security. For example, The Authenticate function should return a SecurityToken object that is then passed to other functions. These functions then check if the security token is valid before interacting with the database. Any other security mechanism can also be used.
9.14.3 Architecture
9.14.3.1 VOA Tools
FIG. 18 shows the non-limiting architecture of VOA Tools.
9.14.4 Usage Scenarios
9.14.4.1 MINDS Usage Scenarios
9.14.4.1.1 Download Image to Test System from MINDS CD.
FIG. 18A logic can be used by testers and by integrators.
9.14.4.1.2 Upload Foundation Image.
FIG. 19 refers, which has been described above and which can be used by integrators.
9.15 Sustaining
This section describes requirements for ePic from the Global Sustaining Group. These requirements will extend existing functionality.
9.15.1 Usage Requirements
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
SUS-1.1
Sustaining modules will be managed in ePic.
5
SUS-1.1.1
A new part type “Sustaining Module” must be added
5
to ePic.
SUS-1.1.2
Addition sustaining specific attributes must be
5
supported.
SUS-1.1.2.1
Sustaining ID (or SP-ID), separate from normal
5
Part/Release ID must be maintained by ePic and
returned when applicable by check-in functions.
(ePic will manage this sequence.)
SUS-1.1.3
Sustaining module release notifications will be sent
5
to a different email notification list than for other
modules.
SUS-1.1.4
Sustaining modules must have a unique identifier
This is similar functionality as other ePic
5
embedded in them to support post-installation
modules.
verification by “VAIO Update” software.
SUS-1.2
Sustaining users should be able to retrieve software
5
BOM information from ePic UI.
SUS-1.3
Support groups require a network installation system.
Test System Preparation CD can be used for
5
this purpose.
SUS-1.4
Maintenance Desk requires Recovery Media
5
(RDVD's/Fulfillment Media).
SUS-1.5
Module Specification should be unified with
This is so developers only need to create on
5
Sustaining Patch specification.
format.
SUS-1.6
Software BOM views in ePic should also display any
5
applicable sustaining patches.
SUS-1.7
Search function should allow entry of a model name.
5
SUS-1.8
Search functions should allow Series/LangRegions to
5
which a particular sustaining patch has been applied
to be to be found by Sustaining Part ID (SP-ID).
SUS-1.9
User can use Part Name/Major Version as a search
5
key to find Series/LangRegion or list of sustaining
patches.
SUS-1.10
Legacy data must be maintained in ePic for a time
5
period suitable to sustaining.
9.15.2 User Interface Requirements
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
SUS-2.1
9.15.3 Business Rules
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
SUS-3.1
9.15.4 Interface Requirements
ID
Description
Comments
Priority
SUS-4.1
10 Data Model
10.1 Concepts
FIG. 20 shows the overall, non-limiting system architecture for Sony PC production. The figure gives an overview for an ePic related systems diagram.
10.2 Data Structure
Moving to FIG. 21, the data structure and flow chart of ePic are shown.
10.3 Database Entities
FIG. 22 illustrates a non-limiting ePic database entities diagram.
10.4 Attributes
10.4.1 Series
ID
Attribute Name
Description
Comments
Intended Usage
Examples
Required
Modifiable
Basic Search
Ext. Search
SER-001
Series ID
Auto-generated system identifier.
SER-002
Series Name
IRX or ATX number.
IRX-3150, ATX-2230
Y
N
Y
Y
SER-003
Code Name
Textual code name for the series.
Diablo EPD
Y
N
Y
Y
SER-004
Marketing Name
There will be many (region
May be mapped to a
Selection criteria in
VGN-S270, VGN-
Y
Y
Y
Y
to region, cycle to cycle).
series SW BOM and
system screens reporting.
S27, VGN-S270A,
For Example: PCV-RS500
one or more LangRegions.
VGC-RB30, VGC-RB30C
Functionality depends
on DB Hero handling of
Marketing Model name.
SER-005
On Sales Date
One date for each
Maintained
Reporting.
N
Y
N
Y
LangRegion.
independently in ePic.
May be useful for
satisfying sustaining
requirements.
SER-006
Off Sales Date
One date for each
Maintained
Reporting.
N
Y
N
Y
LangRegion.
independently in ePic.
May be useful for
satisfying sustaining
requirements.
SER-007
End of Life
Yes/No. Defaults to no.
Maintained
Reporting.
N
Y
N
Y
independently in ePic.
May be useful for
satisfying sustaining
requirements.
SER-008
Status
Planning, active, archive,
Maintained
Reporting.
Y
Y
Y
Y
obsolete, sustaining.
independently in ePic.
(req)
(req)
SER-009
Comments
Long description of a
Maintained
Reporting.
N
Y
N
Y
series.
independently in ePic.
SER-010
Created By
Series should not be
created manually - only
imported from DB
Hero. DB Hero
“created by” is not
necessary here.
SER-011
Created Date
SER-012
Active
Yes/No
Maintained
Control display and
Y
Y
Y
Y
independently in ePic.
default series lists.
SER-013
Planning
List of planning cycles
Reporting.
2005 Q3, 2005 Q4,
Y
Y
Y
Y
Cycle/Season
applicable for this series.
2006 Q1
SER-014
Change Log
History, system
Maintained
generated/maintained
independently in ePic.
SER-015
Production Site
List of production sites for
Maintained
May be used for
NFCH, UCCH,
N
Y
N
Y
this series.
independently in ePic.
RTM and test-RTM
DPCH, IT-M, SNT
release status by
production site to
facilitate file store
functionality and
reporting.
SER-016
LangRegions
List of LangRegions to be
Maintained
Used to filter the list
en_US, en_UK,
N
Y
Y
Y
Supported
supported by this engineering
independently in ePic.
of LangRegions on
jp_JP, etc.
part.
screens and for
reporting.
10.4.2 Components
Intended
Basic
Ext.
ID
Attribute Name
Description
Comments
Usage
Examples
Required
Modifiable
Search
Search
COM-001
Component ID
Y
Y
COM-002
Component Name
Y
Y
COM-003
Active
Yes/No
Y
Y
Components are
Y
Y
unique per series so
this is really a series
attribute.
COM-005
Type
N
Y
Components are
N
Y
system generated in
DB Hero. There is
no comments field.
COM-007
Child Parts
List
N
Y
COM-008
List of Specs
Spec-to-Component
N
Y
relationship may be needed
for ePic functionality.
10.4.3 Planning (DB Hero) Parts
Intended
Basic
Ext.
ID
Attribute Name
Description
Comments
Usage
Examples
Required
Modifiable
Search
Search
PP-001
Part Name
Y
Y
PP-002
Part ID
DB Hero Part
Y
Y
Number (not
vendor part
number).
PP-003
Active
Yes/No
Y
Y
(req)
PP-004
SW/HW
Flag
Y
Y
PP-005
Major Version
Assumption is that it
Y
Y
will be separated
from description in
DR Hero fro SW
items.
PP-006
Vendor
Y
Y
10.4.4 Engineering Parts
ID
Attribute Name
Description
Comments
Intended Usage
Examples
Required
Modifiable
Basic Search
Ext. Search
EP-001
Part Name
This is only application
Can be added to a
Adobe Premiere,
Y
Y
Y
Y
name with no version information.
group.
Sonic Stage Studio,
Radeon 7500 Driver
EP-002
Parent Planning Part
Relation
Used to facilitate
Index to DB Hero
N
Y
Y
Y
Series SW BOM
creation.
EP-003
Active
Yes/No
Used to control
flag (0 or 1)
Y
Y
Y
Y
display of parts to
(req)
(req)
users. Only active
parts should be
shown in most
screens. Inactive
part releases can be
archived from file
store.
EP-004
Major Version
Major version number
New major
Can be added to a
1.1, 2.4, 6.0, 7.0,
Y
Y
Y
Y
(For Example: 1.1, 1.2,
versions are
group.
4.2.00.06070(Not
1.3).
created when
for LA)
specifications
change - not
when defects
are fixed or
minor changes
are made.
EP-005
Part Type
Image, OS Setup,
See below.
Lookup List
Y
N
Y
Y
Installable Application,
including: Image,
Internal Tools,
OS Setup,
BIOS/Firmware, Media
Installable
Set, Other
Application,
Internal Tools,
BIOS/Firmware,
Media Set, Other
EP-006
Part Sub Type
Image (Foundation, P1,
See below.
Lookup List
Y
N
Y
Y
Monolithic Image)/
including: Image
Installable Application
(Foundation, P1,
(Application, Driver,
Monolithic Image)/
Online Documents, OS
Installable
Add-on, Module)/Media
Application
Set (Recovery, Factory)
(Application,
Driver, Online Documents, OS
Add-on, Module)/Media Set
(Recovery, Factory)
EP-007
Dependency Append
Textual description of a
Information for
Text field: IE can
N
Y
N
Y
dependency that is not
builders.
only be installed on
enforced by the system.
Tuesday.
EP-008
Dependency
List of parts with “Don't
Used to
Relation to another
N
Y
N
Y
care,” “Need,” or
validate/complete
engineering part
“Exclude” specified for
release lists for
index.
each part. System can
testers and during
enforce/interpret these
BOM creation.
dependencies.
EP-009
Install Order
List of parts with “Don't
Used by installation
Relation to another
N
Y
N
Y
care,” “Before,” or
tools to control
engineering part
“After” specified for each
order of release
index.
part.
install.
EP-010
Customer Label
Used in Single
Displayed to
Adobe Premiere
Y (for
Y
N
Y
Application Recovery.
customer during
Standard for
recoverable
Text for each
application
Windows XP
applications
LangRegion.
recovery.
English, nVidia
only)
Graphics Driver,
DVGate 2.0
EP-011
Customer Desc
Marketing Desc/Hover
Displayed to
Instant Video
Y (for
Y
N
Y
text used in Single
customer during
Everywhere: Sign
recoverable
Application Recovery.
application
up for IP Video
applications
Text for each
recovery.
Conferencing.
only)
LangRegion.
EP-012
BLID
Used for Foundation
Assigned
Used during
UCV156PEUM
Y (for FI
Y
Y
N
Image sub type only.
manually
installation of
only)
BLID = BIOS Lock ID.
currently.
releases. Stored in
Uniquely
DMI.
identifies
foundation
image in VOA.
One FI can
have multiple
BLIDs in
VBD/VOE.
EP-013
Is Default
Yes/no (default for each
Actual
Creating Snapshots
flag (0 or 1)
Y
Y
N
Y
Part Name, Major
implementation
of BOM Templates
Version, Release,
per the data
(Groups).
LangRegion
model provided
combination). Defaults
by Neusoft.
to false.
EP-014
Champion
Person responsible for
Relation to a user
N
Y
N
Y
testing info. One or more
index.
persons can be listed.
EP-015
Owner
Contact
Relation to a user
Y
Y
N
Y
Persons/Developer. One
index
or more persons can be
listed.
EP-016
Localized By
Eng. Organization which
For information
text field: VOE,
N
Y
N
Y
localized the part.
only. Not used by
SDNA, VOA, STC,
Manually maintained.
system.
VBD
EP-017
Target Series
List that describes BOM
IRX-3440, IRX-
N
Y
N
Y
template(this part needs
3760, ATX-7100
to go on these series).
Specified by developers,
integrators. Used to
generate series s/w bom.
EP-018
Series Dependency
Text description for
For information
Text description for
N
Y
N
Y
information, if any.
only. May be used
information, if any.
by builders/testers.
EP-019
Supported LangRegions
List of LangRegions to be
Unsupported
Relatuion to
N
Y
N
Y
supported by this part.
LangRegions should
Language Region
not be shown to
indexes: ENU-US,
users in other
ENU-UK, SPA-LA,
screens/functions.
etc.
EP-020
Localized Variation
Yes/No - enables
UI control.
flag (0 or 1)
N
Y
Y
Y
functionality for defining
Planned Localized
Variations.
EP-021
Planned Localized
A named group of
Alternate way to
Look up table to
N
Y
N
Y
Variation
LangRegions. The name
select multiple
LangRegionGroups
of variation is manually
LangRegions for
specified and can be
screen functions.
anything. For example:
Releases are
“EN-NTSC” -> en_US,
associate with
en_UK; “EN-PAL”->
LangRegions and
en_DE
not Planned Release
Variations.
EP-022
Change Log
History, system
All changes
History, system
generated/maintained.
should be
generated/maintained.
logged with
who and when.
EP-023
OS
XPP, XPH, MCE,
XPP, XPH, MCE,
Y
Y
N
Y
WinPE, etc. Only used
WinPE, etc. Only
when Part Type is Image.
used when Part
Type is Image.
EP-024
EPC/Module/X-
For Module sub-types
Used in VSMS
Used by builders
Look up table:
Y (for
Y
N
Y
Module
only. Select one of these
(VOA) to
and installation
EPC/Module/X-
modules
(mutually exclusive).
describe a
tools.
Module.
only)
EPC = Engineering
Module. May
Process Change.
change pending
installation
tool/recovery
specification
definition.
EP-025
Is Temporary
Specifies the part must be
Inverse of VOA
Used by installation
flag (0 or 1)
N
Y
N
Y
deleted from recovery
“Is Permanent”
tools.
partition after installation
attribute.
in the factory. Defaults to
false.
EP-026
SpecificationFreezeSched
One date for each
For information
Date field per
N
Y
N
Y
Planned Localized
only. In the future,
LangRegionGroup
Variation.
will be used to
specified above.
trigger email
notifications.
EP-027
GUIFreezeSched
One date for each
For information
Date field per
N
Y
N
Y
Planned Localized
only. In the future,
LangRegionGroup
Variation.
will be used to
specified above.
trigger email
notifications.
EP-028
FeatureFreezeSched
One date for each
For information
Date field per
N
Y
N
Y
Planned Localized
only. In the future,
LangRegionGroup
Variation.
will be used to
specified above.
trigger email
notifications.
EP-029
RCRelaseSchedule
One date for each
For information
Date field per
N
Y
N
Y
Planned Localized
only. In the future,
LangRegionGroup
Variation.
will be used to
specified above.
trigger email
notifications.
EP-030
GMReleaseSched
One date for each
For information
Date field per
N
Y
N
Y
Planned Localized
only. In the future,
LangRegionGroup
Variation.
will be used to
specified above.
trigger email
notifications.
EP-031
GMReleaseActual
One date for each
For information
Date field per
N
Y
N
Y
Planned Localized
only. In the future,
LangRegionGroup
Variation.
will be used to
specified above.
trigger email
notifications.
EP-032
Default Installer
INF, EXE/BATCH, FILE COPY
Install Property:
lookup table: INF,
N (for major
Y
N
Y
Type (select from
Defined in
EXE/BATCH, FILE
version)
list).
MajorVersion
COPY
as defaults,
carried over to
Release, can be
modified at
check-in.
EP-033
Default Setup File
Path to setup file relative
Install Property:
Used by build tools
\setup.exe or
N (for major
Y
N
Y
to top level folder of
Defined in
to find setup
\DVGATE\config\setup.
version)
release. Text Field.
MajorVersion
executable.
exe
as defaults,
carried over to
Release, can be
modified at
check-in.
EP-034
Default Command
Arguments to be passed
Install Property:
Used by build tools
/quiet/passive
N (for major
Y
N
Y
Line Arguments
to “Setup File”. Text
Defined in
when running setup
/norestart -s
version)
Field.
MajorVersion
executable.
as defaults,
carried over to
Release, can be
modified at
check-in.
EP-035
Default OPK
Yes/No: Set for each
Install Property:
Used by build tools.
flag (0 or 1)
Y (for major
Y
N
Y
Engineering Organization
Defined in
version)
Major Version
as defaults,
carried over to
Release, can be
modified at
check-in.
EP-036
Default Base Plus
Yes/No: Set for each
Install Property:
Used by build tools.
flag (0 or 1)
Y (for major
Y
N
Y
Engineering Organization
Defined in
version)
MajorVersion
as defaults,
carried over to
Release, can be
modified at
check-in.
EP-037
Default Recoverable
Yes/No: Set for each
Install Property:
Used by tools.
flag (0 or 1)
Y (for major
Y
N
Y
Engineering Organization
Defined in
version)
MajorVersion
as defaults,
carried over to
Release, can be
modified at
check-in.
EP-038
Default Interactive
Yes/No: user interaction
Install Property:
Used by build tools.
flag (0 or 1)
Y (for major
Y
N
Y
required?
Defined in
version)
MajorVersion
as defaults,
carried over to
Release, can be
modified at
check-in.
EP-039
Vendor
Vendor of the software.
This is simply
Relation to Vendor
Y
N
Y
Y
an additional
Index
attribute. It
should not be
concatenated
with part name.
There should be
a separate table
with basic
Vendor
information.
Vendor name
may also be
included in part
name if it
makes sense.
10.4.4.1 Engineering Part Types
Type
Sub-Type
Description
Special Requirements
Image
Image file(s)
Foundation
P1
WinPE image used for HDD Recovery Partition.
Monolithic Image
OS Setup
OPK unattend setting, i386 folder.
May include some OPK
specific attributes.
Installable Application
Installed on customer partition.
Application
Application as delivered from vendor. May be repackaged.
Driver
Online Documents
PDF Files and other documents installed on systems.
For the attributes listed as “required” in search columns, only one of the required fields must be specified by the user.
Some attributes are duplicated between Engineering Part and Release: The attributes set for engineering part should be used as defaults when creating a new release. User can override values set for engineering part at the release level. This function is intended to reduce repetitive data entry due release check-in.
ID
Attribute Name
Description
Comments
Intended Usage
Examples
Required
Modifiable
Basic Search
Ext. Search
REL-001
Release ID
Integer identifier (possibly
SITID(VOA)/ESP #
Y
N
Y
Y
with part type prefix).
(VOE)/Software ID (ITC)
(auto)
(req)
(req)
System generated.
REL-002
Detailed Version
Full release version
Can include the Major
4.0.4.00.25691
Y
Y
Y
Y
identifier. Text field.
Version value. This is the
(req)
(req)
same as BOM VAIO's
“Developer Software
Release Version” For
Example: Major Version =
1.4, Detailed Version =
1.4.2 or 1.4.02.06070.
REL-003
Release Name
Concatenation of “Part
For Example: Sonic Stage
Reporting.
Generated: Adobe
Y
N
Y
Y
Name” + “Detailed
1.4.02.06070
Premiere Standard
(auto)
(req)
(req)
Version.” Not user
4.0.4.00.25691
editable.
REL-004
Target
List of LangRegions to be
Relation.
Relation to one or
N
Y
N
Y
LangRegions
supported by this release.
more LangRegions.
(req)
(en_US, en_GB, en_int, de_DE,
fr_FR, fr_CA,, ja_JP, ko_KR,
es_ES, es_lat, it_IT, nl_NL,
cns_CN, cnt_TW, pt_PT,
el_GR, ru_RU)
REL-005
Release Notes
A log of notes. Each notes
User can add a note to a
For Information
Y
Y
N
N
can belong to one of the
release. User specifies
Only. Reporting.
categories listed below.
category of the note at data
entry time and categories
can be used to filter
display.
REL-006
Status
ES/Test, FF,
FF (Feature Freeze)/CF
Sanity checks
Lookup table:
Y
Y
Y
Y
Pilot, CF, RC, GM
(Code Freeze) = WHQL
during BOM
ES/Test, FF,
(req)
(req)
candidate.
snapshotting.
Pilot, CF, RC, GM.
Reporting.
REL-007
Submitted By
User who checked-in the
Released By (VOE),
Relation to user
Y
N
Y
Y
release.
Contact to Developer (ITC)
index.
(req)
(req)
REL-008
Next Release
Text field which specifies
For Information
4.0.4.00.25693A to
N
Y
N
N
next expected release
Only. Reporting.
be released in late
version and date.
August 2007.
REL-009
Virus Check
Dropdown
For Information
TBD
N
Y
N
Y
Only. Reporting.
(req)
REL-010
WHQL status
No submission/under
Sanity checks
Lookup table: no
N
Y
N
Y
submission/passed/not
during BOM
submission/under
(req)
applicable.
snapshotting.
submission/passed/
Reporting.
not applicable.
REL-011
PlmStatus
Dropdown
N
Y
N
Y
(req)
REL-012
Is Default
Yes/No
Snapshotting of
flag (0 or 1)
N
Y
N
Y
Release
BOMs.
(req)
REL-013
Is Latest Release
Yes/No
Snapshotting of
flag (0 or 1)
N
Y
N
Y
BOMs.
(req)
REL-014
Version Path
Registry or file path (text).
May be changed as part of
Used by current
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\
Y
Y
N
N
a project globalization of
VOA installation
SOFTWARE\
installation tools.
tools to verify
Microsoft\Updates\
installation of a
Windows
module.
XP\SP3\KB901214\
Description\
REL-015
Version ID
Version of file or reg key
May be changed as part of
Used by current
Security Update for
Y
Y
N
N
value(text).
a project globalization of
VOA installation
Windows XP
installation tools.
tools to verify
(KB901214)
installation of a
module.
REL-016
Version check
Text field. Describes
For Information
[How to identify
N
Y
N
N
before
required installer version
Only. Reporting.
this version]
installation.
for the given release.
Before Installation
Check Version.txt
in installer
REL-017
Version check
Text field. Describes
For Information
[How to identify
N
Y
N
N
after installation.
another method to
Only. Reporting.
this version]After
validation installation.
Installation
Check: Version.txt
under C:\Program
Files\Sony\SonicStage
Mastering Studio
including
2.0.00.18220
REL-018
Change Log
System generated history:
System generated
who changed release when.
history: who
changed release
when.
REL-019
Installed Folder
Text field describing path
Some build tools
\\us-sd-itd-san-
Y
N
N
N
Path
to installed files.
may use this field.
1\swlibrary\isvrelease\
0518002.SNC\
REL-021
Installer Type
INF, EXE/BATCH, FILE
Install Property: Defined
lookup table: INF,
Y
N
Y
Y
(select from list)
COPY
in MajorVersion as
EXE/BATCH, FILE
(req)
(req)
defaults, carried over to
COPY
Release, can be modified at
check-in.
REL-022
Setup File
Path to setup file relative to
Install Property: Defined
Used by build
Setup.exe
Y
Y
N
N
top level folder of release.
in MajorVersion as
tools to find setup
(if
Text Field.
defaults, carried over to
executable.
files
Release, can be modified at
not
check-in.
uploaded)
REL-023
Command Line
Arguments to be passed to
Install Property: Defined
Used by build
/quiet/passive
N
Y
N
N
Arguments
“Setup File”. Text Field.
in MajorVersion as
tools when
/norestart -s
defaults, carried over to
running setup
Release, can be modified at
executable.
check-in.
REL-024
OPK
Yes/No: Set for each
Install Property: Defined
Used by build
flag (0 or 1)
N
Y
N
Y
Engineering Organization
in MajorVersion as
tools.
(req)
defaults, carried over to
Release, can be modified at
check-in.
REL-025
Base Plus
Yes/No: Set for each
Install Property: Defined
Used by build
flag (0 or 1)
N
Y
N
Y
Engineering Organization.
in MajorVersion as
tools.
(req)
defaults, carried over to
Release, can be modified at
check-in.
REL-026
Recoverable
Yes/No: Set for each
Install Property: Defined
Used by tools.
flag (0 or 1)
N
Y
Y
Y
Engineering Organization.
in MajorVersion as
(req)
(req)
defaults, carried over to
Release, can be modified at
check-in.
REL-027
Interactive
Yes/No: user interaction
Install Property: Defined
Used by build
flag (0 or 1)
N
Y
N
Y
required?
in MajorVersion as
tools.
(req)
defaults, carried over to
Release, can be modified at
check-in.
REL-028
Repackaged
Yes/No: Means release has
Install Property
For Information
flag (0 or 1)
N
Y
N
Y
been modified from ISV
Only. Reporting.
(req)
original release.
REL-029
Snapshot ID
Identifier of the BOM
Relation.
For Information
Relation to
N
N
N
N
snapshot which was used
Only. Reporting.
Snapshot Index
for this release
(componsite parts only).
Dropped. System will use
N
Y
N
Y
active/inactive status
(req)
instead.
10.4.5.1 Release Notice Categories
Category
Description
By Champion
By Builder
Other Notes
Description
Technical Description
New Features
Notification
E.g. “Same as 2005.2Q”
Installation Steps
Step by step description of a manual install.
Uninstall Steps
Step by step description of a manual uninstall
process.C26
10.4.6 Groups
ID
Attribute Name
Description
Comments
Intended Usage
Examples
Required
Modifiable
Basic Search
Ext. Search
GRP-001
Group Name
Windows XP HE
Y
Y
Y
OS Parts
GRP-002
Group ID
Index ID
Generated Index
Y
N
Y
GRP-003
Comments
Text field: This
Y
Y
Y
group is for all
(keyword
Windows XP HE
search)
images built
between 2002 and
2006.
GRP-004
Parts List
Group Members
Can be group, part name,
Relation to a list of
N
Y
Y (req)
major version, release.
indexes.
GRP-005
Active
Yes/No
flag (0 or 1)
Y
Y
Y (req)
Dropped. Too
Complicated.
Dropped. Too
Complicated.
Dropped. Too
Complicated.
GRP-009
Target Engineering Organization
One or more eng org, all eng org.
This will be part of a
Lookup Table(s)
N
Y
Y
“Define Target Criteria”
function used throughout
the system.
GRP-010
Target Series
List of one or more
IRX-3370, ATX-
N
Y
Y
series for which this
7100
group can only be
used.
GRP-011
Target OS
Select a single OS or
This will be part of a
For filtering,
Lookup Table
N
Y
Y
“All”. Default to all.
“Define Target Criteria”
reporting. Possibly
function used throughout
used for sanity
the system.
checks.
GRP-012
Target LangRegions
One or more LangRegions.
Used to select the
Lookup Table
N
Y
Y
correct release for
BOM snapshots.
GRP-013
Usage
Intended usage for the group.
For filtering and
Text field: This
N
Y
Y
organizing groups.
group is for all
Windows XP HE
images built
between 2002 and
2006, but only on
Tuesdays.
10.4.7 Snapshots (BOMs)
Intended
Basic
Ext.
ID
Attribute Name
Description
Comments
Usage
Examples
Required
Modifiable
Search
Search
SNP-001
BOM ID
Index field auto-
Index field auto-
Y
N
N
Y
generated.
generated.
SNP-002
Description
Name & Revision
(Series/FI/RDVD/
Horizon 3-HE
Y
Y
N
Y
(IE: Horizon 3-HE
Monolithic/Module/
Build01
Build01)
Factory Media)
SNP-003
Time and Date
Auto-Generated
Auto-Generated:
Stamp
Aug. 21, 2006
PST
SNP-004
Parent Part ID
ID of Series, Image,
Relation
Relation to Index
Y
N
Y
Y
module, etc.
of Parent part or
Group.
SNP-005
Child Part
All part releases on
Relation
Relation to a lisst
Y
N
Y (return
Y
Release Ids
the BOM.
of Release
list of
Indexes.
snaps
with
mathcing
child)
SNP-006
CTO Type
Required/
Relation
Lookup Table
Y
Y
N
Y
Optional/HW
Required/
Dependent
Optional/HW
Dependent
10.4.8 Defect Attributes
Intended
Exam-
Basic
Ext.
ID
Attribute Name
Description
Comments
Usage
ples
Required
Modifiable
Search
Search
DEF-001
Defect ID
Auto generated
Y
N
Y
Y
sequence.
DEF-002
Defect Status
Open/Closed
Defects can only be closed
Y
Y
Y
Y
if “Defect Resolution is
Fix-verified, Will Not Fix,
Deferred, Duplicate, or
Withdrawn.”
DEF-004
Defect Resolution
Fixed, Fix-verified,
Dropdown. Should be a
Y
Y
Y
Y
Will Not Fix,
configurable item.
Deferred,
Duplicate,
Withdrawn.
DEF-005
Responsible
Can be one or more
N
Y
Y
Y
persons.
users or a team.
DEF-006
Priority
Must Fix, Should
Dropdown.
N
Y
Y
Y
Fix, Optional Fix,
None
DEF-007
Summary (Defect
Text field.
Y
Y
Y
Y
Title)
DEF-008
Description
Text area.
Y
Y
Y
Y
DEF-009
Frequency
Once, Always,
Dropdown.
N
Y
N
Y
Sometimes
DEF-010
Frequency Statistics
X out of Y
This can be entered if
For use in
N
Y
N
N
“Frequency” is
statistical
“Sometimes.” User can
analysis.
enter multiple “X of Y”
sets for each defect.
DEF-011
Notes
Text area
N
Y
N
Y
DEF-012
Related Test Cases
Association with
This cannot be a required
N
Y
N
Y
one or more test
attribute because defects
cases.
can be logged without
associated test cases.
DEF-013
Steps to reproduce.
Can be copied from
Text area.
Y
Y
N
Y
related test cases
(attribute TST-010)
and edited.
DEF-014
Expected Results
Can be copied from
Text area.
Y
Y
N
Y
related test cases
(attribute TST-011)
and edited.
DEF-015
Workaround
Text area.
N
Y
N
Y
DEF-016
Severity
Values:
Dropdown. Should be a
N
Y
Y
Y
0 - None
configurable item - admin
1
screen not required.
2
3
DEF-017
Exposure
Values:
Dropdown. Should be a
N
Y
Y
Y
1-LI (Legal
configurable item - admin
Implications)
screen not required.
2-HVCG
(High Volume
Call Generator)
3-LNFU
(Likely to
Notice with
Frequent Use)
4-LIDB (Likely
to Ignore
Defective
Behavior)
5-VUS (Very
Unlikely will
See)
DEF-018
Assigned to (parts)
List of one or more
Y
Y
Y
Y
engineering
part/major versions,
releases, HW parts,
or user defined
parts associated
with the defect.
Should be auto-
populated if
submitting from a
failed test case.
DEF-019
Defect Submitter
Y
N
N
Y
DEF-020
Submit Date
Y
N
N
Y
DEF-021
Close Date
N
Y
N
Y
DEF-022
Attachments
N
Y
N
N
DEF-023
Sustaining status
N
Y
N
Y
DEF-024
Sustaining Priority
N
Y
N
Y
DEF-025
Microsoft Defect ID
N
Y
N
Y
DEF-026
Beta ID
N
Y
N
Y
DEF-027
LangRegion
One or more
Y
Y
Y
Y
LangRegion's to
which the defect
applies. User can
also select All
“LangRegions.”
DEF-028
Target Series
The series for
Y
Y
N
Y
which the defect
was first
discovered.
DEF-029
Applicable Series
List of all other
This could be a system
N
Y
N
Y
series for which a
maintainable attribute
defect was
based on part information.
discovered.
10.4.9 Test Case/Strategy Attributes
Intended
Exam-
Modi-
Basic
Ext.
ID
Attribute Name
Description
Comments
Usage
ples
Required
fiable
Search
Search
TST-001
Test Case ID
Auto-generated sequence.
Y
N
Y
Y
TST-002
Test Case
Basic, Ad-hoc, Use Case,
Drop-down.
Y
N
Y
Y
Type/Category
Compatibility, FIV,
For Benchmarks and
Benchmarks, MDA,
MDA categories: key,
Screen Shot Capture,
value, and expected
Business Unit,
value can be entered.
Accessory, and Other.
For Screen Shot
Capture category a .jpg
or .bmp image file can
be attached.
TST-003
Test Results
Pass/Fail/Not
Defaults to “Not
Y
Y
Y
Y
Tested/Impeded stored by
Tested.”
series, release combo.
TST-004
Part/Major Version
One or more part/major
N
Y
N
Y
versions to which the test
case is constrained.
TST-005
Series
One or more series to
N
Y
N
Y
which the Test Case is
constrained.
TST-006
Test Area
Audio, Video, Still
Dropdown. Should be
Y
Y
N
Y
Picture, Productivity, Etc.
a configurable item via
admin screen.
TST-007
Purpose
Text area.
Y
Y
N
Y
TST-008
Requirements
Text area.
N
Y
N
N
TST-009
Initial Conditions
Text field/Dropdown.
N
Y
N
N
TST-010
Steps
Text area.
Y
Y
N
N
TST-011
Expected Results
Text area.
Y
Y
N
N
TST-012
Notes
Text area.
N
Y
N
Y
TST-013
Status
Active, Obsolete, Etc.
Dropdown. Should be
Y
Y
Y
Y
a configurable item via
admin screen.
TST-014
Level
1 - Always Run,
Dropdown
Y
Y
Y
Y
2 - Sometimes Run,
3 - Random
Sampling/Sanity Check
TST-015
Time to Execute
User estimate of time
Y
Y
N
Y
required to complete the
test. Integer (in minutes).
TST-016
Submitter
Auto - user who creates
Y
N
N
Y
test case.
TST-017
Related Links
One or more hyperlinks.
N
Y
N
N
Can be a text field but
system should interpret
values as hyperlinks.
TST-018
Last Updated
Auto
Y
Y
N
Y
TST-019
Excluded Series
One or more series which
N
Y
N
Y
are excluded from this
test case.
TST-020
Submit Date
Date user created test
Y
N
N
Y
case.
11 Production Rollout Plan
11.4 Deployment Locations
Now referencing FIG. 23, a non-limiting production rollout plan is shown.
As a global system, More than six places are involved in ePic network:
Tokyo
Vagana
Shanghai
Czech
Brussels
San Diego
Other three factories in China
Engineers and factories are in these places:
Engineer: San Diego, Brussels, Shanghai, Tokyo
Factory: San Diego, Czech, Nagano, Other three factories in Chin
Network deployment diagram
11.5 Phased Rollout
EPic will be rolled out in two phases.
11.5.1 Phase 1 Release
Phase 1 Requirements will include the following ePic functionality:
Parts Registration
Image and Module BOM Creation
Build System Interface
Series Software BOM Creation
DB Hero interface
File Store
This release includes full support for image and module building and series software BOM creation. This is essentially the ePic “kernel,”
11.5.2 Phase 2 Release
Phase 2 Requirements will include the following ePic functionality:
Test Management
Defect Tracking
Release to Manufacturing
Installation and Recovery Tool Support
VALSUN Interface
Mini-ePic
This release adds factory deployment, quality assurance, and customer recovery functionality to the ePic system.
11.5.3 Sony Software Development Activities
VOA tools will be adapted to become the global recovery and installation tools. The release date for these new tools will be timed to coincide with the phase 2 release.
Build system modifications must be completed by VOA, VOE, and SDNA in order to build images and modules with ePic.
Plans for implementing and testing changes to build systems must be made the following milestones in mind:
All required ePic system functionality will be implemented in the phase 1 release.
A warranty period will be in effect for a TBD period from date of the phase 2 release. After this, changes will be more costly.
12 Changes to Legacy Systems
12.1 Summary
12.1.1 VBD
Current Tools and Systems
BOM VAIO—SDNA build system,
VELSUN/VALSUN—Defect tracking systems.
Changes to Tools & Systems
BOM VAIO will be replaced with VOA's ABU/Magellan,
VELSUN/VALSUN—transfer of defects from ePic to VELSUN/VALSUN must be established.
12.1.2 VOE
Current Tools and Systems
EIS—VOE Project and Software Management System.
Tracker—Image Building and Tracking System.
Changes to Tools & Systems
ePic will not support VOE build system since images will no longer be developed at VOE.
12.1.3 VOA
SW Plan—excel file defining the software BOM.
VSMS—the “VA 10 Software Management System.”
ABU/Magellan—automated image building tools.
Oasis—MCode tool used to support testing.
MINDS—automated installation system used by testers.
Pacific—tools used to install software in the factory.
Recovery Tools—use a localized version of the SDNA GREEN engine.
Changes to Tools & Systems
The SW Plan excel file will no longer be used. The data contained therein will be maintained in DB Hero.
VSMS, Oasis, and MINDS will be replaced with ePic.
ABU/Magellan will be made to interface with the ePic.
VOA installation and recovery tools will be modified to become the global toolset.
OASIS must be modified to create a floppy based on a single direct HTTP request.
12.2 Build System Changes
Three regional build tool implementations must be modified to work with ePic. Objects created by each regional build system may change to comply with the global modular and recovery specifications, which are to be defined as part of this project.
This section lists current build system artifacts from each region's build system and mappings to ePic fields. The ePic fields listed below are detailed in Section 10.4 of this document. Note that in some cases the format and meaning of the attribute may have changed from the current state. For example, Software Release ID (formerly ESP #, SITID, etc.) will now be an integer with a prefix denoting part type (this will necessitate changes to all three build systems).
Architectural note:
Build process should not be interrupted by WAN outages.
Caching build data can shield you from WAN outage:
Option 1: Build tools interface directly with ePic; caching mechanism can be built into build tools.
Option 2: Existing SW system; (MS BOM VAIO, VSMS) can be used to cache ePic data (possibly lessening impact to build tools).
[VOA has chosen to build a caching mechanism into its build system.]
12.2.1 VOA-E Build Tools
12.2.1.1 Build Tools Overview
Build Tools create the following objects:
Foundation Image
Base Plus Image
Monolithic Image
P1 Recovery Image
Module, X-Module, EPC
Factory Deployment Media (RDVD, PIDVD, BDVD)
PAC Files
P1 Recovery Image
PE Module
Data file
Database information required includes: Project Info, BOM Info, Component Info (location on server etc).
Files required by Build tools include: OS files, Component Installers (drivers, apps) Output files created by Magellan for use by Automated Build Utility (ABU), Chrysalis recovery tools and others are discussed in the next sections.
12.2.1.2 Files required by Automated Build Utility (ABU) to Create Foundation and Base-Plus Images.
Script.INI: Contains all items on Image BOM with BasePlus set to FALSE.
BScript.INI: Contains all items on Image BOM with BasePlus set to TRUE and IntegrationMethod is not OPK.
OPKScript.INI: Contains all items on Image BOM with BasePlus set to TRUE and IntegrationMethod is OPK.
VSMS Fields
Corresponding ePic fields
used to create above 3 files.
(refer ePic-Attribs_20050808.xls).
Project name: used for querying
EP-001
and to create folder
on network to store these files.
Build name: used for querying
REL-003
and to create folder
on network to store these files.
BasePlus: check OPK integration
REL-025
method only for Base Plus.
IntegrationMethod: used by tools &
EP-005, EP-006, REL-021
check for OPK items.
Silent: Don't use IntegrationMethod
EP-038, REL-027
if not Silent.
BiosLockNo: uniquely identifies
EP-012
image.
ReleaseName
REL-003
Sitid
REL-001
NetPath
REL-020 or Mini ePic part
Switches
REL-023
InstallInstructions
REL-Installation steps
BuildInfo
REL-By Builder
VersionPath
REL-014
VersionID
REL-015
12.2.1.3 Files Required to Automate Module Creation.
MScript.INI: Contains all items on Module BOM.
VSMS Fields used: Same as above.
12.2.14 Files Required by Chrysalis Recovery Tools.
SonyPac.cmd
Is a batch file that creates the structure of one or more PAC files by copying the software releases (that make up the PAC file) from the network to a folder on the local machine. Each folder corresponds to a PAC file. The builder then runs the Pack tool to create a PAC file from the contents of each folder. It is required to create more than one PAC file as one PAC file may not fit on one disc. It contains all items on Image BOM with IsSingleApplicationRecovery is TRUE.
VSMS Fields used:
Corresponding ePic fields.
ProjectName: used for querying, not
EP-001
contained in the file.
Build: used for querying, not contained
REL-003
in the file.
SITID: to create folder on local machine.
REL-001
IsSingleApplicationRecovery: used for
REL-026
querying, not contained in the file.
SITInstallProgram: Location on file server.
REL-020/Mini ePic
Pac_File: this value is set in VSMS prior to
Obsolete in ePic. Move the
creating this file by calculating (according
Pac file assignment
to size) which PAC file this software
functionality to Magellan
goes on.
(dynamically assign instead
of storing in database).
Appinfo.ini: Contains all applications and drivers that go on the Foundation Image and are available for recovery through Chrysalis (Single Application Recovery).
VSMS Fields used:
Corresponding ePic fields.
Project name: used to create folder on
EP-001
network to store these files.
Build name: used to create folder on network
REL-003
to store
these files.
ARCDFolder: used to distinguish Drivers
EP-005, 006
from Applications.
ARCDTitle: used as display title for
EP-010
Applications.
IntegrationMethod: should be OPK-Driver
EP-006
for drivers.
Used for querying.
ReleaseName: used as display title for
REL-003
Drivers.
ARCDSpec: text description (hover text).
EP-011
SITInstallProgram: installer file.
REL-020, 022/Mini ePic
SITID: used for unpacking.
REL-001
IsSingleApplicationRecovery: determine
REL-026
if compressed.
Pac_File: used to determine correct
Obsolete; generated by
PAC file.
external tool dynamically.
InstallOrder: used to install in a given
EP-009
sequence.
Prompts:
12.2.1.5 Files required for BDVD
AllModules.TXT: Contains all modules and EPCs on a base unit.
Corresponding
VSMS Fields used:
ePic fields.
ProjectName: used for querying, not
EP-001
contained in the file.
ReleaseName
REL-003
Installer
REL-020, 21, 22
12.2.1.6 Files required for Media Creation
perm modulues.cmd: Contains all permanent modules and EPCs for base unit (IsPermanent is TRUE).
temp modules.cmd: Contains all temporary modules and EPCs for base unit (IsPermanent is FALSE).
Corresponding
VSMS Fields used:
ePic fields.
ProjectName: used for querying, not
EP-001
contained in the file.
isPermanent
EP-025(reverse logic)
ReleaseName
REL-003
Installer
REL-020, 21, 22
Sitid
REL-001
12.2.1.7 Files Required by Minds/Pacific
MINDS.CSV
VSMS Fields used:
Corresponding ePic fields.
Pcode
Series attributes TBD
BLID
EP-012
Phase
REL-003
Setup
REL-022
VersionID
REL-015
Swmcode
TBD
Version
REL-002
SITID
REL-001
Release Name
REL-003
BaseUnit
Series attributes TBD
Type
EP-005, 006
12.2.1.8 Files Required by Japan
BaseUnitInfo.INI: Contains all base units for a project.
VSMS Fields used:
Corresponding ePic fields.
BaseUnit
Series attributes TBD
BaseUnitID
SalesType
ModelNo_JP
OS
Product Mcode
C-Partition Size
P1 Partition Size
12.2.1.9 Other Functionality
Build tools also check in software releases and images and thus need to be able to have a method of writing release data to the database.
13 APPENDIX
13.4 Terminology
Business
CTO
General
Configure To Order
Produce (configure) a product after taking the
related
order.
BTO
General
Build To Order
Retail sales,
General
Selling product through normal shop channel.
Direct sales, Online sales
General
Selling product through internet (Web).
B2B
General
Business To Business
Selling product to corporate customer directly
from Sony.
B2C
General
Business To Consumer
SMB
General
Small Business
Small company like 50 employees.
Enterprise
General
Enterprise
Big company.
SOHO
General
Small Office Home
Very small company like 0 to 3 employees.
Office
Use home as office.
Product Design
BOM
General
Bill Of Material
List of parts (materials) to produce a product.
activity
SW BOM
General
Software Bill Of
Material
ES
Engineering Sample
FF
Feature Freeze
Pilot Build
Pilot Build
Test Build
RC
General
Release Candidate
GM
General
Golden Master
Final and approved master software file.
RTM
Release to Manufacturing
DVT
Sony
Design Validation T
Hardware prototype for design validation.
PVT
Sony
Production Validation T
Hardware prototype for production validation,
almost final product.
MP
Mass Production
Real product production, not sample, not
prototype.
Ex factory
First shipping out of the mass production
product.
SKU
General
Stock Keeping Unit
Build
Combine many software pieces to make single
big image file to be copied onto Hard Disk
Drive of target PC.
Image build, build image
Combine many software pieces to make single
big image file to be copied onto Hard Disk
Drive of target PC.
Integration
Combine many software pieces to make single
big image file to be copied onto Hard Disk
Drive of target PC.
Software Integration
Combine many software pieces to make single
big image file to be copied onto Hard Disk
Drive of target PC.
Preinstall
Install application onto a product so that
customer doesn't have to install the software
himself.
Recovery
Microsoft
When a customer wants to go back to factory
state, “Recovery” to be done.
Hard Disk Recovery
Microsoft
External Recovery Media
Microsoft
Recovery CD,
Microsoft
Recovery DVD
BIOS Lock ID, BLID
Sony
M-Code
Sony
BIOS
PC
DMI
PC
Registry
Microsoft
OPK
Microsoft
OEM Pre-installation Kit
OOBE
Microsoft
Out Of Box Experience
Windows Setup screens at very first power-on.
Serial number
General
Service Tag
PC
OSR
ITC
OS Recovery or System
Recover the image file.
Recovery
APR
ITC
Application Recovery
Recover (install) application(s).
SAR (ITE)
ITE
Smart Application
Same meaning as “APR” in SDNA.
Recovery
VSRU
ITC
VAIO System Recovery
Utility name. Recover the image file, using
Utility
Green Engine.
VARU
ITC
VAIO Application
Utility name
Recovery Utility
Wise
General
www.wise.com
Software name to make a package.
Install Shield
General
www.installshield.com
Software name to make an installer.
F.I.
VOA
Foundation Image
MINDS
VOA
Module Installation . . .
VSMS
VOA
VAIO Software Management
System
ABU
VOA
Automatic Build Utility
EIS
ITE
Engineering Information
System
Tracker
ITE
BomVAIO
ITC
BugVAIO
ITC
Valsan
ITC
IRT server
ITC
Librarian
VOA
Image planning.
Build Architect
ITE
Image planning.
Builder
ITC
Image planning.
PM
Project Manager
Multi Language SKU
ITE
DB Hero
Series
VBD
A product platform. For example, “Horizon.”
terminology
Class
VBD
A concept representing a set of customer
choices. For example “Hard Drive” (choices
might be “100 GB”, “200 GB”, or “250 GB”).
Spec
VBD
Represents a single customer choice.
Config Range
VBD
The set of classes that constitute the full
(global) range of customer choices for a given
series. Can be used by a sales system to
provide CTO offerings to customers.
Component
VBD
Phantom BOM item. Derived from Config
range during DB Hero block definition process.
Component Structure
VBD
List of components for a given structure with
parts as children. This is considered the
“manufacturing BOM.”
Factory
PCN
Production Change
Change form used to disclose any non-BOM
terminology
Notice
related changes to the factory.
ECN
Engineering Change
Change form used to disclose BOM changes to
Notice
the factory.
EPC
VOE/VOA
Engineering Process
Running change to software. Consists of
Change
change notification and a corresponding
software module.
Factory Process
Generic term used to refer to all activities
performed in the factory in order to produce
units.
ERP
Enterprise resource
Generic term for inventory, planning, and order
planner
management systems used in support of
manufacturing or order fulfillment. Oracle,
SAP, JD Edwards, etc.
Configuration BOM
VOA
The bill of materials for a specific PC
configuration.
Platform BOM
VOA
A bill of materials which encapsulates CTO
customer choices (like the DB Hero Config
range).
Phantom BOM
VOA
A bill of materials representing the
manufacturing BOM for a series (like DB Hero
component structure). Phantom BOM items
can be included as customer choices on the
platform BOM.
SMAP
Simple Manufacturing
Unit testing framework used to drive the
Advanced Process
automated factory process in Sony VAIO
factories. Imaging in the factory occurs as a
SMAP process step.
Sony Terminology:
VBD or ITC
VAIO Business
Tokyo Group
Formerly
Department
Division
called ITC.
name
VOA or ITD
VAIO of America
America Group, San
Formerly
Diego
called ITD or
ITA.
VOE or ITE
VAIO of Europe
Europe Group,
Formerly
Brussels
called ITE.
STC
Sony Shanghai
Tec Center
SNT
Sony Nagano Factory
200 km from Tokyo
IT-M
Sony San Diego
Manufacturing
division
SVL
Taiwan Exteranl Labo
ODM
China Manufacturing
Sony Digital Network
SDNA
Applications Inc.,
Tokyo Group
Formerly a
part of ITC.
Others
SEN
Sony Enterprise
Sony Corporate Network
Network
(intranet). Firewalled.
13.5 Current Process Flows
13.5.1 VOA & IT-M
13.5.1.1 Planning
Below is sequence of how VOA SW planning occurs currently:
Explore new ISV business opportunities [VOA-Product Planning & VOA-PM] [Ongoing, but not necessary need to be tracked in DB].
Create 1st draft of SW Planning Strategy in ppt by VOA-E PM (N-17).
a SW Strategy consists of
No platform or project information yet.
80% of Sony software titles leveraged from previous cycle (including utilities & Sony software, but no drivers).
Sony Utilities are not updated at this point (No visibility until engineering meeting).
Some Sony Software is updated at this point (Info is through grapevine, and not firm until engineering meeting).
SW Planning strategy or planning BOMs do not reflect drivers.
20% of ISV software (mostly leverage from previous cycle).
Any ISV addition here are 75% firm.
Software is also added or remove from SW CTO configuration strategies chart.
Grouping of multiple modules to define an offering strategy starts here. Also defines offering rules.
Project code names at this point only, no detailed base units names or configuration on PPT.
Review 1st draft of SW Planning Strategy in ppt with VOA PP & ITPD (N-16).
a Gather questions & consensus prior to Engineering meeting.
Make necessary SW plan or offering strategy adjustment up to engineering meeting.
Usually not much change here, mostly just to keep ITPD in sync with upcoming strategy.
95% of ISV software are fixed.
Present 2nd draft of SW Planning Strategy in ppt @ Engineering meeting in Japan (N-15).
2rd draft includes & updates from PP & ITPD meeting from above.
Below is what occurs during engineering meeting:
Gather updates & add new Sony Utilities (Utilities strategy are fixed & owned by ITC per platform).
Gather updates & add new Sony Software (Sony SW strategies are mostly fixed and owned by ETC per platform. Occasionally, each region are given a choice on certain software pending lead time or if conflicts with local ISV SW strategy.
Versions of the above are gathered and updated to SW Strategy ppt (Build revisions are not reflected in SW Strategies or SW planning BOM since they are fixed during integration stage, only reflected in VSMS),
ISV Software are presented to ITC (purely to inform them of local strategies).
Create 3rd draft of SW Planning Strategy (still in ppt format) (N-14).
3rd draft of the ppt includes updates from engineering meeting.
Platform is reflected only if certain software are assigned to specific SKUs.
Review 3rd draft with ITPD and VOA-PP to share information from engineering meeting.
Review with internal groups (SIT & PQD) by N-13.
SW Planning strategy ppt should be fixed.
SIT starts to prepare BOM layout in VSMS with SKU & HW config charts.
From N-13 to RTM.
VOA-PM turns the ppt into SW Planning BOM (in xls format) & adds platform & base units.
SW Plan reflects how SW are associated in VSMS each base units,
Either as modules or in foundation image.
if in modules, it also reflects if it should be Require “R”, Default “D”, or Optional “O” per base unit.
Changes throughout the cycle occurs first in xls & announced to SIT & PQD (VOA-PP & ITPD as well) every Thursday.
SW Plan is also used during BOM Freeze (Milestone) to verify that modules assigned in VSMS are all accounted for in both plan & BOM (per base units with each particular projects's BOM Freeze).
SW Plan will also be used by ITM royalty reporting group after project RTMs.
SW Plan is not used by marketing spec sheet generation, instead a VSMS base unit BOM is used (base unit BOM includes every software, including drivers).
Future Objectives
Elimination of SW planning BOM.
Go straight from Strategy ppt to VSMS.
Updates should occur in VSMS and populated to projects.
Royalty information be assigned according to base units/platform or SW module (Not necessary at planning stage, but need it by RTM).
13.5.1.2 Software Integration
FIG. 23A shows a non-limiting software integration process:
13.5.1.3 Factory Deployment Process
In reference to FIG. 24, the process flow captures a process for deploying CTO software in the factory.
Many of the activities depicted in FIG. 24 are manual, with some small helper applications in use to speed up the work. Some of these activities are executed in parallel with the software integration process.
13.5.2 VOE
13.5.2.1 Software Integration
Engineers enter ESP numbers from software plan into EIS via UI.
EIS provides a build script via UI.
Builder supplies script to build system.
Build system builds item.
Tracker provides BIOS lock number, image number, and other data to build system.
13.5.3 VBD
13.5.3.1 Software Integration (SDNA)
BOM VAIO is standalone database system.
Build tools retrieve build data via database link to BOM VAIO.
13.6.5 RPT-5: BOM Report
13.6.6 RPT-6: Module Release Report
MOD-Premiere_Pro Build07
BOM Info:
Software Title
Index ID
Version
Defect Owner
Recoverable
Adobe, Multimedia, Premiere
0411303.ADB
1.0.00.0404220
Smith 1
No
Delete DVDBurn
Adobe, Multimedia, Premiere
0419801.ADB
1.5.0.0
Smith 2
Yes
Pro
Sony ITC, Multimedia, VAIO
0504604.SNC
5.0.01.14040
Smith 2
Yes
Edit Components
Adobe, Marketing Material,
0407101.ADB
1.1.00.0403110
Smith 1
Yes
Premiere Pro SerNum and
Readme
Sony ITD, Build Image Tool,
0504903.SND
5.0.1
Smith 3
No
MCODE Reader
Sony ITD, Tools, MN.DLL
0306502.SND
1.2.1
Smith 3
No
142
Release Information
BOM Version: 7.0.0.0
Date Submitted: 2/8/05
4:23:54 PM
Purpose: Integration
Location:
Source Size (Bytes): 307704991
Server
Version Verification ID:
Type: Module
0503904.SND
Version Verification Path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Sony
<ENG>Document viewer: View, navigate, and print PDF and E-
Book format documents. </ENG> <FRA>Visionneuse de
document: La vue, dirigent, et impriment des documents de
format de PDF et E-Book</FRA> <ESN>Espectador del
documento: La visión, navega, e imprime documentos del formato
del PDF y del E-Book.</ESN>
Alps
Driver-Mouse
Touchpad
Touchpad Driver
Google
Communication
Google Toolbar
<ENG>Maximizes your web searching
experience.</ENG><FRA>Facilite vos recherches sur
internet.</FRA><ESN>Maximiza su tela que busca
experiencia.</ESN>
Intel
Driver-System
Intel
Intel 915GM/PM/GMS 910GML Alviso Driver
915GM_PM_GMS_910GML
Alviso
Macromedia
Multimedia
Flash Player
<ENG>Play back videos and audio generated in
Flash.</ENG><FRA>Lecture de vidéos et de fichiers audio créés
avec Flash</FRA><ESN>Juegue los videos traseros, audio
generado en flash.</ESN>
Sony ITC
System Tool
Battery Check Utility
<ENG>Manage your notebook power
settings.</ENG><FRA>Gérez les paramètres d'alimentation de
votre ordinateur portable.</FRA><ESN>Maneje sus ajustes de
energia del cuaderno.</ESN>
Sony ITC
Shared Library
ImageStation Library
<ENG>A program utility facilitating ImageStation
access.</ENG><FRA>Un utilitaire facilitant l'accès á
ImageStation.</FRA><ESN>Una utilidad del programa que
FI-Inazma-PR (Build03) Image BOM Report
VCC Descriptions
Vendor
Component
Release Name
Hover Text
facilita el acceso de ImageStation.</ESN>
Sony ITC
System Tool
Memory Stick Pro Formatter
<ENG>A program utility for formatting a Memory
Stick.</ENG><FRA>Un utilitaire permettant de formater un
Memory Stick.</FRA><ESN>Una utilidad del programa para
ajustar a formato un Memory Stick.</ESN>
Sony ITC
Multimedia
OpenMG Setup
<ENG>A program utility required by
OpenMG.</ENG><FRA>Un utilitaire indispensable à
OpenMG.</FRA><ESN>Una utilidad del programa requerida por
OpenMG.</ESN>
Sony ITC
System Tool
Setting Utility Series
<ENG>A program for customizing your utility series
settings.</ENG><FRA>Un programme pour personnaliser les
paramètres de vos utlitaires.</FRA><ESN>Un programa para
modificar sus ajustes para uso general de la serie para requisitos
particulares.</ESN>
Sony ITC
Shared Library
Sony Shared Library
<ENG>A program utility required for Sony
applications.</ENG><FRA>Un utilitaire pour les applications
Sony.</FRA><ESN>Una utilidad del programa para los usos de
Sony.</ESN>
Sony ITC
Shared Library
Sony Video Shared Library
<ENG>A program utility required for video editing
applications.</ENG><FRA>Un utilitaire indispensable pour les
applications d'édition vidéo.</FRA><ESN>Una utilidad del
programa requerida para el video que corrige usos.</ESN>
Sony ITC
Shared Library
SonyUtils
<ENG>A program utility required for VAIO
applications.</ENG><FRA>Un utilitaire indispensable pour les
applications VAIO.</FRA><ESN>Una utilidad del programa
requerida para los usos de VAIO.</ESN>
Sony ITC
Multimedia
VAIO Entertainment Platform
<ENG>A utility program that installs the VAIO Entertainment
Platform.</ENG><FRA>Un utilitaire permettant d'installer la
Plateforme VAIO Entertainment.</FRA><ESN>Un programa
utilitario que instala la VAIO Entertainment Platform.</ESN>
Sony ITC
System Tool
VAIO Event Service
<ENG>A program utility to control specific applications in your
VAIO computer.</ENG><FRA>Un utilitaire pour contróler les
applications spécifiques de votre ordinateur de
VAIO.</FRA><ESN>Usos especificos de un tocontrol para uso
general del programa en su computadora de VAIO.</ESN>
Sony ITC
System Tool
VAIO Power Management
<ENG>Manage your notebook power
settings.</ENG><FRA>Gérez les paramétres d'alimentation de
votre ordinateur portable.</FRA><ESN>Maneje sus ajustes de
energia del cuaderno.</ESN>
Sony ITC
System Tool
VAIO Update
<ENG>Get notifications of the latest driver and news related to
your VAIO computer.</ENG><FRA>Recevez les notifications
vous informant des pilotes les plus récents ainsi que les derniéres
nouvelles concernant votre ordinateur de
VAIO.</FRA><ESN>Consiga las notificaciones del conductor y
de las noticias más últimos relacionados con su computadora de
VAIO.</ESN>
Sony ITD
Documentation
Latest Information
<ENG>Latest Information.</ENG> <FRA>La Plus défunte
Information</FRA> <ESN>La Información Más última</ESN>
Sony ITD
Documentation
Recovery Guide
<ENG>VAIO Recovery Guide.</ENG> <FRA>Guide De
Réinstallation</FRA> <ESN>Guia De la Recuperación</ESN>
Sony ITD
Tools
VAIO Drivers
<ENG>VAIO Drivers installs the VAIO drivers to their original
shipping condition.</ENG><FRA>VAIO Drivers installe les
conducteurs de VAIO sur leur condition d'expédition
originale.</FRA><ESN>VAIO Drivers instala los conductores de
VAIO a su condición de envio original.</ESN>
Sony ITD
Documentation
VAIO User Manual
<ENG>VAIO User Guide is a program that opens user manuals
on your VAIO computer.</ENG><FRA>VAIO Manuel
FI-Inazma-PR (Build03) Image BOM Report
VCC Descriptions
Vendor
Component
Release Name
Hover Text
D'Utilisateur</FRA> <ESN>Guia de Usuario de VAIO </ESN>
Sun
Windows
Java 2 Runtime Environment
<ENG>Instails the Sun MicroSystems Java 2 Runtime
Microsystems
Environment.</ENG> <FRA>Installe l'environnement
d'exécution de Java 2 de Sun MicroSystems.</FRA>
<ESN>Instala el ambiente del tiempo de pasada de Java 2 de los
Sun MicroSystems.</ESN>
Veritas
Productivity
PxEngine
<ENG>PxEngine is a shared dynamic link library for optical
device burning.</ENG> <FRA>PxEngine est une bibliothèque de
lien dynamique partagee pour la brulure de circuit
optique.</FRA> <ESN>PxEngine es una biblioteca de
acoplamiento dinámica compartida para quemarse del dispositivo
óptico.</ESN>
FI-Inazma-PR (Build03) BOM Details
Re-
cov-
Vendor
Component
Release Name
Champion
SITID
Version
IRT ID
ery
Reference
Sony ITC
Reference
Boot Option Setting
Smith 7
0429908.snc
041017
SP-008333-01
False
Request
Sony ITC
Reference
HQ Filter setting
Smith 6
0504901.SNC
1.5.02180
SP-009406-00
False
request
Spirit 2
Sony ITC
Reference
Power Options Setting
Smith 6
0517803.SNC
050627
SP-010128-00
False
Requests
Sony ITC
Reference
Volume Control
Smith 6
0503821.SNC
050201
SP-009178-00
False
Settings
Sony ITD
Reference
FI Spec
Smith 8
0509604.SND
3.0.4
False
Sony ITD
Reference
HW Build Document
Smith 9
0521508.SND
Inazma-PR
False
Build v1.5
Sony ITD
Reference
SCR Specification
Smith 10
0507409.SND
1.1.00.0503150
False
Document
English
Operating System
Microsoft
Windows
CDCR patch for Media
Smith 5
0320501.mst
1.0.0.0
False
Player
Microsoft
Windows
KB307154
Smith 5
0428804.MST
English
SP-008374-00
False
LowBatteryAlarm QFE
Microsoft
Windows
KB835221 HD Audio
Smith 5
0503804.MST
1.0-200408180
SP-008559-00
False
QFE
English
Microsoft
Windows
KB870669 Critical
Smith 5
0420516.mst
multilingual
False
Desktop Update for
MDAC
Microsoft
Windows
KB873333 Security
Smith 5
0504104.mst
English 1.0-
SP-009238-00
False
Update MS05-012
200502090
Microsoft
Windows
KB873339-Security
Smith 5
0515914.MST
English 1.0-
SP-009052-00
False
Update MS04-043
200412150
Microsoft
Windows
KB883939-
Smith 5
0517207.MST
English 1.0-
SP-010023.00
False
Cumulative Security
200506200
Update for IE
Microsoft
Windows
KB884018-Add and
Smith 5
0422501.MST
English
False
Remove programs
copy error
Microsoft
Windows
KB884575
Smith 5
0428801.MST
English
SP-008390.00
False
BatteryPowerDrain
QFE
Microsoft
Windows
KB885250 Security
Smith 5
0504101.MST
English 1.0-
SP-009229-00
False
Update MS05-011
200502090
Microsoft
Windows
KB885835 Security
Smith 5
0503813.MST
KB885835
False
Update MS04-044
English
Microsoft
Windows
KB885836 Security
Smith 5
0503807.mst
KB8885836
SP-009043-00
False
Update MS04-041
English
Microsoft
Windows
KB886185 Security
Smith 5
0503801.MST
KB886185
SP-009089-00
False
Update
English
Microsoft
Windows
KB886612 Memory
Smith 5
0427201.mst
english
False
Stick Icon Fix
Microsoft
Windows
KB886903 Security
Smith 5
0513204.mst
KB886903
False
Update MS05-004
Generic
Microsoft
Windows
KB887472 Security
Smith 5
0504516.mst
English 1.0-
SP-009312-00
False
Update MS05-009
200502090
Microsoft
Windows
KB887742
Smith 5
0503810.MST
KB887742
False
WLanBlueScreenQFE
English
Microsoft
Windows
KB888113 Security
Smith 5
0504507.mst
English 1.0-
SP-009318-00
False
Update MS05-015
200502090
Microsoft
Windows
KB888239 MP10_MS
Smith 5
0434401.MST
English
False
OOBE splash screen
KB888239
fix
Microsoft
Windows
KB888302 Security
Smith 5
0504510.MST
English 1.0-
SP-009330-00
False
Update MS05-007
200502090
Microsoft
Windows
KB890046-Security
Smith 5
0517201.MST
English 1.0-
SP-010076-00
False
Update MS05-032
200506200
Microsoft
Windows
KB890859-Security
Smith 5
0515908.MST
English 1.0-
SP-009693-00
False
Update MS05.018
200506030
Microsoft
Windows
KB891781 Security
Smith 5
0504504.MST
English 1.0-
SP-009288-00
False
Update MS05-013
200502090
Microsoft
Windows
KB893056 Hibernate
Smith 5
0507506.mst
English
False
Button Turn Off fix
KB893056
Microsoft
Windows
KB893066-Security
Smith 5
0517301.MST
English 2.0-
SP-009713-01
False
Update MS05-019
200506200
Microsoft
Windows
KB893086-Security
Smith 5
0515901.MST
KB893086
SP-009684-00
False
Update MS05-016
English 1.0-
200506030
Microsoft
Windows
KB893803-Windows
Smith 5
0515904.MST
3.1-
SP-009766-00
False
Installer 3.1
KB893803-
1.0-200506060
Microsoft
Windows
KB894391-SVC Host
Smith 5
0515905.MST
English 1.0-
SP-009724-00
False
error fix
200505190
Microsoft
Windows
KB896358-Security
Smith 5
0517304.MST
English 1.0-
SP-010013-00
False
Update-MS05-026
200506200
Microsoft
Windows
KB896422-Security
Smith 5
0517204.MST
English 1.0-
SP-010055.00
False
Update-MS05-027
200506200
Microsoft
Windows
KB896428-Security
Smith 5
0522305.MST
English 1.0-
SP.010081-00
False
Update MS05-033
200506200.
Microsoft
Windows
KB901214-Security
Smith 5
0521301.mst
English OEM
False
Update MS05-036
distribution
Microsoft
Windows
KB903235-Security
Smith 5
0521304.mst
English OEM
False
Update MS05-037
Distribution
Microsoft
Windows
Media Player 10
Smith 10
0429401.MST
English OPK
False
Microsoft
Windows
Windows.NET
Smith 5
0513101.mst
SPI
False
Framework Service
KB867460
Pack
Microsoft
Windows
Windows Media
Smith 5
0516001.MST
ver.X10-86962
SP-009834-00
False
Connection
Microsoft
Windows
Windows XP OPK
Smith 10
0132507.mst
GM
False
MUI
Microsoft
Windows
Windows XP
Smith 10
0421902.mst
English SP2
False
Professional Edition
Gold
Microsoft
Windows
Windows.NET
Smith 10
0314926.mst
Framework 1.1
False
OPK Support
Sony ITC
Windows
SLP Files
Smith 10
0516012.SNC
1.1.1.0-
False
200506040
Sun
Windows
Java 2 Runtime
Smith 10
0515401.sun
1.5.0.03
True
Microsystems
Environment
Driver
Alps
Driver-Mouse
Pointing Driver
Smith 6
0519301.ALP
050629
SP-010147-00
False
Registry Patch
Alps
Driver-Mouse
Touchpad
Smith 6
0421501.alp
5.3.511.2c
SP-001993-36
True
WHQL
Connexant
Driver-Modem
Smart MC3Z
Smith 6
0518101.CXT
7.28.00.50-
SP-008161-08
False
050628logo
Intel
Driver-Network
Ethernet driver
Smith 6
0430001.itl
8.0.13.0
SP-002515-11
False
WHQL
Intel
Driver-Display
Intel 915G graphics
Smith 6
0518801.itl
6.14.10.4333h
SP-007709-14
False
WHQL
Intel
Driver-System
Intel
Smith 6
0520902.itl
6.1.0.1008
SP-008174-00
True
915GM_PM_GMS_910GML
WHQL
Alviso
Intel
Driver-Display
Intel Graphics Driver
Smith 6
0515102.itl
v01
SP-009674.00
False
Registry Patch
Intel
Driver-Wireless
Intel Pro
Smith 6
0516401.ITL
9.0.2.25a-logo
SP-007020-07
False
LAN
2915ABG_2200BG
RealTek
Driver-Sound
Audio Driver
Smith 6
0519601.RTK
5.10.0.5129-
SP-008252-28
False
050715_WHQL
Sony Ericsson
Driver-Modem
VDC EGPRS Modem
Smith 11
0506001.ser
3.0.0.1510
SP-009393-00
False
Driver
WHQL
Sony ITC
Driver-System
Notebook Control
Smith 12
0429202.SNC
6.0.1.08290-
SP-004458-00
False
020604
WHQL
Sony ITC
Driver-System
SonyPi
Smith 12
0418902.SNC
7.0.3.820
SP-004457-00
False
WHQL
Sony ITC
Driver-Mouse
USB Mouse
Smith 6
0508001.SNC
1.56-whql
SP-002012-05
False
(resubmitted)
Sony ITC
Driver-Imaging
VAIO USB Camera
Smith 6
0306208.snc
1.2.00.01172
SP-004578-01
False
WHQL
Sony ITC
Driver-Hard Disk
VGP-MCA10 registry
Smith 6
0428705.snc
1.0.0.10130
SP-007787-02
False
patch
Texas
Driver-Hard Disk
Memory Stick Driver
Smith 6
0520601.tex
2.0.0.5_Logo
SP-009671-04
False
Instruments
Texas
Driver-Hard Disk
Memory Stick driver
Smith 6
0517802.tex
1.0.0.0-
SP-010131-00
False
Instruments
Registry patch
20050610
Toshiba
Driver-System
Bluetooth driver
Smith 13
0519901.TOB
3.03.13SO-
SP-009675-03
False
04_RC3.20050708
Toshiba
Driver-System
Bluetooth Registry
Smith 13
0517801.TOB
1.0.0.0
SP-010130-00
False
Patch
Utility
Sony ITC
System Tool
AV Mode Button
Smith 6
0519303.SNC
1.0.00.06291
SP-010142-00
False
Utility
Sony ITC
System Tool
Battery Check Utility
Smith 12
0506701.SNC
1.0.02.01240
SP-007112-03
True
Sony ITC
System Tool
Memory Stick Pro
Smith 12
0503605.snc
2.4.0.13260.0502040
SP-005054-04
True
Formatter
Sony ITC
System Tool
OCA Marker
Smith 6
0404201.snc
1.03.1.0401130
False
Sony ITC
System Tool
SetReso
Smith 12
0429607.snc
2.3.1.2702
SP-002911-18
False
Sony ITC
System Tool
Setting Utility Series
Smith 12
0516014.SNC
1.2.00.05270
SP-008403-11
True
Sony ITC
System Tool
VAIO Central
Smith 14
0516704.SNC
1.1.02.061005
False
Sony ITC
System Tool
VAIO Event Service
Smith 12
0516805.SNC
2.2.00.06130
SP-008245-21
True
Sony ITC
System Tool
VAIO Power
Smith 12
0521405.SNC
1.7.00.08011
SP-008404-19
True
Management
Sony ITC
System Tool
VAIO Update
Smith 11
0516103.SNC
2.1.02.01250
True
(Not for LA)
Sony ITD
System Tool
Sony Digital Signature
Smith 15
0121802.snd
1.0
False
Sony ITD
System Tool
VAIO Support Central
Smith 14
0519320.SND
1.0.0.63005
False
Library
Sony ITC
Shared Library
ImageStation Library
Smith 16
0318106.snc
3.0.01.05290
SP-005050-01
True
Sony ITC
Shared Library
Sony MP4 Shared
Smith 17
0503512.snc
1.1.00.12200
SP-009172-00
False
Library
Sony ITC
Shared Library
Sony Shared Library
Smith 18
0503811.snc
2.10.00.01250
SP-005988-01
True
XP
Sony ITC
Shared Library
Sony Video Shared
Smith 17
0503505.snc
2.0.01.12200
SP-009171-00
True
Library
Sony ITC
Shared Library
SonyUtils
Smith 12
0515908.snc
6.2.00.17310
SP-008151-18
True
Application-Audio Video
Macromedia
Multimedia
Flash Player
Smith 19
0420101.MAC
7.0.19.0
True
Sony ITC
Multimedia
OpenMG Setup
Smith 17
0516005.snc
4.2.00.06070
SP-009199-02
True
(Not for LA)
Sony ITC
Multimedia
Sonic Stage Mastering
Smith 17
0430713.snc
1.4.00.10260_Aroma-
SP-007851-03
False
Studio Audio Filter
IRX3190
Presets
Sony ITC
Multimedia
VAIO Entertainment
Smith 17
0517204.snc
1.2.11.06150
SP-009842-01
True
Platform
Application-Productivity
Adobe
Productivity
Adobe Reader
Smith 1
0504801.ADB
7.0.0.0-English
True
Updated
Adobe
Productivity
Adobe Reader Patch
Smith 1
0515201.adb
7.0.1
False
Veritas
Productivity
PxEngine
Smith 20
0518101.VER
2.4.35.500a
SP-007059-10
True
Application-Communications
Google
Communica-
Google Toolbar
Smith 1
0503801.goo
2.0.114.10_US
True
tion
Applications-Marketing
Sony ITC
Marketing
Memory Stick Icon
Smith 12
0209504.snc
1.2.0.0-
SP-002377-02
False
Material
20010912
Sony ITC
Marketing
VAIO LiteFlow
Smith 18
0515905.snc
1.0.01.05100
SP-008504-01
False
Material
Wallpaper
Sony ITC
Marketing
VAIO Long Battery
Smith 18
0516607.SNC
1.0.00.05200
SP-009801-00
False
Material
Life Wallpaper
(RC)
Sony ITC
Marketing
VAIO Original Screen
Smith 18
0516001.snc
1.1.01.06070
SP-008470-05
False
Material
Saver
Sony ITC
Marketing
VAIO Scene
Smith 18
0503503.snc
1.0.01.-
SP-008486-01
False
Material
Screensaver
12280_Scene_SD_Wide
Sony ITD
Marketing
Bookmarks-IE
Smith 1
0503801.SND
1.0.00.0502070
False
Material
(US)
Sony ITD
Marketing
Image Station Photo
Smith 5
0508804.snd
1.0.0.0503280
False
Material
Printing RegKeys
Sony ITD
Marketing
VAIO Registration
Smith 15
0519419.SND
Fall05-14.0.2
False
Material
Documentation
Sony ITD
Documentation
Latest Information
Smith 21
0522304.SND
Fall05 English
n/a
True
V2
Sony ITD
Documentation
Recovery Guide
Smith 21
0520301.SND
Fall05 English
n/a
True
Sony ITD
Documentation
VAIO User Manual
Smith 21
0520701.SND
1.00.16EN07251
SP-010132.02
True
(IRX-3250
ENU)
SIT Build Tools
Sony ITD
Tools
E-Flyer pop up utility
Smith 4
0507506.SND
1.2.1901.20464
False
Sony ITD
Tools
HDD Kick Tool
Smith 3
0520614.SND
3.1.5.0
False
Sony ITD
Tools
VAIO Drivers
Smith 10
0521610.SND
G336B02
True
Items Associated to Series:
Type
Release Name
Index
MODULE
MOD-Click_To_DVD
(0518903.snd)
MODULE
MOD-DVGate_Plus
(0516403.snd)
MODULE
MOD-IceMaker
(0519313.snd)
MODULE
MOD-Image_Converter
(0517211.snd)
MODULE
MOD-Moodlogic
(0516810.snd)
MODULE
MOD-MS_Works_Bundle
(0506705.snd)
MODULE
MOD-NIS_2005_Trial
(0521324.snd)
MODULE
MOD-Office_2003_Basic
(0505102.snd)
MODULE
MOD-Office_2003_Professional
(0520615.snd)
MODULE
MOD-Office_2003_Small_Business
(0520613.snd)
MODULE
MOD-Office_2003_Small_Business_Trial
(0519613.snd)
MODULE
MOD-Office_2003_Student_Teacher_Trial
(0519616.snd)
MODULE
MOD-PhotoShop_Album_Starter_Edition
(0517909.snd)
MODULE
MOD-Photoshop_Elements
(0505510.snd)
MODULE
MOD-Premiere_Pro
(0503904.snd)
MODULE
MOD-Premiere_Standard
(0520304.snd)
MODULE
MOD-Quicken_New_User_Edition
(0504901.snd)
MODULE
MOD-Roxio_DigitalMedia_SE
(0518107.snd)
MODULE
MOD-S_S_M_S
(0518801.snd)
MODULE
MOD-Spy_Subtract
(0517402.snd)
MODULE
MOD-Toshiba_Bluetooth
(0518111.snd)
MODULE
MOD-VAIO_Media
(0519301.snd)
MODULE
MOD-VAIO_Survey_Standalone
(0518615.snd)
MODULE
MOD-WinDVD
(0518607.snd)
MODULE
MOD-Wireless_Help_Utility
(0504904.snd)
MODULE
MOD-Wireless_Switch_Setting_Utility
(0518108.snd)
MODULE
XMOD-AOL_Software
(0519417.snd)
MODULE
XMOD-SonicStage
(0517302.snd)
Recovery Image
P1 Recovery Image
(0520914.snd)
Changes from Previous:
Missing From Module Build 7
Vendor
Release Name
Defect Owner
Index
Version
New Components to Premiere Pro Module Build 7
Defect
Vendor
Release Name
Owner
Index
Version
IRT ID
Recovery
New Releases to Premiere Pro Module Build 7
Old
Vendor
Release Name
Index
New Version
Old SITID
Version
Removed from Premiere Pro Module Build 7
Vendor
Release Name
Defect Owner
Index
Version
Sony
Driver Settings
Smith 6
0503807.SNC
050131 NB
ITC
Request Page
13.6.10 RPT-10: Media Set Report
Type
Release Name
Index
MODULE
MOD-Click_To_DVD
(0518903.snd)
MODULE
MOD-DVGate_Plus
(0516403.snd)
MODULE
MOD-IceMaker
(0519313.snd)
MODULE
MOD-Image_Converter
(0517211.snd)
MODULE
MOD-Moodlogic
(0516810.snd)
MODULE
MOD-MS_Works_Bundle
(0506705.snd)
MODULE
MOD-NIS_2005_Trial
(0521324.snd)
MODULE
MOD-Office_2003_Small_Business_Trial
(0519613.snd)
MODULE
MOD-Office_2003_Student_Teacher_Trial
(0519616.snd)
MODULE
MOD-PhotoShop_Album_Starter_Edition
(0517909.snd)
MODULE
MOD-Photoshop_Elements
(0505510.snd)
MODULE
MOD-Premiere_Pro
(0503904.snd)
MODULE
MOD-Premiere_Standard
(0520304.snd)
MODULE
MOD-Quicken_New_User_Edition
(0504901.snd)
MODULE
MOD-Roxio_DigitalMedia_SE
(0518107.snd)
MODULE
MOD-S_S_M_S
(0518801.snd)
MODULE
MOD-Spy_Subtract
(0517402.snd)
MODULE
MOD-Toshiba_Bluetooth
(0518111.snd)
MODULE
MOD-VAIO_Media
(0519301.snd)
MODULE
MOD-VAIO_Survey_Standalone
(0518615.snd)
MODULE
MOD-WinDVD
(0518607.snd)
MODULE
MOD-Wireless_Help_Utility
(0504904.snd)
MODULE
MOD-Wireless_Switch_Setting_Utility
(0518108.snd)
MODULE
XMOD-AOL_Software
(0519417.snd)
MODULE
XMOD-SonicStage
(0517302.snd)
Recovery
P1 Recovery Image
(0520914.snd)
Image
Data File
bitindex.ini
(0519625.snd)
Data File
LeonV-HE Data File
(0521334.snd)
Data File
module.ini
R (0520102.snd)
EPC
EPC_A-0198-LeonV_Latest_Information
(0521323.snd)
EPC
EPC_A-0199-Security_Updates_MS05-036_037
(0521602.snd)
EPC
EPC_A-0202-Security_Updates_MS05-038_039
(0523011.snd)
Foundation
FI-LeonV-HE
(0520208.snd)
Image
PAC File
FI-LeonV-HE PAC File
(0520209.snd)
13.6.11 RPT-11: Part Report
Attribute Name
Description
Part Name
Adobe Premiere Pro
Parent Planning Part
Adobe Premiere Pro
Active
Yes
Major Version
7
Part Type
Installable Application
Part Sub Type
Application
Dependency Append
None
Dependency
Need: VAIO Edit Components 5.0
Install Order
After: VAIO Edit Components 5.0
Customer Label
Adobe Premiere Pro
Customer Desc
ENU-US: Adobe's semi professional
video editing application.
BLID
N/A
isDefault
Yes
Champion
Smith 1
Owner
Smith 1
Localised By
VOA
Target Series
Hogwarts4-MC
Horizon2-HE
Horizon2-MC
Horizon2-PR
Horizon3_GD-HE
Horizon3_GD-MC
Horizon3_GD-PR
LeonS2-HE
LeonS2-PR
LeonV-HE
LeonV-PR
Messenger-HE
Messenger-PR
Sherry_WWAN-PR
Spirit2-HE
Spirit2-PR
Spirit3-HE
Spirit3-PR
Series Dependency
N/A
Supported LangRegions
ENU-US
Change Log
isTemporary
No
Default Installer Type (select
EXE
from list)
Default Setup File
Premiere.EXE
Default Command Line
-s -n
Arguments
Default OPK
No
Default Base Plus
No
Default Recoverable
yes
Default Interactive
No
Vendor
Adobe
13.6.12 RPT-12: Part Release Report
Attribute Name
Description
Release ID
120123
Detailed Version
7.5.0.0
Release Name
Adobe Premiere 7.0
Target LangRegions
en_US
Release Notes
***Install Instructions***
[WeberN - 7/16/04 12:10:00 PM]
Run Setup.exe
***Uninstall Instructions***
[WeberN - 7/16/04 12:10:00 PM]
Uninstall via Add/Remove Programs
***Release Notes***
[WeberN—7/16/04 12:10:00 PM]
Adobe Premiere Pro 7.5, OEM 282
Status
GM
Submitted By
Smith 22
Next Release
none
Virus Check
dropdown: statuses TBD
WHQL status
not applicable
PlmStatus
dropdown: statuses TBD
Is Default Release
yes
Is Latest Release
yes
Version Path
C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\
PREMIERE PRO 7.5\ADOBE PREMIERE
PRO.EXE
Version ID
7.5.0.000.1010
Version check before
Premiere.EXE version 7.5
installation
Change Log
No record
Installed Folder Path
C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\
PREMIERE PRO 7.5\
Installer Place
TBD
Installer Type (select from
EXE
list)
Setup File
Premiere.EXE
Command Line
-s -n
Arguments
OPK
no
Base Plus
no
Recoverable
yes
Interactive
no
Repackaged
yes
Snapshot ID
n/a
13.6.13 RPT-13: Part Release Version Report
13.6.14 RPT44: RTM Report
1. User picks one Series/LangRegion.
2. User picks one or more OSs.
3. User selects which sub-reports to include.
4. System presents format that can be loaded into MS Word for further editing.
13.6.15 RPT-15: Test Status for Series
13.6.16 RPT46: Test Status for All Active Series
13.6.17 RPT47: Defect Report for Individual Defect
Now referencing FIG. 25, the screen shot of a “Defect View” is shown, which includes the defect report.
13.6.18 RPT-18: Defects By User, Team, Series, Cycle, Etc.
13.6.19 RPT-19: Test Case Report
Now referencing FIG. 26, the screen shot of “Test Results: Update from test strategy” is shown.
13.6.20 RPT-20: Test Strategy Report
With reference to FIG. 27, the report currently being implemented is shown. This report must be adapted to the Epic Data Model.
13.6.21 RPT-20: Test Strategy Status Report
13.6.22 RPT-22: End-of-cycle Defect Report
1. User picks one or more Series/LangRegion combinations.
2. User picks one or more cycles or date ranges.
3. User selects which sub-reports to include.
4. System loads each report into separate worksheet (preferred) or separate excel document.
Defect Priority
Fall 05
Sum 05
Priority
Priority 0
58
82
Priority 1
213
99
Priority 2
263
139
Priority 3
193
102
Priority 4
22
4
Priority N/A
146
114
Total
895
540
Defect Severity
Fall 05
Sum 05
Severity
0
20
22
1
192
120
2
357
176
3
203
127
N/A
123
95
895
540
Defect Exposure
Fall 05
Sum 05
Exposure
LI
25
17
HVCG
160
76
LNFU
348
194
LIDB
154
96
VUS
101
59
Blank
107
98
895
540
Defect Resolution by Application Champion
Fall 05
Summer 05
Champion
Fixed
Def/WNF
Other
Total
Champion
Fixed
Def/WNF
Other
Total
Smith 23
3
0
3
6
jones1
0
2
2
4
Smith 24
12
1
5
18
jones2
1
0
0
1
Smith 18
0
1
2
3
jones3
6
6
16
28
Smith 25
1
1
2
4
jones4
15
3
8
26
Smith 26
21
4
18
43
jones5
7
6
4
17
Smith 27
24
12
6
42
jones
14
3
11
28
Smith 28
9
1
12
22
jones
8
10
45
63
Smith 29
1
4
12
17
Jone
0
5
3
8
Smith 21
8
11
4
23
jones
13
1
3
17
Smith 30
11
7
7
25
jonesa
1
6
0
7
Smith 31
16
9
19
44
jones
1
5
5
11
Smith 32
3
2
19
24
jones
8
2
1
11
Smith 33
2
1
7
10
Smith 19
1
0
1
2
Smith 5
19
2
13
34
jones
4
1
1
6
Smith 19
20
2
1
23
jones
13
3
17
33
Smith 20
3
2
3
8
jones
26
7
16
49
Smith 34
6
8
20
34
jones
9
2
2
13
Smith 35
5
0
3
8
jones
0
2
1
3
Smith 12
11
4
13
27
jones
71
10
25
106
Smith 14
4
18
14
36
jones
3
3
6
10
Smith 10
49
32
58
139
Winter
4
5
2
11
Smith 36
2
1
2
5
jones
1
40
22
63
Smith 3
42
23
38
103
jones
7
7
6
20
Smith 37
27
11
17
53
Smith 9
4
4
9
17
Smith 13
13
20
35
68
Smith 15
9
35
4
48
Defect Resolution by Module (First Level Applications on FI BOM Should be Included)
Application
Sev 0
Sev 1
Sev 2
Sev 3
N/A
Total
P = 0
P = 1
P = 2
P = 3
P = 4
P = N/A
Total
All resolutions - Fall 2005 - Top Ten
HDD Kick Tool
0
29
34
12
14
89
0
34
21
18
2
14
89
NB Hardware
0
18
26
2
10
56
0
14
19
10
3
10
56
Other
VAIO
0
2
7
29
4
42
0
2
6
30
0
4
42
Registration
VAIO Support
8
0
11
18
2
39
12
0
6
18
0
3
39
Central
Desktop
0
16
10
2
2
30
1
15
10
2
0
2
30
Hardware Other
Sony Changer
3
6
14
7
0
30
3
7
14
6
0
0
30
S/W
Finger Print PS
0
2
19
5
1
27
0
0
15
9
1
2
27
IE Remote
0
11
8
6
0
25
0
11
12
2
0
0
25
Control
Extension
Kansas
0
5
10
10
0
25
25
0
0
0
0
0
25
Emerald/Kansas
SmartWi
1
2
6
7
8
24
1
2
9
4
0
8
24
Connection
Utility
All resolutions - Summer 2005 - Top Ten
HDD Kick Tool
0
46
45
14
6
111
23
32
39
9
0
8
111
VAIO Control
0
2
18
13
10
43
1
7
11
11
1
12
43
Central
VAIO Central
12
0
9
5
6
32
24
0
0
1
0
7
32
Beta
Connection
1
0
2
21
4
28
0
0
12
9
1
6
28
Manager
SmartWi
0
0
1
16
9
26
0
1
3
12
0
10
26
Connection
Utility
Emerald Beta
1
7
5
3
3
19
14
0
0
2
0
3
19
VAIO
0
0
5
5
4
14
0
1
1
8
0
4
14
Registration
Intel Graphics
0
2
3
3
5
13
0
2
4
2
0
5
13
Windows Media
0
2
4
2
3
11
0
2
2
4
0
3
11
Center
AOL
0
5
1
1
2
9
0
3
2
2
0
2
9
Ton Ten Deferred/Will Not Fix Defects
Application
Sev 0
Sev 1
Sev 2
Sev 3
N/A
Total
Top Ten Deferred/Will Not Fix Fall 2005
VAIO Registration
0
0
4
27
0
31
HDD Kick Tool
0
1
10
9
0
20
VAIO Support Central
0
0
5
13
0
18
Windows MCE
0
0
4
8
0
12
Notebook Hardware Other
0
1
8
2
0
11
Sony Changer S/W
0
1
4
4
0
9
Fingerprint Protection Suite
0
0
3
3
0
6
Intel 915G Graphics
0
0
4
2
0
6
MOD-Wireless Connection
0
0
1
5
0
6
Utility
Libertas 802.11bg Wireless
0
1
0
4
0
5
Top Ten Deferred/Will Not Fix Summer 2005
Connection Manager
0
0
2
18
0
20
SmartWi Connection Utility
0
0
0
15
0
15
HDD Kick Tool
0
3
6
1
0
10
Emerald Beta
1
0
1
2
2
6
VAIO Registration
0
0
2
4
0
6
Intel Graphics
0
0
2
3
0
5
VAIO Control Center
0
0
2
3
0
5
Windows MCE
0
0
3
2
0
5
AOL
0
2
1
1
0
4
VAIO Central Beta
1
0
2
0
0
3
13.6.23 RPT-23: Build Count
FI
Recovery
Project
OS
Builds
Media Builds
Horizon2
MCE
4
1
Horizon2
HE
2
2
Mare4/Viento4
HE
4
4
Spirit2
HE
3
3
Spirit2
PR
3
3
JediH2
HE
2
3
LeonS2
HE
2
2
LeonS2
PR
2
2
Horizon2
LA
2
2
HE
Viento
LA
2
2
HE
Horizon2
PR
2
2
Spirit2
LA
4
2
HE
Spirit2
LA
4
2
PR
LeonS2
LA
2
2
HE
LeonS2
LA
2
3
PR
Spirit2
FC
2
2
HE
Aroma3
HE
4
5
Aroma3
PR
3
5
Aroma3
LA
2
2
PR
Hogwarts4
MCE
4
4
Hogwarts4
LA
2
1
HE
While the particular SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SOFTWARE INTEGRATION AND FACTORY DEPLOYMENT is herein shown and described in detail, it is to be understood that the subject matter which is encompassed by the present invention is limited only by the claims.
Claims
1. A method for managing computer production in an enterprise, comprising:
receiving a block of software offerings, each block being associated with at least one product series;
receiving a product series component structure defining parts for a respective product series;
adding parts required for a product series to the block associated with the series, parts being assigned to each software class and related software specification pair in a block based on the part or parts required for the pair to thereby define a design structure;
storing the data structure on a tangible computer readable medium; and
establishing a software bill of materials (BOM) on the computer readable medium based on the design structure using at least one of: a template and/or a snapshot; and
accessing the computer readable medium to provide software on a computer.
defining software offerings, a software offering including at least one software class and at least one associated software specification;
associating at least one software offering with at least one product series in a plurality of series to establish a configuration, configurations cumulatively defining a configuration range that contains product offerings of the enterprise for all regions in which the enterprise does business; and
grouping classes into blocks, a block being associated with at least one product series.
3. The method of claim 2, comprising defining which classes are dependent on each other.
4. The method of claim 3, comprising defining which blocks are base blocks.
5-8. (canceled)
9. A software management database on a computer readable medium, the database containing:
data structures supporting computer software provisioning for a range of CTO/BTO variations, language variations, region variations, and operating system variations.
bill of materials (BUM) entities, each BOM entity containing information related to parent BOMs and child BOMs, if any, each BOM entity also including at least one engineering part ID, at least one software release ID, at least one major version ID, at least one group ID, at least one component ID, at least one planning parts ID, and at least one software series ID; and
at least one plan parts entity including launch dates for software base releases, import dates for software bases indicating when the bases were imported into computers, identifications for software bases.
11. The database of claim 10, comprising at least one components entity including launch dates for software base releases, import dates for software bases, identifications for software bases.
12. The database of claim 11, comprising at least one software release entity containing a base ID, a name, a file path, a launch date.
13. The database of claim 12, comprising at least one software release status entity including data representing status and name of a software release.
14. The database of claim 13, comprising at least one group entity containing data representing a name and launch of a type.
15. The database of claim 14, comprising at least one series entity containing a software series ID, base ID, name, an indication of being active, a launch date, an import date.
16. The database of claim 15, comprising at least one engineering parts entity containing an engineering part ID, a base ID, a type ID, a name, a launch date, and indication of dependent parts.
17. The database of claim 16, comprising at least one engineering parts major revision entity containing information related to default use.
18. The database of claim 17, comprising at least one engineering part software release entity containing information on a related engineering part entity, a related engineering parts major revision entity, a related language code entity.
19. The database of claim 18, comprising at least one language entity containing information related to a language name and a language code.
20. A computer-implemented system for creating bills of materials (BOMs), comprising logic executable by a computer and stored on a computer readable medium, the logic:
facilitating creation of BOMs using templates and/or snapshots.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein BOMs are automatically generated based on part attributes and groups of parts, major versions, and releases.
22. The system of claim, wherein the logic automatically checks BOMs to reduce errors.
23. A computer system executing logic stored on a computer readable medium, the computer system:
entering, into a first database, first software data, the first software data including operating systems and configure to order/build to order (CTO/BTO) options;
transferring at least some of the first software data in the first database to a comprehensive global database; and
automatically adding to a bill of materials (BOM) through the comprehensive global database second software data, the second software data including one or more of operating system updates, device drivers, utilities.
24. The system of claim 23, wherein software along with metadata that describes the software is checked into the comprehensive global database by users.
25. The system of claim 24, wherein the BOM for a specific series/language/region is frozen/locked and the process to create factory deliverables including software image, software modules, and data) is then begun.
26. The system of claim 25, wherein factory deliverables derived from the comprehensive global database are tested and validated to meet quality standards, the factory deliverables, and metadata that describes them, then being delivered to a factory to be used in mass production.
27. The system of claim 26, wherein the comprehensive global database supports software variations in CTO/BTO, language, region, and OS, the comprehensive global database facilitating the creation of CTO systems, based on individual customer orders, in a mass production process with every piece of software preinstalled and ready to use.
28. The system of claim 28, wherein the comprehensive global database facilitates automatically mapping hardware components to software releases.
29. The system of claim 28, wherein the comprehensive global database facilitates specifying language and geographic region for each software release at the time of software check-in, with a correct release being assigned to each BOM automatically.
30. The system of claim 29, wherein the comprehensive global database facilitates creation of BOMs using templates and snapshots for efficiency, the BOMs being automatically generated based on part attributes, groups of parts, major versions, and releases.
31. The system of claim 29, wherein the comprehensive global database facilitates automatic checking of BOMs to reduce errors.
32. The system of claim 29, wherein the comprehensive global database facilitates use of a list of software releases directly instead of microcode, with microcode bit mappings being constrained to each recovery media set that is defined.
