1.1 Network Overview

A ClearCase administrator has three principal concerns:

• ClearCase hosts. ClearCase LT can be installed and used on any number of hosts in a network. ClearCase LT includes two types of hosts: ClearCase LT clients that provide desktop platforms for software developers, and a ClearCase LT server that manages client access to critical ClearCase data. ClearCase LT supports any combination of UNIX and Windows clients accessing a UNIX or Windows server. Any UNIX or Windows computer can be a ClearCase LT server or client. Windows Me and Windows 98 computers can only be ClearCase LT clients.

• ClearCase data storage. ClearCase data is stored in versioned object bases (VOBs) and views, which are managed by the ClearCase LT server.

For many organizations, the set of all VOBs constitutes a central data repository, which you may need to administer as a unit. Most views are created and used by individuals; however, it is likely that one or more shared views will be created, requiring some central administration.

• ClearCase users. ClearCase LT users are identified by the user name and group memberships established when they log on to either UNIX or Windows. Any number of people can use ClearCase LT on any number of hosts; the floating license scheme limits the number of concurrent users, but not the number of hosts. ClearCase LT node-locked licenses (Windows only) limit use of ClearCase features to hosts that are licensed.