You can exchange requirements data with other databases
using the standard Requirements Interchange Formats. Rational® DOORS® supports
two Requirements Interchange Formats: ReqIF and RIF.
The first standard that is used is RIF version 1.2, which was introduced
in Rational DOORS version 9.2.0.1. Typically, you use RIF
to send data for editing and return to another Rational DOORS database.
A second standard that is called ReqIF version 1.0 was introduced
in Rational DOORS version 9.4. ReqIF version 1.1 was introduced
in Rational DOORS version 9.5.2 and is fully compatible
with ReqIF version 1.0. ReqIF is an evolution of the original RIF
standard, and is governed by the Object Management Group (
OMG).
Typically, you use ReqIF to send Rational DOORS data for editing and return
to:
- A Rational DOORS Next Generation database
- A version 9.4 and after Rational DOORS database
The main difference between the two standards is the format of
the XML file that is created when you export the requirements data.
However, Rational DOORS supports the two standards
seamlessly, and working with two standards has a minimal effect on
the tasks you perform when you are exchanging requirements data. The
only impact that it has on your day-to-day work is when you send requirements
from Rational DOORS, you must specify whether it is a ReqIF
file or a RIF file. Apart from that, your procedures are the same
whether you are dealing with ReqIF files or RIF files.
This table shows the version of ReqIF or RIF to use when you are
exchanging data between two Rational DOORS databases.
Table 1. RIF
and ReqIF compatibility tableOriginating database |
Target database |
ReqIF or RIF |
Versions before 9.2.0.1 |
Versions before 9.2.0.1 |
None |
9.2.x after 9.2.0.1 |
9.x after 9.2.0.1 |
RIF |
9.3.x |
9.x after 9.2.0.1 |
RIF |
9.4.x |
9.2.x after 9.2.0.1 and 9.3.x |
RIF |
9.4.x |
9.4.x and 9.5.x |
ReqIF |
9.5.x |
9.2.x after 9.2.0.1 and 9.3.x |
RIF |
9.5.x |
9.4.x and 9.5.x |
ReqIF |
After the exported data has been edited by the third party, it
is returned to the originating Rational DOORS database, and, if appropriate,
merged with the original data. Returning the data and merging it is
a two-step process.
How you use the function depends on whether you are:
- The originating database, sending the data to a third-party, and
then receiving updated data back from them
- The third party, receiving the data, and then editing and returning
it to the originating database