There are standard Requirements Interchange Formats that
allow you to exchange requirements data with other databases. Rational® DOORS® supports two Requirements Interchange
Formats: RIF and ReqIF.
The first standard used in Rational DOORS 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 called ReqIF
version 1.0 was introduced in Rational DOORS version 9.4. 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 exchanging requirements data. The only
impact it has on your day-to-day work is when you send requirements
from Rational DOORS, you must specify whether it is a RIF
file or a ReqIF file. Apart from that, your procedures are exactly
the same whether you are dealing with RIF files or ReqIF files.
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 functionality 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