This paper discusses a global environment for support of distributed concurrent software development with an emphasis on sharing design information. There are many issues to be resolved in global software development such as communication gaps between distributed sites, guaranteed access to the latest information and specification and design resources, accurate and flexible coordination of project tasks, and a work environment that is independent of the infrastructure at the sites. The mechanism whereby concurrent development and concurrent workflow management are synchronized should be the key point. We propose our approach to sharing design information with respect to the above issues. We adopt Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) the international standard for document description and exchange of electronic documents, as our design document standard. We introduce a sophisticated document management system to support information sharing, and many information-sharing applications that can be effectively realized by using the features of SGML.

AYUMI, a mechanism that improves software quality and productivity and by which the development process is refined, is described. A series of methods which span activities from data evaluation to the feedback of findings has been developed. This methodology has approximately 100 evaluation items, including both quantitative and qualitative types. These items are categorized into about 40 groups and scored on a scale from one to five. The evaluation results are compiled into tables and reported to the project team. Work in the field is monitored, and feedback improves the development process. The operation of AYUMI is described, and some possible applications are discussed.>