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Developing Internet-based integrated architecture for managing globally distributed software development projects

Given the increasing importance of globally distributed software development (GDSD) over the last decade, it is surprising that empirical research in this area is still in the very early stage. The few existing studies report that due to various gaps or distances between different sites, traditional coordination and control mechanisms usually become less effective in dispersed projects. They further suggest that traditional mechanisms can be effective for these projects only with support from appropriate information technology. However, at present, little is known about the success of current Information and Communication Technology (ICT) support in the context of GDSD projects. Hence, the main question this research addresses is what ICT-based support is appropriate for globally distributed software development projects? The objectives of this research therefore are to elicit and develop the functional requirements for ICT support for GDSD projects, to analyze the gap between existing tools and these requirements, and to develop and test an Internet-based integrated architecture of tools that would fill these gaps. The paper discusses motivation for conducting this research and elaborates on research questions. It presents the research model and methodology we intend to follow. Furthermore, it summarizes theoretical developments and initial review of tools currently available in this area, and presents initial results of first phase of the study as a model of GDSD Environment. This model defines categories of functional requirements for tools for support the managing of GDSD projects.