IBM Rational ClearCase Reviews

Vendor: IBM

3.2 out of 5

6 reviews
66% willing to recommend

556 followers

What is IBM Rational ClearCase?

IBM Rational ClearCase is an enterprise-grade configuration management system that provides controlled access to software assets, including requirements, design documents, models, test plans and test results. It be can be integrated with other IBM solutions, including IBM Rational Team Concert, IBM Rational ClearQuest, IBM Rational Asset Manager and IBM Rational Application Developer for WebSphere Software.

Get the Software Configuration Management Buyer's Guide and find out what your peers are saying about IBM Rational ClearCase, Endevor, IBM Engineering Workflow Management and more!

IBM Rational ClearCase is the #5 ranked solution in top Software Configuration Management solutions and #8 ranked solution in top Version Control solutions. PeerSpot users give IBM Rational ClearCase an average rating of 6.4 out of 10. IBM Rational ClearCase is most commonly compared to Endevor: IBM Rational ClearCase vs Endevor. IBM Rational ClearCase is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 75% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a manufacturing company, accounting for 29% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

Software Configuration Management

January 2025

Get the category report

Helped 832,138 peers since 2012

Featured reviews

Yong Seok Kang

Technical Consultant at MTRiver Consulting

I would recommend IBM Rational ClearCase based on customer requirements. Ultimately, the decision should be based on individual circumstances and budget considerations. Some organizations have transitioned away from the tool due to its slow performance and high costs, opting for more powerful systems. I rate it a six out of ten.

Read full review

Daniel Antonio Jimenez Quintana

IT Systems Architect at Banco Ripley

We are using IBM Rational ClearCase in Peru at two large banks for a code repository. However, it is not meant to be used as a repository I have found it very difficult to understand many functionalities in IBM Rational ClearCase. We have had many problems and it is not user-friendly. I have…

Read full review

it_user589917

CEO at DrAlex Software

Rational ClearCase is a tool for software configuration management (SCM). Once it hit the market in early 1990s, it was a revolutionary tool. One of the most remarkable features were dynamic views, which enabled viewing different versions of a product without downloading the files to the developer's computer. Since then, ClearCase powers software development in many large- and medium-size enterprises. However, since IBM purchased Rational in 2003, development of new features slowed down, and the new generation of developers switched to new tools, like Git. Recently, IBM entered into a partnership with HCL, which hopefully will bring about development of new ClearCase features. Let's wait and see...

Read full review

IBM Rational ClearCase mindshare

Product category:

As of February 2025, the mindshare of IBM Rational ClearCase in the Software Configuration Management category stands at 8.0%, up from 7.2% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Software Configuration Management

Key learnings from peers

Valuable Features

IBM Rational ClearCase's most valuable features include robust version control, seamless integration with various IDEs, and reliable support for complex configuration management. Users appreciate its ability to handle large codebases and multiple file types effectively. The tool's branching and merging capabilities are also highlighted as key strengths, enabling teams to collaborate efficiently. Furthermore, its automated build and deployment processes contribute significantly to streamlined development workflows.

"The tool had features similar to Git for version control. It offered branching and merging capabilities, providing better control over code management. Integration was possible with other tools, including some change management tools. The overall process was normal."
"IBM Rational ClearCase is a stable solution. I have not had any difficulty with reliability."
"ClearCase integrates well with other engineering tools and frameworks such as the Eclipse environment."

Room for Improvement

IBM Rational ClearCase needs improvement in performance and stability, with some users highlighting frequent crashes. Its complex configuration management process is seen as outdated, impacting efficiency. Some users noted difficulties with integration into modern development environments and found customer support lacking. Others mentioned that the documentation requires enhancements to be more comprehensive.

"The solution's UI is slow compared to other tools. It is an old tool."
"I have found it very difficult to understand many functionalities in IBM Rational ClearCase. We have had many problems and it is not user-friendly."
"The protection needs to be improved."

ROI

Users reported that IBM Rational ClearCase delivered substantial time savings and enhanced efficiency. Streamlined version control processes were frequently highlighted, resulting in reduced overhead costs. Enhanced collaboration capabilities allowed teams to work more effectively. Improved software quality and reduced defects were also commonly noted.

Pricing

IBM Rational ClearCase pricing is tailored to enterprise needs, focusing on large-scale software development environments. Vendors provide customized quotes based on specific organizational requirements. Users often report that it is a high-cost solution, reflecting its comprehensive features and capabilities. Many emphasize that the investment aligns with the robust version control, flexible workflows, and enhanced collaboration it offers. Discounts may be available for long-term commitments or larger user bases.

"IBM Rational ClearCase, like any other IBM tool, is expensive."
"This is a very expensive product."

Popular Use Cases

IBM Rational ClearCase is primarily used for version control and change management in software development. Users report it helps manage source code and documentation efficiently and supports parallel development. It provides a robust system for tracking changes, integrating with other software tools, and managing complex projects. Users appreciate its support for large-scale projects and its ability to handle multiple versions and configurations effectively.

Service and Support

Users often mention IBM Rational ClearCase customer service as responsive and helpful. They appreciate the knowledgeable support staff who assist with technical issues swiftly. Some users find the support satisfactory and professional but note occasional delays. Complex queries sometimes take longer to resolve, but generally, the support team is reliable. Many users value the training and resources provided by IBM Rational ClearCase for troubleshooting and getting the most out of the software.

Deployment

Users mention IBM Rational ClearCase's initial setup is complex and time-consuming. Many find it challenging to configure and deploy, often requiring specialized knowledge. Some note the extensive documentation helps but is not always sufficient. Certain users appreciate the flexibility it provides despite the steep learning curve. Others feel the installation process is outdated compared to modern tools. Initial setup often necessitates significant effort and attention to detail.

Scalability

Users find IBM Rational ClearCase's scalability to be impressive, particularly for large environments. They appreciate its capability to handle extensive collections of files and branches effectively. Some mention that it handles complex project configurations well, though setup might be time-consuming. Performance is noted to be solid, but a few users wish for better speed with massive data. Generally preferred for its robustness in scaling with growing demands.

Stability

IBM Rational ClearCase has stability praised by users who appreciate its reliability during use. They find it robust, capable of handling extensive project management tasks without frequent crashes or downtime. Users acknowledge its performance in maintaining data integrity, even in complex environments. They also note its consistency, highlighting its effectiveness in managing version control and configuration tasks seamlessly.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Software Configuration Management Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.