Product Overview of Plastic SCM
Plastic SCM is a comprehensive Software Configuration Management (SCM) system designed to cater to the needs of software development teams of all sizes. Developed by Codice Software and now part of Unity DevOps, Plastic SCM offers a robust and flexible version control solution that can be deployed both on-premises and in the cloud.
Key Features
Version Control and Branching
Plastic SCM provides advanced version control capabilities, including powerful branching and merging tools. It supports distributed and centralized version control models, allowing teams to work efficiently in various development environments. The system includes features like task branching, diff, and 3-way merge tools, making it ideal for complex software development projects.
Cross-Platform Support
Plastic SCM is highly versatile and supports multiple operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and Unix. This cross-platform compatibility makes it suitable for mixed environments, ensuring seamless integration and collaboration among team members using different operating systems.
Authentication and Access Control
The system offers multiple authentication modes, including Local Users, User and Password (UP), LDAP, and Active Directory integration. This flexibility allows organizations to choose the authentication method that best fits their security and infrastructure requirements. Plastic SCM also provides robust permissions and access control features to manage user and group access to repositories.
Graphical User Interface and Visual Tools
Plastic SCM features an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) that includes a visual branch explorer. This visual interface helps developers navigate and manage branches more effectively, with the ability to customize legends and work with vertical layouts. Additionally, the GUI is particularly beneficial for artists and designers, especially with the Plastic Gluon tool.
Large File Support and Scalability
The system is designed to handle large files and big binaries without size limits, making it suitable for projects involving extensive media files. Plastic SCM’s scalability is enhanced by its ability to work on cloud infrastructure, allowing for horizontal scaling by adding more roles (computers) as needed.
Integration and Compatibility
Plastic SCM integrates well with various tools and services, including Git services, allowing it to act as a GitServer. It also supports integration with CI/CD tools and offers plugins for Unity3D, enhancing its utility in diverse development environments.
Cloud and On-Premises Options
Plastic SCM offers both cloud-hosted and on-premises deployment options. The Plastic Cloud Edition is a multi-tenant, highly scalable solution that eliminates the need for server setup and maintenance, while the on-premises option provides high scalability and flexibility for organizations preferring local control.
Additional Features
- Code Review: Facilitates peer review and feedback on code changes.
- Semantic Merge: A powerful merge engine that handles complex merge scenarios.
- Task and Issue Tracking Integration: Integrates with task and issue tracking systems.
- Shelving: Allows temporary storage of changes without committing them.
- Replication: Supports replication for distributed development.
- History and Audit: Provides detailed history and audit trails for changes.
- Workspace Management: Manages workspaces efficiently to ensure consistent development environments.
Pricing and Plans
Plastic SCM offers various pricing plans to suit different needs:
- Free (Community Edition): Includes 5 GB cloud storage, support for up to 15 users, and basic features.
- Cloud Edition: $6.95/month, includes cloud hosting and basic features.
- Team Edition: $9.95/month, adds remote connection, on-premises server, and additional features.
- Enterprise Edition: $23.25/user/month, includes advanced features like LDAP/Active Directory integration, proxy server, and high-latency network support.
In summary, Plastic SCM is a powerful and flexible version control system that caters to the diverse needs of software development teams. Its robust features, scalability, and integration capabilities make it an excellent choice for organizations seeking a reliable and efficient SCM solution.