How HCL VersionVault Works – Directory Versioning

Last month, I discussed a webinar about HCL VersionVault – HCL VersionVault Delivers Version Control and More. This webinar introduced the HCL VersionVault product. This post will discuss a new video entitled “How HCL VersionVault Works – Directory Versioning.”

To recap, VersionVault delivers a lot of capabilities to the software development process. These include:

• Version control software
• Enterprise class (unlimited scalability and the ability to handle very complex structures)
• Easy to use with a built-in configuration management process
• Good for regulated industries thanks to built-in authoritative auditing capabilities
• Reduces time for embedded system development
• Can synchronize design among a globally disparate development team

Also discussed during the webinar was the virtual file system and the benefits that technology delivered. Recently, HCL has released a new video that digs into aspects of the file system inside VersionVault. While this kind of detail isn’t for everyone, I find it refreshing that HCL is providing this level of insight into how their product works.

Successful deployment of any enterprise tool requires a broad spectrum of participation and stakeholders. An easy to use product that is supported by good training and documentation is a necessary condition for success. If the product solves a well-known problem in an efficient way (from the user’s perspective) that helps a lot with adoption. For all this to work, there needs to be a broader infrastructure and stakeholder list, however.

Typically, power users will lead the way to adoption and others will follow. These users are supported by the development team and typically require insights into how the tool works that go well beyond what an average user would care about. The recent video on how directory versioning works in VersionVault provides the kind of insights these users will need. I was encouraged to see HCL deliver these details, I’m sure it will help with the adoption process.

The video isn’t done in a typical webinar format. It is presented by Pieter Gosselink, senior technical support engineer at HCL Technologies. Peter is behind a clear glass. He uses this surface as a white board to illustrate his points. It’s a clever way to deliver the content since you get to see both the speaker and the annotation on the full screen. It does require Peter to write backwards, which is impressive.

Peter’s video is short (~ 5 minutes), so if you have interest in learning about the inner workings of VersionVault I encourage you to watch it. Here are some of the basics to whet your appetite:

• The VersionVault file system is based on a combination of directories and file elements organized in a tree-like structure
• Like file elements, directories can have versions
• The first version of a directory is empty
• It should be noted that files get their names from data in the directory elements. This is how Unix works we well
• When a directory version is populated, each file will be represented by a record number and file name (the record number is part of the file element as well)

Peter goes on to explain how versioning of directories is implemented and how those structures track the files associated with each directory version, ensuring all data is accounted for under all circumstances.

You can watch the video, “HCL VersionVault Works – Directory Versioning” here. If you’d like to watch the webinar on the product, you can access the replay of Introducing HCL VersionVault here. You can also learn more about HCL VersionVault here.

About HCL Technologies

HCL Technologies (HCL) empowers global enterprises with technology for the next decade today. HCL’s Mode 1-2-3 strategy through its deep-domain industry expertise, customer-centricity and entrepreneurial culture of ideapreneurship™ enables businesses transform into next-gen enterprises.

HCL offers its services and products through three business units – IT and Business Services (ITBS), Engineering and R&D Services (ERS) and Products & Platforms (P&P). ITBS enables global enterprises to transform their businesses through offerings in areas of Applications, Infrastructure, Digital Process Operations and next generational digital transformation solutions. ERS offers engineering services and solutions in all aspects of product development and platform engineering while under P&P, HCL provides modernized software products to global clients for their technology and industry specific requirements. Through its cutting-edge co-innovation labs, global delivery capabilities and broad global network, HCL delivers holistic services in various industry verticals, categorized under Financial Services, Manufacturing, Technology & Services, Telecom & Media, Retail & CPG, Life Sciences & Healthcare and Public Services.

As a leading global technology company, HCL takes pride in its diversity, social responsibility, sustainability and education initiatives. As of 12 months ended June 30, 2020, HCL has a consolidated revenue of US $ 9.93 billion and its 150,287 ideapreneurs operate out of 49 countries. For more information, visit https://www.hcltech.com/