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For development teams needing concurrent access to project files, open source Subversion (SVN) systems offer integrated file sharing of source codes and other project resources. SVN is, in many ways, taking the place of common CVS, as it provides programmers with a complete history tree of modifications and tweaks. It allows multiple users to work independently on a project, upload their work and have the coding integrated into the whole while retaining the original coding. This is a valuable tool when pinpointing code revisions. Subversion also does a preliminary code review making sure that the components can be integrated seamlessly. SVN is organized into repositories where the original coding is stored. Programmers then access the repository for their project and their coding is integrated into the program automatically, or manually if the system is unclear about an operation. In-house Subversion system hosting can be time consuming to set-up and control. It drains programming resources (of the developers as they fashion the SVN system to integrate with the company's current resources. However, remote access to repositories can be just as easily accomplished by outsourcing the Subversion system to hosting companies. When considering SVN hosting options there are a few points to consider. Subversion systems generally use far less memory than a CVS system, however, there is still a significant server commitment. Outsourcing SVN hosting to other companies frees up in-house server space, which is one of the top reasons why companies choose to outsource their Subversion system hosting. Subversion repositories can be easily accessed remotely through the hosting site where they are stored. As the system is continually journaling changes made to the working tables, an in-house system crash or catastrophe does little to impede the work being completed through the remote SVN system. Unlike many in-house systems, many SVN hosting companies also have multiple layers of security access and power failure safeguards to protect work from being disrupted. A reputable Subversion hosting company will have not only programming safeguards on their systems, but physical precautions to guard the actual hardware. Some subversion hosting companies offer full integration with other development tools. This allows programmers to completely manage ongoing projects through one system instead of bouncing from platform to platform. In addition to other development tools, many fully developed Subversion hosting companies offer tools to assist in source code importing. This takes the burden off of the programming team and allows them to concentrate on the project at hand. One of the major drawbacks of outside hosting of SVN systems, is that it draws the company's intellectual work out of the company itself and places it in the proverbial hands of a third-party vendor. Researching the history and brand of the hosting company being considered should be an essential step before the transfer of proprietary information begins. Although some Subversion hosting companies offer free services for repository storage and remote access, the proven up-time and security track record of a fully integrated hosting company will most often be the safer choice. Subversion hosting is a perfect option for small companies who lack the infrastructure to support large collaborative projects. Large companies with multiple programmers working on numerous projects can also see the benefits of having their Subversion systems hosted elsewhere. Outsourcing the hosting frees up internal memory and keeps the developers focused on the projects at hand, as opposed to, developing the SVN system internally. A thorough check of a Subversion hosting company is a must before placing proprietary information on another server. The effort in researching is rewarded with the peace of mind in knowing that intellectual property is thoroughly safeguarded both online and off. About the Author She is a software developer who has worked with many SVN systems and finds subversion hosting to be an ideal tool for team collaboration.
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