Process Templates and Tools FAQ
What is a process template?
A process template is a collection of files that together define the various process elements of a team project on a Team Foundation Server. When a team project is created with Visual Studio Team System, a process template is chosen to configure default classifications (areas and iterations), default security groups and permissions, work item types and default work items, queries, reports, version control settings and portal content, including process guidance.
What process templates are available for Visual Studio Team System?
Microsoft provides two process templates: MSF for Agile Software Development and MSF for CMMI Process Improvement. In addition, partner organizations provide processes including SCRUM, FDD and EUP for Visual Studio Team System. Visit the Process Templates page for more information on process templates.
Check the Microsoft Partner Process Templates page for more information on process templates and tools available from partners for use with Visual Studio Team System.
Where can I download these process templates?
MSF for Agile Software Development Process Template v4.1
MSF Process Templates for CMMI Process Improvement - v4.1
What is the relationship between process templates and Visual Studio Team System?
Visual Studio Team System is an integrated application lifecycle management tool that enacts processes such as MSF for Agile Software Development and MSF for CMMI Process Improvement. Visual Studio Team System and Team Foundation Server provide integration by means of work item tracking, reports and queries based on project data, and a project portal.
Do I have to use these processes as is?
No. You can use these process templates and guidance as is, or customize them to meet your team’s needs. You can also use these templates as a baseline to create your own process.
How do I customize process templates?
Process Editor, recently shipped as part of Team Foundation Server Power Tools, provides a visual tool to edit process guidance and work items. Click here to read more about this tool and download. Watch the MSDN Webcast Using Visual Studio Team System Process Editor to get an overview of this tool including a demonstration.
Once I’ve started my project, can I still modify my process?
Yes. Using the Process Editor in live mode allows you to change the configuration of an existing team project. However, changes you make in live mode will only affect one specific team project. The underlying process template upon which the project was created, as well as other team projects based on the same process template, will remain unchanged.
Once I’ve modified my process on a project, can I use it on later projects?
Currently, you would do this by using the Process Editor in offline mode to make the changes to a process template.
Can I switch process templates, after I start my team project?
No, once the team project is created, the process elements have been defined based on the selected process template.
See the MSDN Forum posting on this topic for more information.
What are the reports included with process templates?
You can find the list of reports included in each of the Microsoft-provided process template, in the process guidance under Index, then selecting Reports.
You can also view the list of reports in a team project by opening Visual Studio Team system, selecting the Team Explorer window, expanding your project, and selecting the Reports node.
Is there a community where I can ask technical questions on process templates?
Yes. Please visit the Visual Studio Team System—Microsoft Solutions Framework (MSF) Forum.
MSF for Agile Software Development
What is MSF for Agile Software Development?
MSF for Agile Software Development is an agile software engineering process that incorporates key ideas from the Agile software movement, along with principles and practices from the Microsoft Solution Framework. It is designed to help teams achieve a high degree of success on their software engineering projects while using Visual Studio Team System.
MSF for CMMI Process Improvement
What is MSF for CMMI Process Improvement?
MSF for CMMI Process Improvement is the first iterative CMMI process, which provides process guidance and support, designed to accelerate the achievement of CMMI level 3 certification. It is fully integrated with Visual Studio Team System to drive predictability into the development process and increase the productivity of the software development team.
If an organization uses MSF for CMMI Process Improvement, will that organization obtain CMMI level 3 certification?
MSF for CMMI Process Improvement in Visual Studio Team System addresses the needs of CMMI level 3 certification; however an organization still needs to go through the appraisal process to achieve the formal certification.