Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

General Questions about objectiF RPM

What are the system requirements for objectiF RPM?

objectiF RPM is based on client/server architecture which means that there are software and hardware requirements for the clients and the server. Project participants can access the system with their browsers. Details about the system requirements can be found here.

Which interfaces does objectiF RPM offer?

objectiF RPM features a ReqIF interface with which you can import requirements from other tools. You can also export data via the ReqIF interface. You can import data from MS Excel and export them in MS Excel format. And a JIRA import and exports works, too. Documents can be generated as MS Word files with objectiF RPM. You can manage many different file formats in objectiF RPM. Additionally the XMI format allows you to quickly export and import project data with an integrated conflict recognition and conflict solution. And a REST API is offered over the web service, with which you can read, create and edit datas.

How much does objectiF RPM cost?

objectiF RPM is available in two versions. You can buy it as a client/server solution or you can rent it on a monthly basis as software as a service. If you choose to purchase the product you will require a client access license and a server license to run it. The rental option requires an Amazon Web Services account as well as a monthly objectiF RPM license. We would be happy to advise you on this. Request your individual offer here.

Is objectiF RPM available as Software as a Service?

It is possible to run objectiF RPM in the cloud, for example via Amazon Web Services or Microsoft Azure Cloud Services. Therefore, you need an account with the respective cloud provider, as well as a separate agreement with microTOOL for licensing objectiF RPM on a monthly basis. With common cloud providers, you can decide where your system is operated physically, via so-called Availability Zones. These providers offer Availability Zones in Germany and other European countries, which comply with the respective locally applicable basic data protection regulations.

How long is the term of use for the software as a service?

When you choose Software as a Service then you are deciding to run objectiF RPM under Amazon Web Services and to use the product on a monthly basis in accordance with the number of licenses obtained. The licensing of objectiF RPM is rented. The rental of the agreed upon licensing quantity will automatically be extended by a month if no cancellation is initiated within 3 days of the end of the rental period.

To cancel your rental period all you need to do is send an email to [email protected] or a fax to +49 (30) 46447 14. The agreement with Amazon must be started and ended separately.

Can we run objectiF RPM in our own cloud?

Yes, you can run objectiF RPM in your own cloud as long as you buy objectiF RPM licenses. An alternative Software as a Service offer by microTOOL is currently not being planned.

How can I buy more licenses?

Of course you can purchase additional licenses. You may need an objectiF RPM server license depending on the number of licenses you previously purchased. If you need a new server license because of the increased client licenses, we will consider the server license price you paid in the past. In other words, you only pay for the additional new licenses and the difference in price between the future and the present server license. You can also increase licenses in the Software as a Service arrangement.

What does a maintenance agreement include?

As part of our technical support we offer you maintenance services for both the installation as well as the running of objectiF RPM. We generally release two new objectiF RPM versions every year that you, as a maintenance license holder, will also receive. And as an objectiF RPM user you can actively influence the further development of our products. Tell us what your requirements are. Let us know if you are interested in the maintenance of your objectiF RPM licenses. We’d be happy to call you back.

The maintenance is already included in the software as a service package. Updates are given to your designated administrator as MSI or MSP files. If you have questions about using the cloud just let us know, we’ll call you back.

Where can I find instructions and manuals for objectiF RPM?

There are several points at which you can find instructions, help and manuals for objectiF RPM. Once you have started objectiF RPM you will find helpful information under “help” as well as instructions and descriptions. In the download center online you will find a number of documents such as “first steps”, “update database” or “conduct search”. There you will find tips for installing or creating an Amazon Web Services account. Beyond that you will find additional information on the microTOOL blog.

Can I get additional information about individual diagrams?

Yes, here:

What is the system context?
What is a goal diagram?
What is a requirements diagram? What is a block diagram?
What are use cases for?
What is a class diagram?
How does use case 2.0 work?
What is a stakeholder?

More information can be found at our Knowledge Base.

Where do I find changelogs for the individual objectiF RPM versions?

The changelogs for individual objectiF RPM versions can be found at support.

How can I find out more about objectiF RPM?

If you are interested in objectiF RPM there are a number of ways to find out more about it:

You can register for a free trial – this test allows you to see an example system as well as documentation and individualized exercises. You can plan and manage your own projects online in the test version. And you can do that together with your team by inviting more participants to your test.
You can also register for a free objectiF RPM webinar. They take place regularly and they provide you with a general overview of the software and its possibilities. Questions are more than welcome in the webinars.
You can test objectiF RPM as Software as a Service with 4 users and free of charge for a month. Simply get in touch with us and we will call you back.
You can schedule an individual test or an individual presentation. We’ll call you back.
You can also attend one of our events and allow us to show you the software. More information about our events can be found here.

Who are typical objectiF RPM clients?

objectiF RPM is used in various industries, in companies of all sizes. Businesses use objectiF RPM for application lifecycle management, requirements engineering and visual applications with UML and SysML, for capturing and managing requirements, for requirements analyses and documentation, for agile, hybrid or classical projects, as backlog management and in decentralized, scalable teams.

Do I require training in order to use objectiF RPM?

We offer training in order to help you get going faster with objectiF RPM. Using the available documentation and the example systems you will be able to work out how to use the system on your own. With our support however you will be able to get to your goal faster and you’ll be able to get the most out of the software. The exact content of the training program will depend on your concrete situation. We would be happy to discuss with you what the ideal approach for you would be. Information about objectiF RPM training programs can be found here.

Do I need methodological knowledge to use objectiF RPM?

Yes, you require methodological knowledge to use objectiF RPM. You do not need any certificates – microTOOL also offers courses to become a CPRE Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering (German only) – but without methodological knowledge you will not be able to achieve the best possible results with objectiF RPM.

Questions about objectiF RPM Operation

Does the Software as a Service solution also support a “single tenant environment”?

Yes. With the Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) every objectiF RPM client receives their own Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) with their own Windows Server, an MS SQL Server and their own objectiF RPM licenses. The client hardware and systems are therefore physically isolated from the hardware and other clients’ systems.

How do updates work with Software as a Service?

Software updates are sent to your administrator as .MSI or .MSP files.

Do you recommend an Elastic IP for Software as a Service?

Yes, we recommend that you use an Elastic IP because this allows your users to access the system using the same IP address. In your Amazon Web Services account you can navigate to “Elastic IPs” and select “ Allocate new address” and then go to “Network platform EC2-VPC” in the list. You can allocate the selected Elastic IP to your system with the “Associate address” option.

What kind of Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) set-up do you recommend?

The Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) is available in different forms. If you work with a team of up to 5 staff members we recommend using “m4.large” in tandem with the MS SQL Server Express. You will receive 2 CPUs, 1GB RAM and 10 GB data volume. If you work with more than 5 staff members or if you require more data volume we recommend “m4.large” in tandem with a MS SQL Server Standard. This package offers 2 CPUs, 8 GB RAM and unlimited data volume. Basically “m4.large” offers moderate network performance and optimized storage access.

Smaller (and sometimes cheaper) variations are also possible (“t2.medium” or “t2.large”), but the network performance is lower. These variations are offered “only” for MS SQL Server Express. It is always possible to scale to “m4.xlarge”.

What is included in an Amazon Machine Image by microTOOL?

We offer you 4 different Amazon Machine Images, two in German, two in English. The Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) is created by the Amazon Machine Image. Generally every image contains the complete infrastructure required to use objectiF RPM. You can choose between an image with a Windows Server and a MS SQL Server Standard or a Windows Server and a MS SQL Server Express. Every image contains an objectiF RPM server, objectiF RPM clients, a web server and a web client. In addition the following is available: licensing via Wibu, the MS Internet Information Service configured for objectiF RPM, as well as temporary licenses, local certificates and mechanisms for updating logins, URLs and configurations when changing your Virtual Private Cloud.

It is possible to temporarily stop the Amazon web service?

Yes, you can temporarily stop the Amazon web service (or suspend it at night) in order to reduce costs. It is recommended that you set up an Elastic IP so that your users can retain the same IP address and access to your system.

Does microTOOL have access to my system at Amazon Web Services?

No. In order to use Software as a Service you need two separate contracts: one with Amazon Web Services and one with microTOOL. microTOOL does not have access to the system that you run at Amazon Web Services. If you need help setting up a cloud, or activating a license or registering objectiF RPM, you can give our support access by starting a remote desktop connection, creating a new Windows user, making the port available for remote desktop connections (in order to do so set the value to “anywhere” and then send us the Elastic IP with username and password via email from your new account).

How do I use a MS SQL Server license with Software as a Service?

You can use an existing MS SQL Server license with Software as a Service. To this end create an Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) with the MS SQL Server Express and gain access to the objectiF RPM example projects. Then create a backup from the MS SQL Server Express database with which you can reestablish a MS SQL Standard Server. When setting up the security you should activate filesteams. Instructions for installation can be found in the objectiF RPM installation description.

Would you recommend an SSL certificate?

Yes, we recommend an SSL certificate if you want to work with a web client. The SSL certificate allows you to create an encrypted connection between the server and the web client and to transfer sensitive data such as passwords.

You will get a password like verisign, Thawte. It is generally valid for 2 years and is subject to a fee. Alternatively you can create an SSL certificate. This would be free but would be classified as unsafe by your browser which means, depending on your security settings, you will receive a warning.

SSL Zertikat

What should I pay attention to when installing objectiF RPM?

The installation is documented in the objectiF RPM installation description. If you have questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

How do I install an objectiF RPM trial version?

You need to install objectiF RPM to run the trial. The best approach for this is outlined in the “objectiF RPM installation of a test version” description.

What is the easiest way to start out with objectiF RPM?

The answer to this question is different for everyone. We offer the Software as a Service solution as well as example projects in an online test, all of which help explain how to use the software. In addition, the “objectiF RPM – first steps” document describes how you can get started.

How do I install the web client?

You can use many objectiF RPM functions using the web client. Installation instructions are available upon request.

How do I set up the full text search?

The full text search feature in objectiF RPM allows you to find individual elements more quickly. This process is described in the “objectiF RPM – setting up a full text search” document.

Why does objectiF RPM not offer a traceability matrix?

Traceability is one of objectiF RPM’s strengths, yet the tool does not offer a traceability matrix. What does traceability mean and how can it be used to obtain the optimal balance between costs and benefits? We tool provides many answers this question. For more details please get in touch with us.

Questions about the objectiF RPM Trial Edition

What are the system requirements for the objectiF RPM Trial Edition?

How much is the objectiF RPM Trial Edition?

It’s free. There’s no credit card needed, there are no hidden charges. We simply like to show you same features of the software and see if it could help you with your requirements engineering and agile development.

How do I begin?

We recommend that you begin with the 01 – Project Planning. Inside you will find basic information on objectiF RPM, its operation and on the user interface.

How do I log in to my projects?

Please follow the link and instructions provided in the registration e-mail.

Can I set up my own projects?

You can easily create a new project. For this, objectiF RPM offers the two templates “Project Management with RE and Development” and “Digital Transformation with Strategy Analysis”. If you have questions about how to use it, we will be happy to help.

How do I create a new user?

In order to do this proceed as follows:

1. Add the new person(s) to your system.
2. Assign passwords for each.

More details

1. Switch to the User Board.

2. Adjust the user board display settings.

Questions about objectiF RPM: Customize User Board

3. Under Organization, add your organization to the user board by pinning it to the user board.

4. Switch to your organization.

Questions about objectiF RPM: Organization tile

5. Open the Backstage.

6. Go to Staff Management.

Questions about objectiF RPM: Staff management

7. Click + to add staff members.

8. Enter the necessary details

Dialogue create user

What differences are there between Windows client and browser access to objectiF RPM?

The Windows client offers more features for administrators. General settings such as query and state machine definition, document template design and creation and editing of project guidelines are only possible in the Windows client. For details please check the technical details.

How can I save my project?

Please send our support team an e-mail before your 1 months trial expires and we’ll help you with it.

I have forgotten my password. What now?

No worries. Please send an e-mail to our support team. We will then send you a new password which you may change later.

How much does objectiF RPM cost?

objectiF RPM is a client/server solution, which means you need at least one client access license and one server license to run it, or you run the application in a cloud. Buy and rent, both are possible. We would be happy to advise you on this. Request your individual offer here.

Do You Have Any Further Questions? We Are Happy to Answer Them.

Just give us a call or write an email. Our support will take care of your question and find a solution.

Contact Support