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IBM Rational ClearCase vs Visual SourceSafe [EOL] comparison

IBM and Microsoft are both solutions in the Software Configuration Management category. Additionally, 66% of IBM users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Microsoft users who would recommend it.
IBM Rational ClearCase
Read 6 IBM Rational ClearCase reviews
  • 1,378 Views
  • 648 Comparison Views
66% willing to recommend
 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive Summary
We performed a comparison between IBM Rational ClearCase and Visual SourceSafe [EOL] based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

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Software Configuration Management
April 2026
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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Categories and Ranking

IBM Rational ClearCase
Average Rating
6.4
Number of Reviews
6
Ranking in other categories
Software Configuration Management (7th), Version Control (9th)
Visual SourceSafe [EOL]
Average Rating
7.0
Number of Reviews
1
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Featured Reviews

Daniel Antonio Jimenez Quintana - PeerSpot reviewer
Daniel Antonio Jimenez Quintana
IT Systems Architect at Banco Ripley
Difficult to use, not efficient, but stable
We are using IBM Rational ClearCase in Peru at two large banks for a code repository. However, it is not meant to be used as a repository I have found it very difficult to understand many functionalities in IBM Rational ClearCase. We have had many problems and it is not user-friendly.  I have…
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it_user134535 - PeerSpot reviewer
it_user134535
Software Developer at a marketing services firm with 11-50 employees
Provides for the setup of software development teams in a sandbox environment. I would like to see external backup for project source code files to the cloud.
We migrated most of the projects to Team Foundation Server (TFS). Visual SourceSafe could borrow some new features from TFS such as: * Improved protection of source code against file corruption due to software crashes, power outages, and computer viruses * External backup for project source code files to the cloud * Support for Git
Read full review

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Pros

"Therefore when we started using ClearCase, it was like a miracle."
"ClearCase integrates well with other engineering tools and frameworks such as the Eclipse environment."
"IBM Rational ClearCase is a stable solution. I have not had any difficulty with reliability."
"IBM Rational ClearCase is a stable solution, and I have not had any difficulty with reliability."
"I really appreciate the MultiSite feature; it is important to us due to the global nature of our company, as my team supports developers using ClearCase in at least ten locations worldwide."
"The features allowed us to meet requirements for SOX and set a centralized guideline for our development teams."
"What I like most is that it is very stable."
"The tool had features similar to Git for version control. It offered branching and merging capabilities, providing better control over code management. Integration was possible with other tools, including some change management tools. The overall process was normal."
"Visual SourceSafe 2005 allows for more than one developer to check out the same source code file and contribute to it, just like with Git and other distributed source control systems."
 

Cons

"Customer service is mediocre. Technical support is mediocre."
"IBM's support of ClearCase is slipping."
"I have found it very difficult to understand many functionalities in IBM Rational ClearCase. We have had many problems and it is not user-friendly."
"The solution's UI is slow compared to other tools. It is an old tool."
"The protection needs to be improved."
"Look for a more modern product. Your suppliers and developers will be happier."
"I have found it very difficult to understand many functionalities in IBM Rational ClearCase. We have had many problems and it is not user-friendly."
"This is an expensive product and the price could be reduced."
"Visual SourceSafe could borrow some new features from TFS such as improved protection of source code against file corruption due to software crashes, power outages, and computer viruses, external backup for project source code files to the cloud, and support for Git."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"IBM Rational ClearCase, like any other IBM tool, is expensive."
"This is a very expensive product."
Information not available
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Manufacturing Company
22%
Financial Services Firm
12%
Government
9%
Comms Service Provider
6%
No data available
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
No data available
No data available
 

Comparisons

Git vs IBM Rational ClearCase Logo
Git vs IBM Rational ClearCase
Compared 12% of the time
IBM Rational ClearQuest vs IBM Rational ClearCase Logo
IBM Rational ClearQuest vs IBM Rational ClearCase
Compared 11% of the time
Bitbucket vs IBM Rational ClearCase Logo
Bitbucket vs IBM Rational ClearCase
Compared 7% of the time
GitHub vs IBM Rational ClearCase Logo
GitHub vs IBM Rational ClearCase
Compared 7% of the time
OpenText Solutions Business Manager vs IBM Rational ClearCase Logo
OpenText Solutions Business Manager vs IBM Rational ClearCase
Compared 6% of the time
More IBM Rational ClearCase Competitors
IBM Rational ClearQuest vs Visual SourceSafe [EOL] Logo
IBM Rational ClearQuest vs Visual SourceSafe [EOL]
Compared 52% of the time
More Visual SourceSafe [EOL] Competitors
 

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide
Software Configuration Management
April 2026
IBM Rational ClearCase reportDownload IBM Rational ClearCase product report
Buyer's Guide
Software Configuration Management
April 2026
Visual SourceSafe [EOL] reportDownload Visual SourceSafe [EOL] product report
 

Also Known As

Rational ClearCase
No data available
 

Overview

IBM Rational ClearCase is a version control tool facilitating collaboration among developers. It assists in managing code versions and configurations effectively, making it crucial for large-scale development projects.

IBM Rational ClearCase provides robust support for software configuration management, enabling efficient tracking and management of development activities. It integrates seamlessly with existing environments, enhancing productivity by maintaining various versions of project files and streamlining teamwork. Its scalability accommodates the dynamic needs of development teams, fostering a comprehensive approach to software lifecycle management.

What are the key features of IBM Rational ClearCase?
  • Versioned Object Base: Stores source code and configuration files, supporting parallel development.
  • Baseline Management: Allows comparisons between different project baselines to track progress.
  • Integration with IDEs: Facilitates working within familiar development environments.
  • Access Controls: Manages permissions to restrict or grant access to project assets.
  • Change Set Tracking: Documents and reviews modifications efficiently within teams.
What benefits should users look for in reviews?
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Facilitates teamwork through synchronized version control.
  • Improved Efficiency: Streamlines operations by automating repetitive tasks.
  • Scalability: Grows with project complexity and team size.
  • Reduced Errors: Minimizes risks with comprehensive change tracking and management.

In industries such as aerospace, telecommunications, and finance, IBM Rational ClearCase is implemented to ensure rigorous compliance and traceability standards are met. Its comprehensive management capabilities allow these industries to maintain strict regulatory requirements while promoting innovation and collaboration in software development processes.

IBM

Microsoft Visual SourceSafe, a file-level version control system that delivers restore point and team coordination capabilities.

Microsoft
 

Sample Customers

Atos SE, FEI, STM
XP Investimentos, Weichert Lead Network, Arelik, ACS
Buyer's Guide
Software Configuration Management
April 2026
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