Managing an Internationally Distributed Software Project

R.J.McGonegal
The Gemini 8-m Telescopes Project


The Gemini 8-m Telescopes Project presents a unique managerial challenge in that not only the detailed design and fabrication of the mechanical subassemblies will be contracted out to the international community but also the software and control systems. The Project has developed a model for how to do distributed design and how to manage this effort. The author will discuss the following topics:
-why this model is preferred over more traditional models
-the Gemini model, including system design, standards, work packages, national project
offices, review process, communications and tools
-lessons learned in the endeavor
-what should be done differently the next time