Are there any differences between the Rational Unified Process (RUP) and the Unified Process (UP)? What does "Rational" mean, in this context?
1 Answer
The Unified Process is a generic name for a family of process models that meet a number of criteria, such as being iterative and incremental, driven by use cases, and focus on addressing risks early. It defines four project phases: Inception, Elaboration, Construction, and Transition.
The Rational Unified Process is a refinement of the Unified Process that was created by Rational Software (now owned by IBM). It uses a series of software tools along with a process framework to define how to carry out the activities needed to run a software project, yet still provides a framework for tailoring to meet an organization's (or team's) needs.
Other refinements on the Unified Process include Scott Ambler's Agile Unified Process and the Eclipse Foundation's Open Unified Process.
-
It seems I started writing my answer while you were writing yours, but I posted first (didn't get the familiar notification that another answer was up while writing). Just a clarification, wouldn't dare submit and answer saying exactly the same as another answer (and in this case less). I've deleted mine, as yours is more informative (and mine a little snarky).– yannisNov 17, 2011 at 18:32
-
Yeah. I got the notification that there was another answer posted as I was getting the links to the AUP and OUP. I figured since I was almost done, I was just going to post it anyway.– Thomas Owens ♦Nov 17, 2011 at 18:34
-
2well, to be fair, and based on the chronology exposed in USDP by the authors of UP, first RUP was created and then UP was published as a generalization of it (anyway, it’s the same people behind both). Jun 28, 2019 at 7:52