Some see TFS as simply a team collaboration server. However, in my mind, the label may not do justice to the technology’s real value, which is at the heart of our approach to ensuring that software initiatives drive business value. Team Foundation Server is a critical piece of the puzzle in enabling software development to become a true competency inside of organizations.

TFS not only automates the workflow instantiating the software development process in a more streamlined way, it also uniquely collects real-time data intelligence based on project history, differing from the approaches that rely on industry benchmark data. TFS serves as a data warehouse that critically links the various roles in the software development lifecycle – from the individual developer, to the architect, testers, system administrators, and all the way to the CIO and Project Management Office. The systems definition model is a tangible result of a common language between development and operations. Also early integration of TFS with Enterprise Project Server for project portfolio management feeds into capacity planning, resource management, and impact and risk analysis – so that the right software projects may be selected for the best return on investment (ROI).