The Perforce SCM System features comprehensive software configuration management capabilities built around a scalable client/server architecture.

Requiring only TCP/IP, developers can access the Perforce Server through a variety of Perforce clients (GUIs for several platforms, Web, or Command-Line).

Perforce can be deployed quickly and easily, and requires minimal administration, even for large or distributed sites.

Available on over 50 operating systems, Perforce includes version control, workspace management, atomic change transactions and a powerful branching model to develop and maintain multiple codelines.

Here are some key features of "The Perforce SCM System":

· Perforce Server
· The Perforce Server manages the Perforce central file repository, tracks Perforce user operations and records activity in the Perforce SCM database.
· Perforce Visual Client
· The Perforce Visual Client offers developers on Mac OS X, Linux, Windows, Solaris and FreeBSD a complete graphical interface to Perforce and includes a built-in merge tool.
· Perforce for Windows
· The Perforce Windows Client is designed to provide developers with quick and easy access to Perforce via the familiar Windows® Explorer look and feel.
· Command-Line Interface P4, the Perforce Command-Line Client, is self-contained, highly scriptable and available on over 50 platforms.
· Distributed Development
· The Perforce Proxy offers caching technology to provide remote users with quicker response times and real-time access to project activity and status information.
· Reporting
· The Perforce Reporting System, P4Report, offers query and reporting capability. Based on ODBC, P4Report can be accessed by popular reporting tools including Crystal Reports, Microsoft Access and Excel.
· Web Interface
· The Perforce Web Client turns any Web browser into a complete user interface to Perforce.
· Merge Tools
· Perforce provides graphical and text-based merge tools to handle file merging and comparisons. Perforce client applications can also be configured to work with external merge tools.
· Defect Tracking
· In addition to providing basic built-in defect tracking, integrations between Perforce and several leading defect tracking systems are also available.
· Process Automation
· Perforce's open and scriptable architecture includes six types of server triggers, enabling you to better integrate Perforce with testing, build automation, and workflow tools.
· IDE Integrations
· Interact with Perforce directly from within IDEs such as Microsoft Visual Studio, Borland JBuilder and Metrowerks CodeWarrior.
· Microsoft Office Integration
· The Perforce Plug-in for Microsoft Office (P4OFC) works with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Powerpoint. Users of Microsoft Office can update documents stored in Perforce without leaving the familiar Office environment.