RUP (Rational Unified Process, UML Unified Modeling Language)

IBM Rational Unified Process®, or RUP®, is a configurable software development process based on the Unified Modeling Language™ (UML™) aimed at ensuring the production of high-quality software that meets the needs of its end users within a predictable schedule and budget. The process enhances team productivity and delivers software best practices via prescriptive guidelines, templates and tool mentors for all critical software life cycle activities.

RUP is a comprehensive software engineering tool that combines the procedural aspects of development (such as defined stages, techniques, and practices) with other components of development (such as documents, models, manuals, code, etc.) within a unifying framework. The Rational Unified Process unifies the entire software development team by providing a customizable framework of best practices from many disciplines such as project management, business modeling, requirements management, analysis and design, testing, and change control for the full life cycle process.

The Rational Unified Process uses iterative approach for organizing projects in terms of workflow and phases, each consisting of one or more iterations. Each project iteration cycle begins with a plan outlining what will be accomplished and concluding with an evaluation of whether objectives have been met. Milestones enable management to assess progress. RUP effectively eliminates risk early in the project, decreases time-to-market, and ensures the client's business requirements are totally met by the end system/application produced.

For more details, please refer to: IBM web site.