1. A computer-implemented method of controlling version branching within a software configuration management system (SCMS), the method comprising: responsive to a user initiating a check-out operation of a file within the SCMS, identifying the file and a workspace of the user; searching nodes of the repositories of the SCMS for a successor version of the file; when a successor version of the file is located within a node that is within a predetermined distance of the workspace of the user, outputting a notification that the successor version of the file is within the predetermined distance of the workspace of the user; and when a successor version of the file is not located within a node within a predetermined distance of the workspace of the user, checking-out the file to the workspace of the user.