This article by David Garmus will consider the use of a basic estimating model utilizing functional sizing as one of the key components. As the author explains, the value to be gained from utilizing a functional sizing technique, such as Function Points, primarily lies in the capability to accurately size and estimate a project early in the development process. This article was originally published in the DACS Software Tech News Vol. 9 No.2, June 2006 and is available for download in PDF format from the DACS STN website at http://www.softwaretechnews.com/stn9-2/. It is made available to the ITMPI courtesy of the DACS and can be reprinted only with permission of the DACS. (7 pages)
Too often, organizations that contract for software development services are at the mercy of vendors for cost and schedule estimates. Once a program office releases a request for proposal (RFP) for software development, it must somehow evaluate the validity of cost and schedule estimates that come back with the proposals. Or, a program might have a limited budget or schedule but not a clear understanding of what amount of development is actually feasible within these limitations. This article by Ian Brown proposes an approach that can help buyers of software take control of this situation by providing the ability to objectively evaluate software development proposals, select the best value for their needs, and effectively manage acquisition costs from kickoff to product delivery. (5 pages)
This article by Pam Morris looks at an Australian organisation that, after reviewing the costs to deliver functionality of their small projects, weighed the cost against the business value of 'faster time to market' and revised their delivery strategy to optimise both their cost effectiveness and speed of delivery. (5 pages)
For more information on software best practices and IT management, please contact Michael Milutis, the IT Metrics and Productivity Journal Executive Director, at michael_milutis@compaid.com
