IT Measurement: Practical Advice from the Experts: Practical Advice from Experts (Addison-Wesley Information Technology) [Paperback]

In today's brutally tough software marketplace, quantifying software quality and process output is more important than ever. In this book, the world's leading software measurement experts bring together advanced software measurement techniques for enhancing quality, increasing productivity, and maximizing the business value of software. With contributions from renowned experts such as Capers Jones and Howard Rubin, this book is the definitive guide to state-of-the-art software metrics. Specific topics covered include: new roles for function point metrics; measuring work output for IT work units; using metrics to estimate and track projects more effectively; benchmarking; statistical process control; software sizing; predicting software reliability; IT "balanced scorecard" approaches, and more. The book also includes detailed coverage of metrics for outsourcing agreements and B2B e-commerce projects. For every IT executive, manager, project manager, and professional concerned with improving the efficiency and effectiveness of software development.

With Contributions by Capers Jones, Howard Rubin, David Garmus, Lawrence Putnam, and Elizabeth Clark

The accurate, quantitative measurement of software quality and process performance is rapidly becoming an essential part of competition in the ever-tightening software marketplace. Software metrics provide insights into productivity and quality gains from improvements in skill, technology, and development methodology. An effective metrics program helps practitioners assemble the best team, select the optimal development methodology, and enhance the quality of a software product. In short, metrics enable software developers to pursue proven, successful strategies, and to change course when metrics point to less-than-optimum quality or productivity.

Written by the world's leading authorities in the field, IT Measurement showcases state-of-the-art in software metrics and provides the practical knowledge that practitioners need in order to take full advantage of software metrics technology. The book's collected articles offer important perspectives on the role of metrics in the development process, and show how metrics directly enhance software quality and output efficiency.

The book explores several vital areas, including Function Point Analysis, project estimation and management, outsourcing, statistical process control, and more. These articles range from basic theory to the sophisticated application of metrics. Specific topics covered include:

• The expanding role of function point metrics
• Work output measurement for IT work units
• The use of metrics for tracking
• Enhanced estimation with metrics
• Metrics in outsourcing
• Standardization of SLOC
• The application of SPC to performance management
• Functional metrics in B2B e-commerce project success

Enlightening and pragmatic, IT Measurement will help you gain a deeper understanding of software metrics and the ability to apply concrete measures in order to objectively evaluate and more finely shape your software development program.