Function Point Analysis: Measurement Practices for Successful Software Projects is a comprehensive presentation of the principles of function point analysis (FPA) and a guide to its effective use in managing the development and deployment of software. Written for both information technology (IT) practitioners and managers, it describes how to use this proven-but-underutilized software-sizing metric to achieve successful software projects. Completely up-to-date, the book introduces the latest rules and guidelines released in the International Function Point Users Group (IFPUG) Counting Practices Manual 4.1. Function Point Analysis presents fundamental counting techniques for basic-to-advanced technologies. It explains the calculations for determining function point size, an indication of a software application's overall functionality and complexity. Moving beyond mechanics, the book features the most common uses of FPA and reveals experience-based techniques for applying the methodology with success. The book covers such important topics as: *An overview of FPA for the IT executive *A description of software measurement, relating size to other software metrics *Sizing data and transactional functions *The application of general system characteristics *Counting object-oriented, Web-based, client-server, and GUI applications *Becoming a Certified Function Point Specialist (CFPS), using a practice exam *The use of FPA for accurate project estimating, development and maintenance outsourcing, and performance productivity baselining *FPA automation tools, including function point repository tools and function point- based project estimation tools *The role of FPA in standardizing industry benchmarking data Numerous detailed examples and case studies demonstrate the FPA methodology in action. As a reference, tutorial, and practical guide, Function Point Analysis: Measurement Practices for Successful Software Projects raises the level of awareness and understanding of FPA and its role in bringing proven quality standards to the software development industry. 0201699443B04062001

Author Biography

David Garmus is President of IFPUG and a member of the Counting Practices Committee. He is an authority in sizing, as well as measurement and estimation of software application development and maintenance. He is a principal of The David Consulting Group, which delivers solutions for today's business problems and tomorrow's technology requirements. With David Herron he wrote Measuring the Software Process (Prentice-Hall, 1995). David Herron is Chair of the IFPUG Management Reporting Committee and a member of the IT Performance Committee. He is an authority in using metrics to monitor the impact of IT on the business, in advancing organizations to higher quality levels, and in governing outsourcing contracts. He is a principal of The David Consulting Group, which delivers solutions for today's business problems and tomorrow's technology requirements. With David Garmus he wrote Measuring the Software Process (Prentice-Hall, 1995). 0201699443AB04062001