Software Measurement Consulting
Industry Data
Leadership in Performance Data
DCG has established a reputation for comprehensive data collection in the industry that is second to none. We have supported the collection, maintenance, analysis and distribution of industry performance data for over a decade. These efforts have typically been at a client level but have also occurred through active participation in industry focus groups and consortia and in sponsorship of not-for-profit efforts such as the International Software Benchmarking Standards Group.
Many of our clients use our data collection, analysis and performance reporting services.
Outstanding Expertise
One of our primary services is software sizing using function points and the collection of related measurement data. Our sizing assignments range from the basic counting of applications and projects for purposes of sizing an organization’s portfolio to the more involved counting scenarios that are required in order to create a baseline of organizational performance.
Our staff of counters includes a large number of Certified Function Point Specialists, who carry the most current certification from the International Function Point Users Group .Our specialists are long time IFPUG members, who either curently serve or have served on most of the IFPUG Committees.
Making Sense of the Data
Data on its own, while useful is only half of the story. DCG draws on its long experience to turn the data into useful intelligence, which you can use to improve the effectiveness of your software development. Two of the primary benefits include Portfolio Sizing and Performance Baselines.
Portfolio Sizing
Portfolio sizing involves the counting of function points for enhancement projects and applications. The counts are performed by following the most recent IFPUG counting standards. Along with function points, we gather other system/application information, which enables us to perform an analysis on the data including size comparisons by system type, platform and industry.
Performance Baselines
We have conducted numerous baselines for organizations that need to understand their current levels of performance relative to productivity and quality. In these engagements we collect data points on a variety of projects. The data points include size (function points), effort, cost, duration and defects. In addition to this quantitative data, we also collect a series of 65 qualitative data points ranging from process effectiveness to environmental impacts (e.g. process capabilities, technologies, skill levels) for each project. All data collection activities are performed on-site by DCG in cooperation with your management and staff.. We never use outside surveys or other remote data collection instruments.
The result of a DCG baseline study will determine your organization’s performance level relative to different sizes, system types, platforms and industry average and best-in-class rates as well as an assessment of your development practices strengths and weaknesses.