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.

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