Other Links

Main Page
Function Point Consulting
Software Economics
Training Courses
Online Library
Expert Testimony
Venture Capitalist & IPO's
Software Measurement
 Mergers & Acquistions
Benchmark Studies
About David Longstreet
 Client List
Site Map
Site Metrics

Public Training Course: Function Point Training, Charleston, South Carolina
Software Productivity Since 1970
Introduction

Understanding software productivity (hours per function point, cost per function point) from 1970 to Present can provide insight into industry wide trends.   Over the past several years,  I have compiled software productivity rates from the 1970's to the present and projected these numbers into the year 2005.  

The conclusion is that projects are becoming larger,  more complex and more expensive than ever before.  This trend will continue into the next millennium.  Users appetites are still larger than IT Industries ability to meet them.  Most IT professionals realize this, but have never put any hard data towards this problem.

How has productivity changed since the 1970's

The productivity of software projects have increased about 3 times since 1970.   In 1970, COBOL was the state of the art, mainframes were in vogue and the PC was nothing more than a dream of software engineers.  The internet was nothing.  By year 2000, end user computing exploded.  Software developers are developing in languages like Java, Visual C++, ASP, and other visual languages.  No longer are software applications being developed for back office operations, but software applications are being used as marketing tools and competitive weapons.  Applications are actually delivered to customers via the internet.

Why is this data useful?

Where is your organization at in the software development spectrum?  Many organizations spend time optimizing applications that should become obsolete.  If your organization has 80's vintage software then, it is difficult for your organization to keep up with users needs.  It may be difficult to increase productivity levels to keep up with industry trends with out major overalls to your current application portfolio.  The bottom line is until your modernize your application portfolio you will be limited in what you can do.

Like productivity size of software projects have increased at dramatic rates.  Since 1970 projects have grown nearly 10 times as large as they were in the 1970's.  The trend is towards larger and more complex software.

As any organization moves forward and wants software to become a marketing tool, competitive weapons something more than back office operations, then they will be required to deliver software applications that are large and expensive.

To see other full articles click here.   We often post new articles and information.   Please send an email and we will send notifications when new information is posted.

Tools   Consulting    Full Articles    Training    Contact Us    Clients    Links    Example

Copy and reproduction is permitted if following appears on all pages.

Software Estimating Training October 26 & 27 Kansas City

Software Estimating Course
Software Training

Related Links

FP Training
Public Training Courses
Free Stuff
University Programs
Online Library
Client List
Public Speaking

FP Public Training
   

For more information:
Knowledge@SoftwareMetrics.Com
Longstreet Consulting Inc.
2207 SW Walnut
Blue Springs, MO 64015
voice: 816.739.4058

or David Longstreet direct at David@SoftwareMetrics.Com

copyright: Longstreet Consulting Inc. 1992 - 2006

    
   
     
         
 

Keywords, function points, FPA, IFPUG, Intial Public Offerings, Merger, Acquisitions, Software Measurement, software metrics, benchmark Studies, function point counting, outsourcing metrics, offshore, offshore measurement, venture capital, sizing software, software economics, economics of software, expert testimony, software litigation, IPO, software IPO, benchmark data, training, consulting.