The Economics of Software Quality

Foreword xix Preface xxi Acknowledgments xxvii About the Authors xxxi Chapter 1: Defining Software Quality and Economic Value 1 Introduction 1 Defining Software Quality 8 Defining Economic Value and Defining the Value of Software Quality 17 Summary and Conclusions 33 Chapter 2: Estimating and Measuring Software Quality 35 Introduction 35 Using Function Point Metrics for Defect Potentials 39 Software Defect Potentials 39 Estimating Software Defect Prevention 71 Estimating Software Defect Detection and Defect Removal 74 Measuring Application Structural Quality 77 Examples of Structural Quality Assessments 88 Three Problems That Distort Software Economic Analysis 95 Summary and Conclusions on Software Quality Estimation and Measurement 117 Chapter 3: Software Defect Prevention 119 Introduction 119 Analysis of Defect Prevention Results 135 Summary and Conclusions of Software Defect Prevention 188 Chapter 4: Pretest Defect Removal 191 Introduction 191 Small Project Pretest Defect Removal 196 Large System Pretest Defect Removal 201 Analysis of Pretest Defect Removal Activities 208 Summary and Conclusions about Pretest Defect Removal 277 Chapter 5: Software Testing 279 Introduction 279 Summary and Conclusions on Software Testing 344 Chapter 6: Post-Release Defect Removal 347 Introduction 347 User and Industry Costs from Post-Release Defects 409 Summary and Conclusions on Post-Release Defects 431 Chapter 7: Analyzing the Economics of Software Quality 433 Introduction 433 The Economic Value of Software 435 Economic Impact of Low-Quality and High-Quality Software 460 Summary and Conclusions on the Economics of Software Quality 541 References and Readings 545 Index 561

Capers Jones was the founder and chairman of Software Productivity Research (SPR) where he retains the title of Chief Scientist Emeritus. He is the author of Estimating Software Costs, Second Edition and Applied Software Measurement.

"This book provides the best treatment on the subject of economics of software quality that I've seen. Peppered with valuable industry data, in-depth analysis, empirical methods for quality improvement, and economic analysis of quality, this book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in this subject. With the many real-life and up-to-date examples and stories linking software quality to daily-life activities, readers will find this book an enjoyable read." -Stephen H. Kan, Senior Technical Staff Member and Program Manager, Software Quality-IBM Systems and Technology Group, and author of Metrics and Models in Software Quality Engineering "Finally, a book that defines the cost and economics of software quality and their relationship to business value. Facts such as the inability of testing alone to produce quality software, the value of engineering-in quality, and the positive ROI are illustrated in compelling ways. Additionally, this book is a mustread for understanding, managing, and eliminating 'technical debt' from software systems." -Dan Galorath, CEO, Galorath Incorporated & SEER by Galorath "Congrats to Capers and Olivier as they release their relevant, extensive, and timely research on the costs of defects in today's software industry. The authors don't stop with the causes of defects; they explore injection points, removal, and prevention approaches to avoid the 'technical mortgage' associated with defective software products. In today's 'quick-to-market' world, an emphasis on strengthening the engineering in software engineering is refreshing. If you're a software developer, manager, student, or user, this book will challenge your perspective on software quality. Many thanks!" -Joe Schofield, Sandia National Laboratories; Vice President, IFPUG; CQA, CFPS, CSMS, LSS BB, SEI-certified instructor "This masterpiece of a book will empower those who invest in software-and the businesses and products that depend on it-to do so wisely. It is a