COSMIC

The COSMIC method of sizing the functional requirements of software has been approved as an International Standard (ISO/IEC 19761:2003).

For software developers, the ability to measure a size of software from its functional requirements or specifications early in the life of a project is a first key step for estimating development effort. Further, as the size measure is independent of the technology used, it provides a key component for software project performance measures such as productivity, defined as size / effort.

To meet these challenges, COSMIC was designed from the outset to measure the functional size of real-time, multi-layered software such as used in telecoms, process control, and operating systems, as well as business application software, all on the same measurement scale. Such wide applicability is unique and a breakthrough for the world of software project performance measurement and estimating.

The COSMIC method has progressed from the germ of an idea to approval as an International Standard in the extremely short time of four years. The method is the first success of COSMIC, the COmmon Software Measurement Consortium, a team of software measurement experts from Europe, North America and Asia/Pacific. The method has been extensively tested and is now becoming increasingly used, especially in the real-time world. Having been developed in the last few years, the method is compatible with modern specification methods such as UML and with OO techniques.

What types of software sizing has COSMIC been used for?

The COSMIC method has been used to size a remarkable variety of software, for different purposes, mostly in connection with performance measurement and estimating. Examples include:

• Business application software in banking, insurance, utilities etc
• Infrastructure software supporting business applications, ie web-services, messaging and n-tier architectures
• Avionics software of a major fighter aircraft system and other defence systems
• Telecoms switching systems, mobile phone SMS messaging
• Comparing the functionality of mobile phone handsets
• Engine control and fuel injection systems
• Paper copier systems
• Size measurement of basic re-usable Objects
• Text parsing software
• Safety-critical software for a US Regulatory Commission.

COSMIC Training from SMS

For Executives

A two-hour Executive Briefing designed to enable Executives responsible for software engineering to decide whether to incorporate the COSMIC FFP method into their existing software improvement programmes, or whether to initiate such a programme. This session normally will be tailored to the specific audience and will cover:

• An introduction to software sizing, estimating, project scope control and performance measurement
• Experience from Function Point methods
• A brief overview of the COSMIC project and of the COSMIC functional sizing method
• How to start using COSMIC size measures to improve estimating, performance etc.
• Achieving the benefits from investing in software measurement and improvement

For Senior Software Engineers

A one-day Tutorial, giving a comprehensive introduction to the principles of the COSMIC method. Topics will include:

• An introduction to software functional sizing and its uses
• Limitations of existing sizing methods and the aims of COSMIC
• A comprehensive introduction to the COSMIC method with simple examples of its use; the sizing model; its application to MIS and real-time; multi-layer and multi-tier software; the measurement procedure
• Sample results

For Software Project Teams and Metrics Specialists

A two-day COSMIC Workshop to introduce the method and to ensure complete technology transfer to the participants. This workshop should be followed by a number of days of coaching to help apply your newly available skills in the client organisation. Topics include:

• All the items listed under the Tutorial for Senior Software Engineers, above
• More comprehensive case studies for solution by the participants working in ‘table teams’
• A detailed study of typical software requirements or specifications from the client’s own software, aiming to demonstrate the local applicability of the COSMIC method and to establish any local rules for interpretation of the method
• Planning the introduction and roll-out of the method with the client organisation
• Using COSMIC to size software requirements and functional specs

SMS Consultancy in COSMIC

SMS provides the full range of consultancy, counting, auditing, health-checks, mentoring and coaching in the COSMIC functional size method. Many SMS consultants contributed to the development of the COSMIC method and have pioneered its use and application in commercial and public sector organisations.