Method of pricing application software

US6938007B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Electronics Data Systems Corporation · US

Inventors

• Carol M. Iulianello · Webster, US
• Paula J. Jamieson · Durango, US
• Katherine H. DiPietro · Rochester, US
• Kriste M. Vincent Lawrence · Rochester, US
• James C. Erbelding · Webster, US
• Mira M. Thompson · Paragon Road, GB
• Graham R. Anderson · Leigh on Sea, GB
• Hassan T. Rashid · Sherwood Park, CA

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 6, 1996
• Grant date: Aug 30, 2005
• Expiry date: Jun 6, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q30/04
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

In one aspect, an automated method is provided for updating cost data for a software application in a maintenance environment. The method includes collecting functional metrics data and determining a composite index. A maintainability index is calculated, and an average cost per full-time equivalent is recorded. A maintenance unit cost is then calculated from the composite index, the maintainability index, and the average cost per full-time equivalent.In another aspect, an automated method is provided for computing cost of a software application in an enhancement environment. The method includes collecting functional metrics data, determining a composite, and calculating a maintainability index. An average cost per full-time equivalent is recorded, and a size of the application in function points is estimated. An enhancement unit cost is then calculated from the composite index, the maintainability index, the average cost per full-time equivalent, and the estimated function point size.