A model for assessing and re‐assessing the value of software reuse

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundSoftware reuse is often seen as a cost avoidance rather than a gained value. This results in a rather one‐sided debate where issues such a resource control, release schedule, quality, or reuse in more than one release are neglected.AimsWe propose a reuse value assessment framework, intended to provide a more nuanced view of the value and costs associated with different reuse candidates.MethodThis framework is constructed based on findings from an interview study at a large software development company.ResultsThe framework considers the functionality, compliance to standards, provided quality, and provided support of a reuse candidate, thus enabling an informed comparison between different reuse candidates. Furthermore, the framework provides means for tracking the value of the reused asset throughout subsequent releases.ConclusionsThe reuse value assessment framework is a tool to assist in the selection between different reuse candidates. The framework also provides a means to assess the current value of a reusable asset in a product, which can be used to indicate where maintenance efforts would increase the utilized potential of the reusable asset.