Establishing Quantitative Software Metrics in Department of the Navy Programs

Abstract

Abstract : Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific (SSC Pacific) seeks to establish and provide a set of software quality metrics, measured from common static code analysis tools, which the Department of the Navy can use to measure quality. These metrics provide quality and maturity data through all stages of software development to further ensure that the software delivered meets government-specific requirements. Carefully chosen metrics can direct attention to problems, providing diagnostic value and influence developers behavior, and offset post-delivery maintenance costs.We have identified software qualities, software analysis tools, and related metrics. This effort was based on existing data and analysis of that data, proofing a formula for use by Department of the Navy software development efforts to measure inherent quality of the software under development. However, each project is unique and requires a software quality model tailored for its individual needs. This process is an ongoing effort for any organization and requires analysis of data and trends to determine the most effective implementation of metrics to achieve the highest fidelity of quality and provide for beneficial cost savings. In addition, evaluators need to create and calibrate cost functions for the cost of fixing the code that does not meet software code requirements. This activity will normalize the software model based on cost.