Software Ageing Measurement Framework Based on GQM Structure

Abstract

Previous studies have indicated that application software behaves in a manner that is almost similar to the process of human ageing. Similar to human beings getting old, it is believed that software too, can age in terms of its quality, usage and relevancy to the users and environment. Even though ageing is unavoidable, it is possible to understand the reasons for its occurrence so that steps can be taken to control its impact. Software product does not age in the physical sense like human being. However, in certain situations, the software loses its significance and quality to the users and environment. This manifestation can be illustrated as the process of ageing or ageing phenomenon. Our research group has classified the software ageing factors in terms of its product profile or contour, the environment, human aspect and the system functional. The factors are then identified through literature, expert interview and brainstorming amongst members of the research team. Inspired by earlier works concerning software certification and quality, we have led to develop a software ageing model together with its associated domain such as ageing factors and the rejuvenation index. In order to realize the model, a framework for measurement and classification of the software ageing factors is designed and developed. The design is carried out using Goal Question Metrics (GQM) approach. This paper presents the framework and the mapping of the associate metrics to the relevant objective and classifying of the ageing factors.