Software ageing measurement model (SAMM): The conceptual framework

Abstract

In the first software evolution theory, good software must evolve to fulfil the user requirement or it will be progressively less satisfactory. In order to fulfil the requirements, software should be well maintain and the quality of the software should be assured. However, once the maintenance activities interrupted by any causes the quality of software might be degraded and this phenomenon known as software ageing. In this study software ageing is defined as a phenomenon of software is not useful to users and not relevant to the environment because of certain causes. Software ageing cannot be prevented but we can slow down the effects by understanding the cause of it. This paper presents a conceptual framework on how software evolution and maintenance, software quality, software ageing, software measurements and indexing concept can be used to the development of Software Ageing Measurement Model (SAMM). This paper also shows analysis of empirical study that conducted among software practitioners in Malaysia. From the analysis of empirical study there are four factors that can cause software ageing. The factors are product profile, functional, environment and human. Factors derived from the literature review strongly supported by empirical research and discussions with expert will be used as input to the development of the SAMM. This paper will explain all the concept that included in developing SAMM.