Are you a certified function point specialist or play one on TV? Then the Counting Practices Manual version 4.3 might be for you. Unveiled today by the
International Function Point Users Group (better known as IFPUG), the $100 CD contains the latest "body of knowledge used by function point analysts to measure the functional size of applications and projects for benchmarking and estimating world-wide for many domains and business areas," announced the group.
The "must-have" publication documents the Counting Practices Manual (CPM), which has been approved as an international standard under ISO/IEC 14143-1 Information Technology-Software Measurement. This revision, which officially replaces CPM 4.2 on Jan. 1, 2010, "further clarifies the rules and enhances the definitions and examples, thereby enabling a more consistent interpretation and application of rules." Major changes to the document involve Part 1, which copies the ISO-standard Functional Size Measurement Method (FSM) describing the process, definitions and rules. FSM methods are designed to allow measurement of the size of a software project by quantifying the functional requirements, often for the purpose of developing project estimates and evaluating risk.
Content formerly in Part 1 has been moved to Part 2 - The Bridge. Parts 2, 3, 4 and the Appendices have been updated and enhanced with additional examples and guidance, IFPUG said. To purchase CPM 4.3, visit the
IFPUG order page. It is also available to current IFPUG members as a free for download on the member side of the IFPUG website. Members get it for free.
