A systematic approach to CASE selection

Abstract

Seven CASE tools were evaluated and compared by the author and a group of graduate students. From the results of the author's evaluations, a rather fundamental topic is presented as an example to highlight some of the problems that arise during CASE selection. The identified problems especially seem to hit potential CASE users who are yet unfamiliar with current CASE technology. An approach is introduced and discussed aiming at a more systematic evaluation of tools without the need of CASE experts to perform it. Reuse of experience is suggested to reduce effort; the approach allows managers to directly express their preferences and constraints without being too much bothered by technological issues. Their individual decisions influence the process and the results of the evaluation. In introducing the approach step by step, they show how more and more hidden problems from the above example are mastered. This uncovers a number of crucial points which determine whether CASE selection will satisfy the potential user, i.e. if it can be successful or if it is bound to fail.<>