Metrics to improve the US Army software development process

Abstract

The Software T&E Panel (STEP) was organized in September 1989 to address the problem that most delays in Army system operational tests were caused by immature software. STEP focused attention on software T&E, but also considered related issues of software development and deployment. STEP is currently implementing three major products: (1) policy and procedures to improve the formal process of software requirements definition; (2) a standard set of 12 software metrics which are mandatory for all Army software development efforts; and (3) improved software T&E procedures. The Army metrics effort is supported by development of a central database for Army-wide metrics data collection. The database will serve as the repository of lessons learned from the use of metrics, including cost data to support cost-benefit analyses. STEP has also conducted a survey of existing commercial and government off-the-shelf tools to support the metrics data collection effort.<>