A cost model for software conversion based on program characteristics and a converter effect

Abstract

A cost model for software conversion is developed by analyzing actual data from a FORTRAN program conversion project. New features considered in the model are program characteristics and converter effect. The model is clearly divided into two parts. The first depends on program characteristics and the converter effect, the other part on the program size, the number of task units, and the number of test programs. The structure of this model is generalized for any conversion environment. This model can estimate the costs of converting a FORTRAN program more precisely than conventional models that only consider program size. It can be used to analyze the cost-effectiveness of the converter itself, taking into account the cost of developing the converter.<>