VisualFSM provides a complete measurement environment for performing Functional Size Analysis. It covers the whole measurement lifecycle from defining the software description, View and Architecture, the Functional Requirements, the purpose and scope and performing and reporting on measurements.

VisualFSM will allow you to measure your projects using any of the above methods.

A brief overview of each method is given below and a link is provided to take you to more information about each method.

As an addition, VisualFsm Autosize WB introduces users to the topic of automatically measuring the size of Functional Size of Requirements using COSMIC.

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www.ifpug.org

Function Point Analysis (FPA) is a sizing measure of clear business significance.

First made public by Allan Albrecht of IBM in 1979, the FPA technique quantifies the functions contained within software in terms that are meaningful to the software users. The measure relates directly to the business requirements that the software is intended to address.

It can therefore be readily applied across a wide range of development environments and throughout the life of project, from early requirements definition to full operational use.

www.uksma.co.uk

FPA Mk2 Design Authority: UKSMA
Based on a method devised by Charles Symons and described in his book “Estimating with Mk2 FPA”, the Mk2 FPA method has evolved through 3 versions, the most current of which is V1.3.1. The main feature of the method is the simple measurement model; there are only 3 components to consider:

Inputs: Data coming into the software from a user in the external environment

Outputs: Date leaving the software to a user in the external environment

Entity References: The Storage, retrieval and deletion of date from permanent storage

www.cosmicon.com

The COSMIC method defines the principles, rules and a process for measuring a standard functional size of a piece of software. 'Functional size' is a measure of the amount of functionality provided by the software, completely independent of any technical or quality considerations.

The COSMIC method measures a size as seen by the 'functional users' of the piece of software to be measured, i.e. the senders and/or intended recipients of the data that must enter or exit from the software, respectively

www.sifpa.org

The Association is a non-profit organization and is intended to achieve the following purposes:

Develop and disseminate world wide the Simple Function Point method

Promote continuous training and professional development of its own members

Promote the establishment of professional networks among its members and outside

Contribute to software measurement's dissemination within an international context.