True Cocomo™ and True S™ Converge In Same Framework:
Software Cost Estimating Results Are Now More Valuable
By PRICE Systems Products Division

In the early 1970s, the software community recognized a need to improve their capability to plan and budget for software development projects. At that time, Barry Boehm of the University of Southern California began work on what would come to be known as Cocomo (Constructive Cost Model). Independently, researchers at RCA began work on the commercial model currently known as PRICE True S, part of the TruePlanning® suite of products. This set in motion the creation of parametric software cost estimating. Both Cocomo and the PRICE Software Estimating model have enjoyed popularity and success for more than 30 years since they were independently introduced to the estimating community. Often these two models are used side-by-side, one acting as a sanity check for the other. Today, the introduction of True Cocomo eases this side-by-side comparison and makes the results even more valuable.

Today, both USC and PRICE continue to help software project managers make strategic and operational decisions about their projects. The Cocomo model has open (nonproprietary) estimating relationships that are available in many different implementations, including commercially distributed models, spreadsheets, and recently a CD that is distributed with the latest Cocomo text book, titled Software Cost Estimation with Cocomo II. The PRICE True S software model is available only from PRICE Systems and contains proprietary relationships that cannot be implemented by outside parties.

True Cocomo is an implementation of the Cocomo public domain model that runs in the TruePlanning framework. True Cocomo enables Cocomo users to get the same results they get with their current implementation of Cocomo, with the added benefit of the features and utilities that come with the TruePlanning framework.

In addition to having access to the Cocomo relationships for Post-Architecture and Early Design, True Cocomo users can spread their output costs over time; apply different labor rates for different resources; add overhead, overtime, G&A, and other economic factors to their estimates. Also they can spread development activity costs over time using a distribution profile and can display Cocomo results using the different output tables, charts, and reports available to all models implemented in the TruePlanning framework. Anyone trained to use True S has a huge advantage in learning how to use True Cocomo, because the user interface, output options, and features are common between the two models.

This powerful combination is available with the SR1 release of TruePlanning. Current True S users can install SR1 and start enjoying the added benefits of running True Cocomo and True S in the same framework, with the same features. If you are not a True S user, please contact PRICE today to find out what you're missing. 1-800-43-PRICE.

True Cocomo, True S, and TruePlanning are trademarks of PRICE Systems, L.L.C.
All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Making the Case for Program Affordability Management (White Paper)
By Anthony A. DeMarco, President and Managing Member, PRICE Systems

The Affordability Challenge: Program offices are challenged in a myriad of ways: from finding and maintaining adequate resources to answering to oversight organizations on project and cost compliance. Multiple factors have contributed to difficulties in developing accurate estimates and controlling project costs and delivery schedules. Fortunately, most of these constraints have now been released.

What is Program Affordability Management? Program Affordability Management™ supports the program activities that determine whether an organization can afford a prospective acquisition or development over the course of its anticipated lifecycle. Program Affordability Management provides the proactive ability to manage risk and keep programs on target.

Essential Elements of a Program Affordability Management Approach: The foundation for Program Affordability Management is based on a credible cost estimate, a method for controlling project growth, and a captured knowledge base from which to make future decisions. These three elements are not individual parts; they build on each other to ensure success at every decision gateway of a project.

How Program Affordability Management Supports Federal Mandates: Program Affordability Management is part of the OMB's "Balanced Scorecard" evaluation of government projects. Scorecard performance is increasingly tied to individual accountability.

The Payoff: For Program Offices that have already implemented a Program Affordability Management approach, the payoff has been significant and immediate. The benefits go beyond budget approval.

The Value of Integration throughout the Program Lifecycle: The benefits of Program Affordability Management build upon each other holistically to ensure the overall success of the program. Program Affordability Management provides advantages at a project level as well as a program or portfolio level. As more of a knowledge base is developed, Program Affordability Management becomes even more valuable.

The Real Costs of Developing COTS-Based Systems (White Paper)
By Arlene F. Minkiewicz, Chief Scientist, PRICE Systems

Despite the increased use of Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) software, there has been little increase in the understanding of how to successfully estimate and plan for projects that are COTS based or COTS intensive. This paper describes a research effort focused on identifying the activities, cost or effort drivers and cost estimating relationships (CER's) that apply when planning software projects that are COTS based or COTS intensive.

The approach taken for this study is based on a combination of data collection and analysis with theoretical research and expert knowledge. This work has resulted in the development of a set of cost estimation algorithms suitable for embedded COTS integrations and extensible to enterprise COTS integration efforts. As important as the algorithms, this research has resulted in a methodology designed to guide project planners through a thought process geared toward the issues that require consideration when planning such a project.

Calendar of Events

April 6, 2004
IT Investments Training: Program Affordability Management
Learn to Plan and Implement OMB-compliant IT Programs with Hands-on Analysis of Costs, Evaluation of Risks, Identification of Critical Elements, IT Model-building and Early Risk Mitigation with Effective EVM
Half-Day Seminar, $295 per seat
PRICE Systems (New DC Facility)
Arlington, Virginia
Learn more and register!

April 14, 2004
Public Training: True S for PRICE S Users
Latest Software Cost Estimating Tool in PRICE TruePlanning Suite
Half-Day Online Workshop
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM EST
Learn more and register!

April 19, 2004
The Real Cost of Developing COTS-Based Systems
Understand What Factors Drive the Cost of COTS-based Development and How to Quantify These to Support Successful Project Planning
Arlene F. Minkiewicz, Chief Scientist, PRICE Systems
Presented at the Systems & Software Technology Conference
Salt Lake City, Utah
Learn more about this speaking track!
Also visit PRICE Systems at booth #838

April 21-22, 2004
New Public Training Curriculum: Earned Value Management (EVM)
2-Day Course Introduces the Fundamental Business Practices of Project Management, Utilizing Earned Value Principles and Methodologies
Earn 1.6 CEUs
Introductory Offer: 50% discount for second seat
PRICE Systems (New DC Facility)
Arlington, Virginia
Learn more and register!