Metrics-based management of software product portfolios

Abstract

This metrics framework can help organizations manage their portfolios of software products and applications, with financial and developmental implications. The framework heuristically groups products into three categories - emerging, growth, and stable. The article focuses mainly on one characteristic: quality (as represented by software defects and customer-reported field problems) and its impact on service costs. The authors analyze actual data for 27 software products, highlight lessons learned, and discuss business scenarios that managers can use to exploit this framework. © 2007 IEEE.