ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on parametric estimation tool to help improve benchmark measurement accuracy. This new way of collecting historical data involves high-speed and low-cost function point analysis combined with using parametric estimates to help validate historical data. This new method is called "parametric benchmarks". This new method collects quantitative benchmark data as described in the chapter. The same method can be used for collecting qualitative assessment data, but that is a separate topic and has not been discussed here. The chapter deals with individual project benchmarks for software project productivity and quality levels. The Web is the best source for additional information on benchmarks. Software estimation is simple in concept, but difficult and complex in reality. The commercial parametric software estimating tools can outperform human estimates in terms of accuracy, and always in terms of speed and cost-effectiveness.
