ABSTRACT
External benchmark data can be a useful part of any software measurement program as it provides an objective way to analyze existing data or to establish a starting point for future measurement. While purchasing and utilizing external benchmark data may appear to be a straightforward process, there are a fair number of nuances to consider to ensure that the resulting data is both meaningful and relevant to your organization. This chapter will provide guidance on the process of defining data requirements, using the data, and selecting a vendor for benchmarking.
