QSM has been an industry leader in software
estimation, project tracking and control, and software metrics
analysis. The following is a summary of major events in the QSM
timeline:
1978: Larry Putnam
forms Quantitative Software Management. Larry's experience in
nuclear physics and statistical analysis leads to pioneering research,
which creates the SLIM® Methodology (a coherent set of equations
and processes to estimate software development projects). Parts
of the SLIM Methodology are found in most popular commercial estimation
tools today.
1979: The mainframe
timesharing version of SLIM-Estimate is introduced. SLIM becomes
the first tool to introduce and use Monte Carlo simulation to
perform risk analysis and linear programming for optimized resource
planning.
1980: SLIM becomes
the first standalone desktop software estimation tool (Hewlett
Packard 80 series). Innovation in this re-engineered version includes
graphical outputs and a module that allows customers to collect
and calibrate estimates with their own historical data.
1982: SLIM-Estimate
is released on the IBM PC platform. The Rayleigh Defect prediction
model makes its debut in this release.
1983: Pcubed is
released; it is a simplified version of SLIM for 1- to 3-person
projects.
1986: Size Planner
is announced; a tool for software size estimation. Recognizing
that size estimation is one of the most difficult challenges of
software management, QSM introduces 5 independent approaches that
can be averaged to develop more confidence in a size estimate.
QSM is the first tool supplier to offer this capability to the
market.
1989: SLIM-Control
is launched. For the first time, this innovation enables mangers
to perform "in-flight" analysis and forecasting of ongoing
software projects. With SLIM, this was (and continues to be) the
only integrated project estimation and control solution. New capabilities
include: statistical process control bounds for plan vs. actual
comparisons and curve fit forecasting of actual performance data
to determine likely completion dates and budgets.
1992: SLIM-Estimate
for Windows is released. This version of SLIM is totally re-engineered
for the Windows GUI environment. Groundbreaking features include:
graphical control gauges, dynamic risk gauges and multiple estimation
views. Industry data and trends provide a "sanity check"
for the estimates.
1994: SLIM-Metrics
makes its debut. This is a first in the software measurement industry:
it places industry productivity statistics right on the desktop.
A powerful project repository, it provides query and analysis
tools to compare projects against industry trendlines. It enables
insights into the dynamics of software organizations and allows
the analyst to customize benchmarking views.
1996: SLIM-Control
undergoes a major reengineering. It provides interactive graphics
displays for dynamic mid-stream project assessment. Because projects
constantly undergo upheaving change, SLIM-Control provides management
with ongoing impact analysis and real-time "what if"
capability.
1998: SLIM-MasterPlan
is launched to allow users the ability to visualize and anticipate
resource requirements. SLIM-MasterPlan is the first tool to allow
estimators to aggregate estimates of multiple product lines and
multiple releases to see the "big picture." Innovative
features allow graphical shifting of resources to optimize plans
or reallocation of resources.
2001: The SLIM-Suite
is introduced. This integrated set of estimation, tracking, and
benchmarking tools covers all aspects of the software lifecycle.
2001: Estimate
Express becomes available to provide a comprehensive, yet affordable,
software project estimation solution designed for smaller companies
or project managers with smaller projects.
2003/2004: The
SLIM-Suite 6.0 is rolled out, with over 40 new and improved features
across the entire tool suite to make this the premier software
estimation product on the market.
2005: Michael
Mah creates www.optimalfriction.com
and joins the burgeoning blog universe. This blog is a forum for
Michael and others concerned with the "ideal" balance
of factors to create a harmonious work and personal life. Meanwhile,
more data is collected through Michael's consulting practice and
extensive speaking schedule to contribute to the next release
of the SLIM tools.
2006 and beyond...
the QSM Associates' team continues to offer workshops, training,
vital industry information and, of course, the the SLIM Suite
of tools.