FAQs
Can you trust the ISBSG data?
All of the data submitted is subjected our quality assistance processes. Each project is rated A to D. Only A and B projects are included in any statistical analysis.
93% of projects are rated A or B. Definitions for these ratings are
A = The data submitted was assessed as being sound with nothing being identified that might affect its integrity.
B = The submission appears fundamentally sound but there are some factors which could affect the integrity of the submitted data.
Are you planning a software metrics program but are unsure what to collect?
The free ISBSG Data Collection Questionnaires will give you ideas on the data to collect. Some attributes are obvious but others are not and these additional attributes may turn out to be significant when looking for factors that impact productivity.
What can I expect to see from the data?
The three main attributes that people look for are: effort, size and duration. These factors yield information about the productivity and duration for a project.
Filter the data to display attributes that are more relevant to your project. Popular filters include: programming language and team size.
For more details on what you can find in the ISBSG Repository, go to Data Demographics.
How up to date is the data?
In the February 2015 release of D&E data, 1152 projects were no more than 5 years old.
Is the data from a cross-section of industries?
Major sectors are communications (21% of all projects where the organisation type is known), manufacturing (15%), insurance (14%), government (11%), banking (10%), medical and health care (9%), and financial (7%).
For more details go to Data Demographics.
Is there someone I can talk to about interpreting the data?
Submit a question via Contact Us and we will respond to your query.
How is the data verified?
Each project submitted to the ISBSG Repository is validated against specific quality criteria. Each project is then given a rating of “A”, “B”, “C” or “D”.
- Rating A: The data provided was assessed as being sound with nothing being identified that might affect its integrity
- Rating B: Whilst assessed as being sound, there are some factors which could affect the credibility of the data provided
- Rating C: Due to significant data not being provided, it was not possible to assess the integrity of the data provided
- Rating D: Due to one factor or a combination of factors, little credibility should be given to the data provided.
Who can submit data?
Anyone can submit data. Each data entry is verified for completeness and accuracy.
Who can I talk to about starting a metrics program?
ISBSG Partners are all experts in managing metrics programs.
Please either contact them directly or Contact Us and we will be glad to assit you.