Simulation-based evaluation and improvement of software development processes

Systematic selection of appropriate processes, methods, and tools for the development of high quality software requires knowledge about their effects under varying project conditions. Up to now, the selection has essentially relied on subjective experience, empirically gained experience from previous projects, or experience from expensive controlled projects. This results in the situation that decisions concerning alternatives, in particular, are only insufficiently supported. The goal of the project SEV (Simulation-based Evaluation and Improvement of Software Development Processes) is the development of a simulation platform for software development processes and experiments. Process simulation is used to support decisions on process alternatives for a project on the basis of existing knowledge. Thereby, new development knowledge can be gained faster and more cost effectively. This progress report documents basic work towards the development of the simulation platform. In particular, application scenarios for the platform are described, an overview of an initial approach for using the platform is given, visualization requirements and concepts are described, simulation requirements and techniques are sketched, a survey of state-of-the-art simulation software is given, and an initial model for an example key software development process is sketched. Finally, a business model for applying the platform in industrial practice is described.