Software Asset Reusability Index Computation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large software development organizations, identifying the most reusable software assets from a vast repository is challenging due to the lack of comprehensive evaluation methods beyond quality, as existing approaches fail to consider multiple characteristics and dimensions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system computes a reusability index for software assets by assigning a numeric value based on predefined characteristics grouped into dimensions, using weighted scoring criteria to evaluate reusability from multiple perspectives, including metadata, quality, usage, friction, value, currency, and reputation dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large repository of reusable software assets is maintained, then the quantity of available software assets increases, but the difficulty of identifying the most reusable asset increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the evaluation of software assets by dividing characteristics into multiple dimensions (functional characteristics, technical characteristics, organizational characteristics) and further into specific characteristics within each dimension. This segmentation allows systematic evaluation of large numbers of assets by breaking down complex assessment into manageable components, directly addressing the difficulty of identifying reusable assets in large repositories.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple evaluation dimensions beyond traditional single-dimension approaches. By adding dimensions such as functional characteristics, technical characteristics, and organizational characteristics, the system transforms the evaluation from a one-dimensional quality assessment to a multi-dimensional analysis, enabling comprehensive identification of reusable assets in large repositories.
2Device complexity
If existing quality evaluation approaches are used, then the simplicity of evaluation is maintained, but the comprehensiveness of reusability assessment decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments reusability assessment into distinct dimensions (functional, technical, organizational) with specific characteristics under each. This segmentation maintains evaluation structure and simplicity while significantly improving comprehensiveness, as each dimension can be assessed independently using appropriate metrics for that specific aspect of reusability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal evaluation framework that can assess multiple aspects of software asset reusability through a single integrated system. The multi-dimensional approach allows the same evaluation mechanism to comprehensively assess functional suitability, technical quality, and organizational factors, providing complete reusability assessment without requiring separate specialized evaluations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for computing a reusability index of a software asset are provided. The system comprises a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory comprises a characteristics module, a dimensions module, and a reusability module. The characteristics module is configured to receive a characteristic score for each of a plurality of predefined characteristics associated with the software asset. The dimensions module is configured to determine, based on the characteristic score weighted according to a characteristic weighing criterion, a dimension score for each of a plurality of predefined dimensions, wherein each of the plurality of predefined dimensions comprises at least one of the plurality of predefined characteristics. The reusability module is configured to compute, based on the dimension score weighted according to a dimension weighing criterion, the reusability index of the software asset.