The Role of Functional Metrics in B2B E-Commerce Project Success
- Introduction
- B2B E-Commerce Primer
- Overall Function Point Counting and Estimation Methodology
- Benefits of Function Point Counting and Estimation
- Extensions to IFPUG CPM 4.1
- The Function Point Counting and Estimation Repository
- The Function Point Counting and Estimation Team-based Process
- Function Point Estimation Worksheet Example Segment
- Other Applications
- Internal Challenges at eSell
- Summary and Conclusions
- Final Questions to Ponder
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
Introduction
In the winter of 1999, how was a young high-tech Internet startup, with version 1.0 of a new B2B application software product, able to gain enough credibility in the marketplace to attract—and do business with—its targeted Fortune 1000 customers?
The answer was threefold. First of all, the business functionality delivered in version 1.0 had demonstrated demand in the marketplace (which is discussed in the next section). This at least opened the doors to interested parties. Second, the client's trust was won by leveraging impeccable early references created by using an implementation methodology worthy of corporations that were orders of magnitude larger. Last, eSell Inc.1 deployed only very senior and skilled professionals on all its implementations.
This paper describes the methods and techniques developed by eSell Inc., especially as they pertain to the adaptation and adoption of functional metrics in their project-implementation processes.
We start off with a brief description of how functional metrics have been incorporated into the typical project launch process, with an overview of the major benefits accrued. With success as a backdrop, we describe the atomic parts of the overall program:
Adaptation of the counting techniques
Creation of an Excel worksheet to support the counting and estimation process
A project repository used to calibrate the actual estimates of time, effort, and cost
The team-based process used to collect and verify project data
We then follow this discussion with examples of how functional metrics are used to support other aspects of the project, including:
Initial sale of the product and project
Project staffing
Project control
Last, we summarize our findings and experiences and pose a final question concerning the importance of key personnel in sustaining an effective metrics program.