From the Sales Front

Want to Use SLIM for COTS or ERP?
Did you know you can use SLIM for ERP and COTS implementation, like Peoplesoft, SAP, and Oracle? Call 800-424-6755 or email Keith Ciocco for a demo today of this and other innovative ways to use SLIM for software development and benchmarking!

Upcoming Conference Schedule
Below is a schedule of the upcoming trade shows where QSM will be exhibiting in the spring. Please feel free to stop by and see us for a free SLIM demo and more information on our products and services.

If you would like to set up an appointment at one of the upcoming trade shows or for more information regarding SLIM products, services, and training, please contact Keith Ciocco by email at keith_ciocco@qsm.com or phone 703-749-3812.

From the R&D Lab

QSM Research Finds the Point When a Project Comes "Unglued"
If you have ever been to a SLIM training class, you know we emphasize that throwing more people on a project to compress schedule has marginal benefits. Now, our recent research findings show this is particularly dangerous with large projects. While there are a number of reasons project managers "throw more people at a big project" (such as competitive pressure to win an outsourcing bid, a customer demanding an unrealistic schedule, etc.) adding more people to large projects can actually lead to disaster. We examined projects from the QSM database that were larger than 50,000 lines of code and found that when staff is added to a project to reduce schedule, there is actually a point when a project can come "unglued."

The figure above shows an average peak staff size vs. an "unglued" peak staff size, based on project size. Our data also revealed that an "unglued" staff comes at a considerable cost that only goes up as the projects get larger. Throwing more people at a large project is not only much more expensive - 3 to 8 times more than average cost - it also results in worse quality, with 3 to 6 times more defects. Overall, the data shows that over-staffing has few tangible benefits

To get a more detailed account of these new research findings, please email Don Beckett at info@qsm.com or call 800-424-6744. Don will also be participating in the upcoming Microsoft Office Project Conference in Seattle, Washington. Conference details can be found here.

From the Support Center

New Estimating Templates!

In the Templates area of the QSM web site there are several new estimating templates available for download. Although each template has already been calibrated with the latest industry data for each type of project, there is also a set of directions with each template to assist you in fine tuning the estimate to the unique conditions in your development environment. Visit the Templates page and check out the latest and greatest. You'll need passwords to download the templates first - you can get passwords, if you haven't already done so, here. If you have any questions or need assistance with the templates or with estimates, don't hesitate to contact QSM support at support@qsm.com or 301 865-8242.

API Documentation

Beginning with SLIM-Suite 6.3, the SLIM API (or Application Programmer's Interface) has been extended and improved to make it easier to interface between SLIM tools and external applications like MS Project. The API documentation has also been upgraded to make the API even easier to use. Visit the Downloads page - the entire API documentation is available for download in the tool areas of applications that have an API (Estimate, Control, or DataManager). The documentation is password-protected, so you'll need a special API password for the download - get your password here.

Love Using SLIM for Software Estimating? Check Out What It Can Do for Your Hardware Projects!
QSM is now offering support to existing customers who are interested in using SLIM for estimating hardware projects. Contact us if you're interested and we'll help you configure the tool for your hardware development environment. Call 800-424-6755 and ask for Keith Ciocco or email keith_ciocco@qsm.com.

New Function Points Overview Class
QSM is now offering a one day function point overview that presents the high level concepts of function point analysis and how function points can be used in software measurement and estimating. Participants will learn the difference between a good count and bad count, as well as if the process was carried out correctly. QSM aims to teach decision makers how to make educated business decisions when presented with function point data. For more information on this new offering, please contact Keith Ciocco at 703-749-3812 or by email at keith_ciocco@qsm.com.

SLIM Training Schedule
If you have a need for training, please contact your sales rep or Keith Ciocco at keith_ciocco@qsm.com or 703-749-3812. If you are unable to make it to McLean, Va for any of the upcoming scheduled training dates below, on-site training is available, as is our "Train the Trainer" program for companies with big needs.

QSM Europe Training
Classes will be held at the QSM Europe office in Breukelen, Netherlands. If you have a need for training, please contact Ernst van Waning at ernst.van.waning@qsm-europe.com or call +31 346 566 952.

Call QSM today for a FREE DEMO
of our best in class SLIM-Suite Estimation Products
800 424 6755

You received this email because you, or your company, have purchased products or requested information from our company regarding the products or services shown above. You have the right to remove your name from this list by responding to this email with the word "Remove" in the subject line. If you choose to remain on this list, your email will be kept confidential and will never be sold or disseminated to any other source. Copyright QSM, Inc., 2000 Corporate Ridge, Suite 200, McLean, VA 22102