Data is frequently, but not always, stored in memory. Consequently, real-time systems have some characteristics which are not fully supported by Function Points. These characteristics must be evaluated separately since they ultimately will impact the software delivery or maintenance rates of our software engineers. Our book also includes an example of a Function Point count of a Navy Fire Control System. The development activity could either be accomplished internally or contracted out to an external developer.
Enhancements are a change to the processing within a subsystem as opposed to a maintenance fix.
Maintenance includes the effort to maintain existing systems, excluding changes which are defined above as enhancements. Calculation of the Unadjusted Function Point Count Determination of the Value Adjustment Factor using General System Characteristics Calculation of the Adjusted Function Point Count Establish the Subsystem Boundary A project may include one or more applications or subsystems. Measure applications or subsystems as they will ultimately be used. As an example, Microsoft Office includes Word for Windows, PowerPoint, Excel and Access, all separate applications or subsystems. A military weapon systems may consists of separate subsystems such as radar tracking units, missile systems, fire control systems, missile guidance systems, etc.