Engineering Management Approach to Software Production Plan, based on the Principles of Software Product Lines

The concept of the software factory and discussions over its realization dates back more than three decades; however it is still only a vision for medium and large size Information Technology [IT] organizations on an earnest journey for software excellence. The principles and practices of Software Product Lines [SPL] can be a catalyst in realizing such a vision. SPL ensembles three elements namely, core asset development, product development, and management to run an efficient and consistent software factory. The core asset development is based on “Domain Engineering” and is fundamental to leveraging commonalties between software products & services developed. The product development encircles the core assets and provides the variability required in the product line. Finally, management acts as the strategic objective provider. Employing these principles of SPL, a software production plan can be devised with five essential practice areas such as Configuration Management; Data Collection, Metrics and Tracking; Process Definition; Technical Planning; and Tool Support. Configuration Management is a disciplined approach of evaluating, coordinating, approving or disapproving and finally implementing changes in the software artifacts. Data Collection, Metrics and Tracking enable the software factory to assure quality and seek continuous improvements. Process Definition ensures the software factory is scientific in its approach and delivers repeatable performance. Technical Planning chalks the roadmap of realizing the prophecy of reusability and fulfilling the software factory vision. Finally proper Tool Support ensures productivity, efficiency and consistent performance from all the stakeholders in the software factory