Customer Reviews

Software Project Cost and Schedule Estimating: Best Practices with 3.5 Disk

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This book originally caught my eye because it gave the impression of discussing a variety of estimating techniques from function points to COCOMO. For example the synopsis from amazon.com states, "Powerful, scientific techniques are presented for confidently producing and defending accurate software development estimates and schedules." In my opinion nothing could be farther from the truth. This book should really be titled "A User Manual for CostXPert" which is a copyrighted estimating program developed by the author. It briefly summarizes common estimating techniques in the first two chapters. From chapter three on the text is focused entirely on the CostXPert program. The CostXPert program is included on CD ROM, which is usable for only a six month evaluation period. Of course the author offers to sell you a copy at $995 per license, discounts for larger orders. I am still evaluating the CostXPert software and it could possibly have some merit. The book itself as a means of learning about software project scheduling and cost estimating is woefully inadequate in comparison to other books such as Bary Boehm's "Software Engineering Economics." In fact I am a bit steamed that I spent $50 which is essentially subsidizing the authors marketing costs. If you were interested in the software I would suggest that you go to the authors website and download the program, which comes with a 30 day evaluation. The only benefit that you get with the book is a six month evaluation period instead of 30 days. Caveat Emptor!

If you took out what was not directly related to the vastly overpriced costXpert product you would have about 10 pages.

I happened across this book in the University of Wisconsin bookstore and picked it up hoping it would expand on things already covered in Boehm's work. As a book, it isn't so great.

However, the software it contains is one of the most usable cost estimation tools around - if you need that kind of tool. In many cases, I've gone through the process that this software shows with other people who bought the tool outright (it's expensive if you're getting it as a single user - if you're buying it for corporate use, it's quite a value). The software is particularly valuable if you're a novice at cost estimation, since you can experiment with different lifecycles, documentation standards, and environmental factors. From this standpoint, the Marotz tool is an excellent educational device.

In short, if you need a software cost estimation tool - download
the free trial version from Marotz and try it out. This book
by itself is probably promising too much.

Nothing more than a poorly written user manual. I was *thoroughly* disappointed. What a waste of money.

Good book on the subject. Pratical coverage of the subject, does not get bogged down in ivory tower approach so common to this subject matter. You will need to tailor their approach to your own situation.