ASSURING SOFTWARE QUALITY THROUGH MEASUREMENTS - A BUYERS PERSPECTIVE

The acquisition of quality software is one of the major challenges that faces buyers of software systems in this decade. In the past, accomplishing this objective has been a struggle, mainly due to the lack of effective software quality measurements. To address this problem for the Bellcore Client Companies (BCCs),* * Bellcore Client Companies (BCCs) is a collective reference to all owner-clients and non-owner clients. Bellcore Quality Assurance Engineering, Software (QAES) has developed and implemented at their direction comprehensive buyer software quality assurance programs that focus on resolving the underlying problems associated with developing quality software. These programs are founded on identifying the risks and managing impacts to BCC quality through measurement and analysis. This paper discusses Bellcore QAES's buyer software quality assurance approach and explores the measurements that help assure that telecommunications systems meet BCCs needs and expectations. In conclusion, the paper discusses how the measures can be applied by all buyers and vendors, challenges facing the application of quality measurements in the future, and how these challenges can be successfully approached and overcome. © 1990.