Empirical-Based Extension of the COSMIC FP Method

This paper discusses the extensions of the COSMIC Function Point method using empirical aspects in order to support the broader application of this method for effort estimation and other software system und processes characterization. The method extensions are based on our experience in different COSMIC applications for embedded systems, agile development, SOA implementations, cloud computing and apps implementation in the last ten years. After a short introduction about this well-known COSMIC method, empirical aspects of software products and processes are described and applications of effort estimation based on sizing the quality, technology and methodology are discussed.