Characterizing configurable software product families and their derivation
Mikko Raatikainen, Timo Soininen, Tomi Männistö, Antti Mattila · Software Process Improvement and Practice · 2005
Abstract Configurable software product families are a subclass of software product families that are customized in a product individual derivation process without design or programming. This article presents results on analyzing two such families and their derivation processes found in a descriptive case study on software product families. Some characteristics particular to such product families and their derivation seem to emerge: There is a configurable product base that is configured to the customer requirements. The variability has two distinct levels, of which the first is visible to the customer at sales. The derivation process consists of requirements specification, configuring, delivery, installing, and tailoring activities. Derivation is very flexible and efficient. Most derivations can be carried out without programming. The activities primarily require application domain understanding, system administrator skills, and understanding of the family. The product developers can be separated organizationally from product derivators. We further proposed some hypotheses on the success factors for configurable software product families: A large enough number of derivations, understanding and stability of the application domain, and clear software product family–oriented culture and processes. However, very advanced or software product family–oriented software engineering methods or similar methods do not seem a prerequisite for success. We also suggest further research on configurable software product families. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.