Determining the value of a corporate reuse program

Reuse metrics must accurately reflect the amount of effort saved. One must have realistic measures to ensure the credibility of the value placed on reuse and to separate reuse benefits from those of other technologies also competing for limited investment dollars. The paper defines a reuse metric and return on investment (ROI) model at IBM that distinguishes reuse savings and benefits from those already gained through accepted software engineering techniques. Used in conjunction with a planned reuse program, the potential of reuse serves as a powerful motivator. They derive three reuse metrics from readily available software data elements and use these metrics in return on investment model that establishes a sound business justification for reuse.<>