Easy Function Points -- 'Smart' Approximation Technique for the IFPUG and COSMIC Methods

Functional Size Measurement (FSM) is a relevant approach for software management and estimation since decades. Despite the efforts to refine the measurement definitions and practices FSM methods, real-world practitioners' needs led to a variety of proposals for approximation techniques aimed to provide (Function Point) figures in early phases of software projects and lifecycles, based on 'fuzzy' requirements (e.g. 'Size Classes', Estimated and Indicative, Quick & Early, Light and Early & Quick, Fast or Simple Function Points). This paper summarizes most common approximate sizing approaches, it provides an up-to-date comparison of their generic features, confidence levels and applicability, it shows how most approaches are basically variations or instances of a generic unique scheme (that can be derived from so-called Smart Function Points); it introduces the latest evolution of such approximation techniques -- for both IFPUG and COSMIC methods -- named 'EASY (Early & Speedy) Function Points'.