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´.