by Mr. Peter Dyson, Software Productivity Solutions, Inc.
FirstStep is a simple PC-based program that supportsend user data entry and graph display for the STEP1 metrics. FirstSTEP was developed by Software Productivity Solutions, Inc. The development was sponsored by the PM Mines, Counter-mines and Demolition program through the U.S. Army CECOM's Executive Management Software Metrics Support contract, contract number DAAB07-90-D-B918. The Government Contract Officer's Representative (COR) is Mr. Stewart Fenick. The PM Mines, Counter-mines and Demolition software support point of contact is Mr. David Leciston.
The goal of FirstSTEP is to provide a basic metrics tool that enables the user to apply metrics to the software development process and to help prevent immature software from being deployed. The application of STEP metrics ensures that the software process is kept under control through demonstration of progress at specified intervals. The specific objective of the initial FirstSTEP development was to provide a solution to the immediate metric needs of the program and add to the metrics analysis technology. FirstSTEP places an automated STEP metrics data storage and display capability into the hands of each program user in an environment of constrained resources.
FirstSTEP is an automated command language execution (macro) spreadsheet capability that will take data manually input into a spreadsheet and display it graphically for analysis using the spreadsheet's own charting capabilities. This general capability is referred to as metrics input, storage, and graphical output. The database schema and displays for FirstSTEP are based on the Software Test & Evaluation Panel (STEP) metric set defined by Department of the Army Pamphlet 73-1, Part Seven. The initial FirstSTEP product is designed to run on an IBM PC compatible computer running under DOS with an Intel 80286 processor chip, 8M of Random Access Memory (RAM) and a CGA display. This configuration represents the low end link and is the most common computer available to the target Army desk top computer user community.
FirstSTEP is a "compiled" Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet application and, as such, does not require other applications to run. FirstSTEP assists the Program Manager and the program staff in planning for future metrics computer resource acquisition by providing a functional "strawman" tool efforts without adding significantly to the cost of performing the mandated metrics analysis.
Comments or questions on FirstSTEP should be directed to: