A study of software portability evaluation

Abstract

The authors propose a model for estimating the cost of software porting, based on program characteristics and other factors (porting impediment factors). We first clarify the porting impediment factors and define evaluation criteria for each factor. A model for evaluating porting cost is derived from these factors. The applicability of the model framework is confirmed by porting various programs. Measures for reducing porting cost are proposed, and their effects are estimated using the model. The proposed model can be used to estimate porting cost and to evaluate porting productivity as well as the productivity of each stage of the porting process. © 1997 by Elsevier Science Inc.