Practical Software Reuse (Wiley Series in Software Engineering Practice)

Rating:
Summary: Excellent for "whitebox" reuse
Review: Before you purchase this book understand that the author's approach is "whitebox" reuse, wherein you have a repository of *baseline* components that are modified to suit development requirements. Contrast this with the "blackbox" approach wherein components are developed to have well-defined interfaces and internal logic and are not designed to be modified. Each approach has strengths and weaknesses, and each is suited for specific organizations based on business goals. Therefore, if you are a "blackbox" shop or are leaning in that direction this book is not going to meet your needs.

If you are seeking a book based on "whitebox" then this is an excellent introductory text for managers exploring the benefits of software reuse.

The first section, Fundamental Concepts, thoroughly covers the basics of reuse strategy and concepts and critical success factors.

Business case analysis is covered in the second section. The three chapters cover the basics and will provide you with solid information to support a business decision to go with reuse. Do not skip this section because while the whole intent of reuse is cost savings, the realities of implementing and managing reuse are that it requires a significant investment to get there.

The final section covers making the transition to reuse and ongoing management of reuse as an organizational policy and process.

A few final notes: (1) This is not a comprehensive "how-to" book - it is a management-level look at all issues and factors that need to be taken into account before deciding whether or not reuse is a good fit for your organization. (2) If you are exploring or seeking compliance with IEEE Standard 1517, Software Reuse Process, this book will provide you with the business case aspects, but is not necessarily consistent with the process as set forth in 1517.

If "whitebox" reuse is the direction you want to go, this book is an excellent introduction to reuse as a concept, and the associated business case issues and transition requirements.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent for "whitebox" reuse
Review: Before you purchase this book understand that the author's approach is "whitebox" reuse, wherein you have a repository of *baseline* components that are modified to suit development requirements. Contrast this with the "blackbox" approach wherein components are developed to have well-defined interfaces and internal logic and are not designed to be modified. Each approach has strengths and weaknesses, and each is suited for specific organizations based on business goals. Therefore, if you are a "blackbox" shop or are leaning in that direction this book is not going to meet your needs.

If you are seeking a book based on "whitebox" then this is an excellent introductory text for managers exploring the benefits of software reuse.

The first section, Fundamental Concepts, thoroughly covers the basics of reuse strategy and concepts and critical success factors.

Business case analysis is covered in the second section. The three chapters cover the basics and will provide you with solid information to support a business decision to go with reuse. Do not skip this section because while the whole intent of reuse is cost savings, the realities of implementing and managing reuse are that it requires a significant investment to get there.

The final section covers making the transition to reuse and ongoing management of reuse as an organizational policy and process.

A few final notes: (1) This is not a comprehensive "how-to" book - it is a management-level look at all issues and factors that need to be taken into account before deciding whether or not reuse is a good fit for your organization. (2) If you are exploring or seeking compliance with IEEE Standard 1517, Software Reuse Process, this book will provide you with the business case aspects, but is not necessarily consistent with the process as set forth in 1517.

If "whitebox" reuse is the direction you want to go, this book is an excellent introduction to reuse as a concept, and the associated business case issues and transition requirements.