In This Issue
QSM Welcomes New Clients!QSM Welcomes New Clients!
We would like to welcome 8 new clients as SLIM users to the QSM family. Amongst these, UCAR (University Corporation for Atmospheric Research), FAA Logistical Service Center, OSD AT&L, and Kaplan Financial have all recently signed on to see what SLIM tools can do for their software estimating, planning, and benchmarking processes. To learn more about our tools and what's new with QSM, please read on.
We would like to welcome 8 new clients as SLIM users to the QSM family. Amongst these, UCAR (University Corporation for Atmospheric Research), FAA Logistical Service Center, OSD AT&L, and Kaplan Financial have all recently signed on to see what SLIM tools can do for their software estimating, planning, and benchmarking processes. To learn more about our tools and what's new with QSM, please read on.
Don Beckett Speaking at SSTC ConferenceDon Beckett Speaking at SSTC Conference
Don Beckett Speaking at SSTC Conference
The presentation is entitled "Evaluating Bids/Monitoring Performance Using Software Metrics". It shows how vendor historical data can be used to see if a vendor bid on a project is reasonable and consistent with their capabilities. As such, it can help qualify or disqualify vendor bids. The second part of the presentation (Monitoring Performance) shows how actual project performance can be tracked against an estimate and be used to create projections (forecasts) of likely outcomes. The presentation is entitled "Evaluating Bids/Monitoring Performance Using Software Metrics". It shows how vendor historical data can be used to see if a vendor bid on a project is reasonable and consistent with their capabilities. As such, it can help qualify or disqualify vendor bids. The second part of the presentation (Monitoring Performance) shows how actual project performance can be tracked against an estimate and be used to create projections (forecasts) of likely outcomes. To find out when Don's next speaking engagement is or to ask him a question, please . You can also view more of QSM's research on our .
The presentation is entitled "Evaluating Bids/Monitoring Performance Using Software Metrics". It shows how vendor historical data can be used to see if a vendor bid on a project is reasonable and consistent with their capabilities. As such, it can help qualify or disqualify vendor bids. The second part of the presentation (Monitoring Performance) shows how actual project performance can be tracked against an estimate and be used to create projections (forecasts) of likely outcomes. To find out when Don's next speaking engagement is or to ask him a question, please email him. You can also view more of QSM's research on our white papers page.
Upcoming ConferencesUpcoming Conferences
Upcoming Conferences
Please stop by our booth at any of the upcoming conferences we will be attending:Please stop by our booth at any of the upcoming conferences we will be attending: PMI Region 5 Symposium - April 2-5; Baltimore, MD SSTC - April 29-May 2; Las Vegas, NV Booth #202Booth #202 IBM Rational Software Developers Conference - June 1-5; Orlando, FL; Booth #610 Better Software Conference & Expo - June 11-12; Las Vegas, NV Better Software Conference & Expo - June 11-12; Las Vegas, NV Booth #610 Better Software Conference & Expo - June 11-12; Las Vegas, NV PMI Global Congress - Oct. 18-21; Denver, CO; PMI Global Congress - Oct. 18-21; Denver, CO; Booth #208Booth #208 PMI Region 5 Symposium - April 2-5; Baltimore, MD SSTC - April 29-May 2; Las Vegas, NV Booth #202 IBM Rational Software Developers Conference - June 1-5; Orlando, FL; Booth #610 Better Software Conference & Expo - June 11-12; Las Vegas, NV PMI Global Congress - Oct. 18-21; Denver, CO; Booth #208 If you would like to set up an appointment at one of the upcoming conferences or for more information regarding SLIM products, services, and training, please contact Keith Ciocco by email at or phone 703-749-3812.
Please stop by our booth at any of the upcoming conferences we will be attending: PMI Region 5 Symposium - April 2-5; Baltimore, MD SSTC - April 29-May 2; Las Vegas, NV Booth #202 IBM Rational Software Developers Conference - June 1-5; Orlando, FL; Booth #610 Better Software Conference & Expo - June 11-12; Las Vegas, NV PMI Global Congress - Oct. 18-21; Denver, CO; Booth #208 If you would like to set up an appointment at one of the upcoming conferences or for more information regarding SLIM products, services, and training, please contact Keith Ciocco by email at keith_ciocco@qsm.com or phone 703-749-3812.
SLIM Return on Investment Case Study - Time Savings
SLIM Return on Investment Case Study - Time Savings
We have collected some great user stories from current SLIM users. This is just one of many different situations where one of our customers saved an enormous amount of time by implementing SLIM. This case study shows how a customer was able to make their estimation process more efficient by using SLIM, thereby saving both time and money. The Situation: A new customer's first estimate with SLIM is a big financial application - a multi-year project, costing millions of dollars. QSM provides the support included with the tool license during their estimation process to help the customer get up to speed quickly and to get good value from the SLIM toolset. In the past, the company used a total of three people over a three week time period to generate an estimate for this type of project. Using SLIM tools with QSM's support, only one estimator worked full time for three days, totaling approximately two man-days. The analysis included three sizing techniques: Use Cases, High Level Function Points, and Analogy. This resulted in a size estimate in excess of 50,000 new and modified source code. The overall team could not be less than 40 and could not exceed 50 people. The SLIM analyst generated several estimates. The Benefits of Using SLIM: The customer realized a 2.5 week schedule savings and a 72 person hour savings equivalent to $7,200 in savings. Since the customer completes approximately 8 estimates a year, that translates into a time savings of 4.6 schedule months and a cost savings of $57,600. Keep in mind, this is only the savings the company gained from the initial estimate and doesn't even address the cost savings that may have been gained through different business implementation strategies or the prevention of signing up to deliver unrealistic schedules. If you would like to see more case studies where our customers have realized their return on investment with SLIM, please or call at 703-749-3812.
We have collected some great user stories from current SLIM users. This is just one of many different situations where one of our customers saved an enormous amount of time by implementing SLIM. This case study shows how a customer was able to make their estimation process more efficient by using SLIM, thereby saving both time and money. The Situation: A new customer's first estimate with SLIM is a big financial application - a multi-year project, costing millions of dollars. QSM provides the support included with the tool license during their estimation process to help the customer get up to speed quickly and to get good value from the SLIM toolset. In the past, the company used a total of three people over a three week time period to generate an estimate for this type of project. Using SLIM tools with QSM's support, only one estimator worked full time for three days, totaling approximately two man-days. The analysis included three sizing techniques: Use Cases, High Level Function Points, and Analogy. This resulted in a size estimate in excess of 50,000 new and modified source code. The overall team could not be less than 40 and could not exceed 50 people. The SLIM analyst generated several estimates. The Benefits of Using SLIM: The customer realized a 2.5 week schedule savings and a 72 person hour savings equivalent to $7,200 in savings. Since the customer completes approximately 8 estimates a year, that translates into a time savings of 4.6 schedule months and a cost savings of $57,600. Keep in mind, this is only the savings the company gained from the initial estimate and doesn't even address the cost savings that may have been gained through different business implementation strategies or the prevention of signing up to deliver unrealistic schedules. If you would like to see more case studies where our customers have realized their return on investment with SLIM, please email Keith Ciocco or call at 703-749-3812.
Support Tip: Using Import Workbook Components in SLIM
Support Tip: Using Import Workbook Components in SLIM
Are you making full use of the Import Workbook Components menu item in the SLIM Suite? This handy feature can save you lots of time and effort if you don't forget it's there. Via the Import menu item, you can bring the following custom settings into your SLIM workbooks:
entire chart and report outlines (Estimate, Metrics, Control, MasterPlan)entire chart and report outlines (Estimate, Metrics, Control, MasterPlan) colors, symbols and fonts (Estimate, Metrics, Control, MasterPlan)colors, symbols and fonts (Estimate, Metrics, Control, MasterPlan) custom reference trends (Estimate, Metrics, Control)custom reference trends (Estimate, Metrics, Control) phase names, acronyms, and descriptions (Estimate)phase names, acronyms, and descriptions (Estimate) milestone names, acronyms, descriptions, and phase percentages (Estimate)milestone names, acronyms, descriptions, and phase percentages (Estimate) WBS Structures and skill categories (Estimate)WBS Structures and skill categories (Estimate) Data Set Selections (Metrics)Data Set Selections (Metrics) Custom Metrics (Control)Custom Metrics (Control)
The most powerful feature of the Import Workbook Components menu item is that once you set up a workbook with a set of estimation, tracking, or presentation features (for instance, you may wish to specially tailor the chart and report outline for export to PowerPoint, placing only one report per view and optimizing the color and font settings for maximum readability) you can re-use those features over and over again in any workbook. Moreover, you don't have to use your special purpose settings all the time.
File | Import | Import Workbook ComponentsColors, symbols, and fonts (replace only)OK
Free customer support is included with your SLIM-Estimate, SLIM-Control, or SLIM-Metrics license. Contact us by or call (800) 424-6755. Are you making full use of the Import Workbook Components menu item in the SLIM Suite? This handy feature can save you lots of time and effort if you don't forget it's there. Via the Import menu item, you can bring the following custom settings into your SLIM workbooks: entire chart and report outlines (Estimate, Metrics, Control, MasterPlan) colors, symbols and fonts (Estimate, Metrics, Control, MasterPlan) custom reference trends (Estimate, Metrics, Control) phase names, acronyms, and descriptions (Estimate) milestone names, acronyms, descriptions, and phase percentages (Estimate) WBS Structures and skill categories (Estimate) Data Set Selections (Metrics) Custom Metrics (Control) The most powerful feature of the Import Workbook Components menu item is that once you set up a workbook with a set of estimation, tracking, or presentation features (for instance, you may wish to specially tailor the chart and report outline for export to PowerPoint, placing only one report per view and optimizing the color and font settings for maximum readability) you can re-use those features over and over again in any workbook. Moreover, you don't have to use your special purpose settings all the time. For instance, for everyday working purposes you may wish to use the default QSM color and font settings. But for reporting purposes you may find that specially tailored reporting color and font settings work better. Prior to exporting to PowerPoint, save your workbook in your working directory. This preserves your original color and font settings. Now, select File | Import | Import Workbook Components from the menu. Check Colors, symbols, and fonts (replace only) and browse to the workbook containing your special purpose settings. Click OK to replace the colors and fonts in the workbook with those in the target workbook. As an added refinement, you may also wish to replace your everyday chart and report outline with a custom reporting outline from a saved template. The Import Workbook Components dialog makes this process a snap. Complete the export to PowerPoint. When you are done, you can archive your temporary reporting workbook (in case you need to regenerate your reports) or simply delete it. The backup copy you made earlier preserves your working settings until it's time for the next report. Free customer support is included with your SLIM-Estimate, SLIM-Control, or SLIM-Metrics license. Contact us by email or call (800) 424-6755.
Are you making full use of the Import Workbook Components menu item in the SLIM Suite? This handy feature can save you lots of time and effort if you don't forget it's there. Via the Import menu item, you can bring the following custom settings into your SLIM workbooks: entire chart and report outlines (Estimate, Metrics, Control, MasterPlan) colors, symbols and fonts (Estimate, Metrics, Control, MasterPlan) custom reference trends (Estimate, Metrics, Control) phase names, acronyms, and descriptions (Estimate) milestone names, acronyms, descriptions, and phase percentages (Estimate) WBS Structures and skill categories (Estimate) Data Set Selections (Metrics) Custom Metrics (Control) The most powerful feature of the Import Workbook Components menu item is that once you set up a workbook with a set of estimation, tracking, or presentation features (for instance, you may wish to specially tailor the chart and report outline for export to PowerPoint, placing only one report per view and optimizing the color and font settings for maximum readability) you can re-use those features over and over again in any workbook. Moreover, you don't have to use your special purpose settings all the time. For instance, for everyday working purposes you may wish to use the default QSM color and font settings. But for reporting purposes you may find that specially tailored reporting color and font settings work better. Prior to exporting to PowerPoint, save your workbook in your working directory. This preserves your original color and font settings. Now, select File | Import | Import Workbook Components from the menu. Check Colors, symbols, and fonts (replace only) and browse to the workbook containing your special purpose settings. Click OK to replace the colors and fonts in the workbook with those in the target workbook. As an added refinement, you may also wish to replace your everyday chart and report outline with a custom reporting outline from a saved template. The Import Workbook Components dialog makes this process a snap. Complete the export to PowerPoint. When you are done, you can archive your temporary reporting workbook (in case you need to regenerate your reports) or simply delete it. The backup copy you made earlier preserves your working settings until it's time for the next report. Free customer support is included with your SLIM-Estimate, SLIM-Control, or SLIM-Metrics license. Contact us by email or call (800) 424-6755.
SLIM Training Schedule
SLIM Training Schedule
QSM holds regular SLIM training courses at our McLean, VA office, just outside of Washington, DC. If you have a need for training, please contact your sales rep or Keith Ciocco by or call 703-749-3812. Our current schedule for the upcoming months is: SLIM-Estimate & SLIM-Control: April 23-24 SLIM-Metrics: April 25 SLIM-Estimate & SLIM-Control: May 21-22 SLIM-Metrics: May 23 SLIM-Estimate & SLIM-Control: June 25-26 SLIM-Metrics: June 27 You can always find our up-to-date training schedule by visiting . If you are unable to make it to McLean, Va for any of the upcoming scheduled training dates listed, on-site training is available, as is our "Train the Trainer" program for companies with big needs. For availability, please .
QSM holds regular SLIM training courses at our McLean, VA office, just outside of Washington, DC. If you have a need for training, please contact your sales rep or Keith Ciocco by email or call 703-749-3812. Our current schedule for the upcoming months is: SLIM-Estimate & SLIM-Control: April 23-24 SLIM-Metrics: April 25 SLIM-Estimate & SLIM-Control: May 21-22 SLIM-Metrics: May 23 SLIM-Estimate & SLIM-Control: June 25-26 SLIM-Metrics: June 27 You can always find our up-to-date training schedule by visiting QSM Training. If you are unable to make it to McLean, Va for any of the upcoming scheduled training dates listed, on-site training is available, as is our "Train the Trainer" program for companies with big needs. For availability, please contact Keith Ciocco.
QSM Europe Welcomes New Representative in Switzerland
QSM Europe Welcomes New Representative in Switzerland
QSM Europe is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Andrea Gelli as a new QSM representative located in Zurich, Switzerland. Andrea has a tremendous amount of experience in IT Project Management. We are looking forward to working in the Swiss marketplace and continuing to expand our presence in Europe. If you are located in Switzerland and would like to learn more about QSM's products and services, please contact Dr. Andrea Gelli at or by mobile at +41 79 3799807. To see what else is new at QSM Europe, please visit .
QSM Europe is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Andrea Gelli as a new QSM representative located in Zurich, Switzerland. Andrea has a tremendous amount of experience in IT Project Management. We are looking forward to working in the Swiss marketplace and continuing to expand our presence in Europe. If you are located in Switzerland and would like to learn more about QSM's products and services, please contact Dr. Andrea Gelli at andrea.gelli@qsma.ch or by mobile at +41 79 3799807. To see what else is new at QSM Europe, please visit QSM Europe's website.
You can always find out what's going at QSM by checking the or by simply visiting .
You can always find out what's going at QSM by checking the What's New page or by simply visiting our website.
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