Estimates & budget

Estimating effort, planning buffers, cost over the lifetime.

Custom Software Development Cost: A Realistic BudgetCustom software development cost is hours times rate plus years of upkeep. Wage data, three worked examples and why maintenance often outweighs the build.
Software Estimation Techniques: Methods and a PERT ExampleSoftware estimation techniques compared: analogy, three-point PERT with a worked example, Wideband Delphi, function points, and how to present ranges honestly.
Story Points Estimation: Planning Poker and VelocityStory points estimation without converting to hours: reference stories, Planning Poker with Fibonacci cards and a velocity forecast as a range, worked through.
Fixed Price vs Time and Materials: Which Contract Fits?Fixed price vs time and materials for software: who carries which risk, what a fixed price really costs, capped hybrid models and a three-question test.