Error data enhancement is a part of the IV&V Facility's Metrics Data Program (MDP). It is a strategy for the MDP to improve the quality of the problem data related to software. This is important to improve the ability to predict errors in software. Problem data is poor for a number of reasons. Small projects with limited budgets will often have a change process that is bare bones and perhaps will not include an electronic form. Standard problem tracking forms frequently neglect to identify the relationship of the phase activity to the error report. Rarely do error reports identify the lower level impacts (e.g., module) which is frequently where metrics are generated.

As an ongoing effort MDP is recruiting projects from NASA as well as the public sector for participation. Recruited projects maintain complete control of data release and the level of participation within the Metrics Data Program. There is minimal effort required on behalf of participating projects.

MDP also offers a no cost support package in exchange for participation. This package can include a problem tracking tool, CM support, error and software metrics as well as the analysis of the metrics. Once in the program MDP will work together with the NASA project to develop a project specific form that provides a PR form to the project but also aids the collection of problem data. Keeping the form unobtrusive to the project will be an important consideration.

Contact the Metrics Data Program Team in order to find out more information about project participation.