Optimizing Framework Release Plans Using the Incremental Funding Method

This paper presents a method for the definition of the optimal release plan of framework features. The method is based on the economic benefits brought by the use of frameworks as platforms for the development of specific business applications. In the method, framework components (both frozen and hot spots) of new releases are considered to be Architectural Elements (AEs), whilst modules composing the business applications that customize the framework are considered to be Minimum Marketable Features (MMFs). The business applications teams provide the framework development team with the requirements for the features to be included in the next AE releases. While the AE team is focused on the development costs of AE releases, the business applications teams are concerned with the financial returns enabled by the new MMF deployment. The method provides a systematic approach to plan the implementation order of both framework and business application releases. This allows for a balanced view of the total financial value yielded by framework components and business applications.