The International Function Point Users’ Group (IFPUG) is a non-profit, member governed organization. The mission of IFPUG is to be a recognized leader in promoting and encouraging the effective management of application software development and maintenance activities through the use of Function Point Analysis and other software measurement techniques. IFPUG endorses FPA as its standard methodology for software sizing. In support of this, IFPUG maintains the Function Point Counting Practices Manual, the recognized industry standard for FPA. IFPUG also provides a forum for networking and information exchange that promotes and encourages the use of software product and process metrics. IFPUG members benefit from a variety of services, each of which is described below.

Annual Conference
IFPUG’s Annual conference brings together leading industry experts, practitioners, and technology vendors for a 2-day exchange of experiences and presentations on the latest happenings in the field of software metrics. The Vendor Showcase provides conference attendees the opportunity to compare state-of-the-art products and services in support of the IT measurement discipline.

Educational Seminars and Workshops
In addition to its conferences, IFPUG offers a variety of training opportunities designed to complement sound software management practices. Workshops cover a range of topics including Function Point counting practices, project management techniques, and process improvement strategies. Workshops are held in September immediately preceding the annual conference. See you there!

Professional Certification
Through its Certified Function Point Specialist (CFPS) program, IFPUG offers professional certification for practitioners of FPA. The certification program also covers Function Point training materials and software tools designed to perform FPA tasks.

Working Committees and Task Groups
IFPUG Working Committees and Task Groups support the advancement of software metrics disciplines and are at the center of the activities that contribute value to an IFPUG Member. They create and/or manage the many useful materials that are available to members. They participate in selected international efforts to ensure that Function Points are fully considered by such bodies and to bring useful information and materials to IFPUG members. They offer opportunities to network with other members about subjects of mutual interest, which can aid both professional and personal growth. They provide a way to contribute to the industry that supports us.

Counting Standards Committees
The Counting Practices, Certification, and New Environments Committees are under the guidance of the Director – Counting Standards. They provide the standard definition for Function Points (e.g., Counting Practices Manual), certification for practitioners, and supporting tools and courses (e.g., the CFPS program), and continuing investigation of how to size software in new environments (e.g., Case Study reports). Their work provides the basis for Function Points as a valuable tool in the management of software projects.

Applied Programs Committees
The Management Reporting and IT Performance Committees are under the guidance of the Director – Applied Programs. They create and manage materials that help you realize the value of Function Points in your own organizations. Among the currently available materials are guidelines for reporting data based on Function Points to management, and software project databases for use in preparing estimates and comparative studies.

Education and Conference Committees
The Conference and Education Committees are under the guidance of the Director – Education and Conference. They plan and manage the Annual Conference and the two IFPUG Workshops offered each year. These committees focus on the delivery of the wealth of information and know-how that IFPUG has assembled, by providing a variety of ways for people to learn about, develop their skills in, and receive the latest information about the development and use of Function Points.

Marketing & Communications Committee
The Marketing & Communications Committee is under the guidance of the IFPUG Secretary. It manages the IFPUG Website, prepares the twice-yearly publication of MetricViews, coordinates member communications, and promotes the IFPUG organization and products.

Academic Affairs Task Group
The Academic Affairs Task Group coordinates relationships between IFPUG and the academic community. They seek opportunities for research in software metrics, provide materials to support the teaching of Function Point-based management approaches, and encourage academic institutions to join IFPUG as Academic Members.

ISO Task Group
The International Standards Organization (ISO) Task Group is working on the behalf of IFPUG members to advance Function Points as an international standard through ISO. (See ISO Press Release for more information).

ISBSG Task Group
The ISBSG Task Group represents the IFPUG members in the efforts of the ISBSG (International Software Benchmarking Standards Group) to create and learn from three independent repositories of IT history data.

Data Collection, Analysis and Dissemination
IFPUG supports the collection, analysis and dissemination of data about software projects through several activities. In cooperation with other metrics organizations from around the world, IFPUG participates as a Lead Member in the International Software Benchmarking Standards Group Ltd. (ISBSG). Through this effort IFPUG is supporting the collection and maintenance of three independent databases of project / application information from around the world, and the preparation and dissemination of reports and electronic media containing information about the projects/applications in the databases. Also, through industry and academic relationships, IFPUG sponsors and supports projects for applied research on software measurement issues, and conducts studies in support of advancing the Function Point Counting Standards.

Industry Publications
IFPUG produces and maintains a suite of timely publications on software measurement standards and guidelines. METRICVIEWS, the official newsletter of IFPUG, is a leading source of current information, ideas, and success stories in the field of software measurement.

IFPUG’s growth evidences the increasing demand for performance-based measurement throughout the software development industry. IFPUG is positioned to provide the tools and support required to meet the demands of today and tomorrow.