Emerald: Software metrics and models on the desktop

As software becomes more and more sophisticated, industry has begun to place a premium on software reliability. Consequently, software reliability is a strategic business weapon in an increasingly competitive marketplace. In response to these concerns, BNR, Nortel, and Bell Canada recently developed Emerald, a decision support system designed to improve telecommunications software reliability. Emerald efficiently integrates software measurements, quality models, and delivery of results to the desktop of software developers. Emerald not only improves software reliability, but also facilitates the accurate correction of field problems. The authors' experiences developing Emerald taught them valuable lessons about the implementation and adoption of this type of software tool, which they present here.