INTRODUCTION

The Semantic Technology Institute (STI) Innsbruck at the University of Innsbruck, Austria is conducting research in the field of cost estimation for semantic technology projects. As a continuation of our research in the field of cost estimation for ontology engineering, we are in the process of proposing a new model which estimates the effort of developing semantic applications. The aim of our study is to adapt existing software cost model by taking into account distinct software features and development processes inherit to semantic applications. In addition to having a cost estimation model, we believe that this research will contribute to understanding certain aspects of developing semantic applications e.g. which stages or use of technologies are effort intensive, where reusability is feasible and to which extent it impacts the overall development effort, and extent of productivity which comes from using certain development platforms or special tools.

ABOUT THIS SURVEY

SEMACOM adapts the COCOMO II model for estimating the costs of software engineering projects to the specifics of semantic technologies. The model uses an equation that contains product-, personnel and project management-related cost drivers quantified in terms of effort multipliers. The effort multipliers are used to adjust the nominal effort to reflect the semantic application development process. They are rated with values from Very Low to Very High, depending on their positive or negative impact on the nominal development effort. For example when a user specifies that a certain cost driver is Very High the effort should increase to a certain extent based on the values obtained from the models’ statistical calibration. Before gathering historical data, which is a prerequisite for a statistical calibration of the model, a validation of the model and the selected cost drivers is necessary. The validation is based on interviews with experts in the field of developing semantic applications.

The survey is divided into 3 parts:

• Information about the survey participant
• About the development of semantic application (SA)
• Questions to selected costs factors

In the first part of the survey you are required to specify your personal details, affiliation, background and experience in semantic application development. In the second part of the survey you should reflect on general aspects of semantic application development based on your personal experience and knowledge. At times you might be required to rank certain choices. At the end you might provide your own feedback and comments. In the third part of the survey you should evaluate concrete cost drivers.

PART 1: Information about the survey participant