Many organisations have computer systems that have new Front End Systems which allow users to make enquiries on reference data which resides on older, legacy Host systems and to enter transactions whose prime objective is to update information on the Host systems. These systems exist only as a front end to the Host system, but are considered to be separate applications. Separate project teams develop and maintain these Front End Systems and separate Work Orders are received for enhancements to these systems. In FPA terms how should these systems be counted?

The functionality offered by the Front End System (FES) often duplicates functionality available within the Host system when operated in 'native' mode. The required functions and screens are purpose built for the FES.

Data required to satisfy the FES enquiry requirements often is physically copied from the host into temporary data repositories, which exist for the duration of the session and/or the customer enquiry, and/or the creation of the service transaction. Once each of these functions is completed the data is deleted from the FES.

Front End Systems tend to have very few true Internal Logical Files; they rely on the databases of the Host Systems that they access. Hence their EIF contribution to the overall FP result is higher than the normal 1-4%.

Front End Systems may have their own reference table ILFs (existing for FES use only and maintained by FES transactions). Often, FES' use reference data provided by the host systems either by reading from Host system files directly, or by 'copying' the host system files into the FES.

FES' are usually required to maintain a copy of the data they send to the host system, for example a copy of all Order transactions sent. At a minimum they are required to record the fact that a transaction has been sent.

2.1 the information that physically crosses the application boundary be counted?

2.2 the data that is maintained/accessed be counted?

2.3 the data downloaded from the Host Systems be counted?

2.4 data conversion/translation tables and processes be counted?

The development of Front End Systems is initiated by the business. While from a strict FPA view their functionality is an integral part of the host system functionality, however, in reality, these applications exist within their own right. They have business sponsors and separate project teams. One of the prime purposes for implementing FPA within an organisation, is to measure software product delivered. As business requirement changes impact both the Host and Front End Systems, and work effort is expended in both systems to implement the change, both systems should be credited with Function Points for software product delivered.

Most purposes for counting would not be served by drawing artificial logical application boundaries around systems that are physically separate and acknowledged by all concerned as separate (i.e. by management, business sponsors and development teams).

Having established the boundary the other FPA issues can now be addressed.

Where they exist, the following may be counted as ILFs for the Front End System:

• Log files, in which copies of the transactions sent between the FES and the host are recorded.

Transactions should exist which allow the logged transactions to be viewed and reported on.

• Files in which the transaction, transfer events are recorded. For example, there may not be a requirement to record the detail of a transaction, but there may be a requirement to record the fact that a transaction between the host and front end has occurred, and optionally, the current status of the transaction.

Where they exist, the following may be counted as EIFs for the Front End System:

• Host system files, which are referenced when a direct enquiry is made on host system data. For example, Enquire on Account Balance.

Where they exist, the following may be counted as EIs for the Front End System:

• All elementary processes that create, modify, delete host system data, where copies of the data are required to be stored within the FES for future enquiries and reports.
• Transactions that maintain FES specific reference tables.
• Transactions which upload/process/extract reference table data from Host system downloads. (See Section 3.4.4, External Interface Files - Sample Scenarios.)

Where they exist, the following may be counted as EOs for the Front End System:

• Reports which present data on the volume of transactions between the FES and the Host System.
• Transactions transferred to the Host System provided that:
• the output contains calculated, derived or manipulated data, and/or
• a logical file is maintained as a result of the output. For example, the status flag on the record in the Transaction File is set to 'Transmitted' as a result of the output.

Where they exist, the following may be counted as EQs for the Front End System:

• All enquiries made on the Host system files for which screens have been built within the FES.
• All enquiries made on FES Internal Logical Files.