ISO IEC 19761-2011 PDF

Full title and description

ISO/IEC 19761:2011 — Software engineering — COSMIC: a functional size measurement method. This International Standard defines the COSMIC Functional Size Measurement (FSM) method: a principled, domain‑independent approach for measuring the functional size of software by counting standardized data movements between the software and its users or persistent storage.

Abstract

ISO/IEC 19761:2011 specifies the set of definitions, conventions and activities of the COSMIC FSM method. It establishes the fundamental concepts and rules used to identify functional user requirements and to count their functional size as a sum of data movements (Entry, Exit, Read, Write). The standard is applicable to application software, real‑time software and hybrids, and explicitly excludes software dominated by complex mathematical algorithms or continuous multimedia processing.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed).
• Publication date: March 2011 (Edition 2).
• Publisher: ISO/IEC (JTC 1/SC 7).
• ICS / categories: 35.080 (Software engineering).
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2011).
• Number of pages: 14 (official ISO document page count).

These bibliographic and lifecycle details are taken from the ISO record for ISO/IEC 19761:2011.

Scope

Defines the COSMIC functional size measurement method: core definitions, measurement conventions, identification of functional processes and data groups, and the counting rules that yield a standardized functional size. The scope covers business/application and real‑time domains and hybrids, but excludes domains dominated by advanced algorithms (e.g., simulation, self‑learning systems) or continuous media processing (audio/video/games). The standard is intended to be the normative foundation for applying the COSMIC method; fuller practical guidance is provided in the COSMIC Measurement Manual.

Key topics and requirements

• Normative definitions of functional user, functional process, data group and data movement (Entry, Exit, Read, Write).
• Rules for delimiting the software boundary and identifying functional user requirements to be sized.
• Counting rules: each identified data movement counts as a unit (a COSMIC Function Point) and rules for aggregation across functional processes.
• Constraints and domain applicability: guidance on domains where COSMIC is appropriate and where it is not recommended.
• Conformance and repeatability expectations intended to support consistent measurement across measurers and organizations.

The above topics are the core normative content of ISO/IEC 19761:2011 and are elaborated in the COSMIC Measurement Manual for practical application.

Typical use and users

Used for software functional‑sizing in estimation, productivity measurement, benchmarking, procurement and contractual sizing. Typical users include measurement analysts, estimators, project managers, quality and metrics teams, tool vendors, auditors and researchers. Public sector and industry organisations adopt COSMIC for impartial size measurement and cross‑project benchmarking.

Related standards

COSMIC (ISO/IEC 19761) sits within the family of functional size measurement standards and reference models — including the ISO/IEC 14143 series (functional size measurement reference model and related parts) and other ISO/IEC FSM implementations such as ISO/IEC 20926 (IFPUG) and ISO/IEC 20968 (Mk II). For practical application users typically consult the COSMIC Measurement Manual alongside the ISO normative text.

Keywords

COSMIC, functional size measurement, COSMIC Function Points (CFP), data movement, Entry, Exit, Read, Write, functional user requirements, software sizing, ISO/IEC 19761.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/IEC 19761:2011 is the International Standard that defines the COSMIC functional size measurement method — a formal method for quantifying software functional size by counting standardized data movements.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It provides the core definitions, conventions and counting rules for COSMIC FSM, sets out applicability limits (application, real‑time and hybrid domains), and specifies what kinds of software the method is not intended for (complex algorithmic engines, continuous multimedia processing). For worked examples and extensive counting rules, see the COSMIC Measurement Manual.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Measurement analysts, project estimators, program managers, procurement and contracting authorities, benchmarking teams, tool vendors and researchers who need an objective, repeatable measure of functional size. Governments and large organisations often adopt COSMIC for standardized benchmarking and contracting.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO/IEC 19761:2011 is the second edition (published March 2011) and replaced the 2003 edition. The ISO catalog entry shows the 2011 edition as the published/confirmed version; users should check the ISO catalogue or national standards bodies for any subsequent amendments or revisions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the broader ISO/IEC functional size measurement family and reference model work (ISO/IEC 14143 series) and is one of several ISO‑recognized FSM implementations alongside ISO/IEC 20926 (IFPUG) and ISO/IEC 20968 (Mk II). Practitioners commonly use these references together depending on organizational needs.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: COSMIC, COSMIC Function Points (CFP), functional size, functional user requirements, data movement, Entry/Exit/Read/Write, measurement manual, ISO/IEC 19761.