In the software business, results aren’t optional. Faced with spiraling costs, limited staff, faster to-market delivery dates, and intense competition, it’s a challenge to succeed in a world where what you see isn’t what you get.’

Software development teams need to know how they compare with the outside world. They need to know what can be reasonably expected when planning new projects . Frequently, project estimates must be prepared on very short notice, and requirements changes can upset even the most carefully planned project.

QSM offers a full range of tools and consulting services to help you develop achievable, accurate cost and schedule estimates. With over 20 years of experience in software estimation, coupled with sophisticated tools and a proven methodology used by Fortune 1000 organizations worldwide, we offer the knowledge and experience you need to succeed.

SLIM-Estimate has been the industry leader for estimation, analysis, and presentation of software schedule, effort, and quality data since 1978. It allows you to create and evaluate an unlimited number of possible solutions. More importantly, you can leverage data from your own completed projects, as well the latest trends from QSM’s database of over 6300 completed software projects.

The power of your own history and QSM industry trends can help you:

• Calibrate project estimates to your environment
• Maximize the accuracy of your estimates
• Evaluate both internal and contractor plans against past history and the latest industry benchmarks
• Create risk-buffered plans that help you deliver on time and within budget
• Negotiate and communicate more effectively with colleagues and customers.

EstimateExpress is QSM's software project estimation tool for organizations with smaller estimating requirements. EstimateExpress accurately calculates the cost, schedule, reliability, and resources for large and small software projects while providing the ability to negotiate and plan multiple project scenarios. Backed by QSM and our worldwide industry database of thousands of software projects, Express is a perfect choice for software development shops that don't need an enterprise solution.

When you need extra manpower or skills, QSM offers a comprehensive methodology and sophisticated tools to help you meet commitments and minimize risk. We provide real-world solutions that support your overall business objectives.

With QSM Consulting, you are on time, on budget, on target.

QSM's Bid Assessment service is ideal for outsourcing development work to ensure you select a supplier with a proven track record and the ability to meet contract obligations. We assist government agencies and commercial companies in selecting the contractor with the highest probability of delivering the proposed system within contracted time, cost and reliability targets.

When you need expert and impartial analysis and risk assessment for a high-profile project, try our Independent Estimates service. QSM consultants work with your managers and engineers to extract the relevant information about the system to be estimated. Our estimates include all viable alternatives (buy vs. build, reduced functionality, additional manpower, incremental deliveries etc.).

Implementing new tools and processes can be a challenge for any organization - QSM's Startup Mentoring service focuses on helping you get results fast. Our experienced consultants work as a team with your staff to transfer knowledge and problem solving skills while working on real projects in your environment.

QSM's estimation services are backed by SLIM-Estimate, DataManager, and MasterPlan and by the QSM database of over 7000 completed software projects.