Software quality analysis and measurement service activity in the company

It is very important to improve software quality using program analysis and measurement tools and the SQA (Software Quality Assurance) method at the appropriate points during the process of development. In many development departments, there is often not enough time to evaluate and use the tools and the SQA method or to accumulate the know-how for effective use. This paper describes the support activity of a software quality analysis and measurement service which is performed by our laboratory team within the company as a third-party independent staff group. We call this activity HQC (High Quality software creation support virtual Center). The purpose of this activity is as follows. First we improve the software quality engineering process in the development department, for example, we help them to increase efficiency of review or testing. To accomplish this, we use program static analysis tools to detect fault-prone software components. Next we assist in starting their own self-improvement process. In addition, we provide service activity to many development departments concurrently. We have been making progress with these activities, and some development departments have begun to establish improvement processes themselves.