Value-Based Portfolio Optimization for Software Product Lines

Abstract

Software Product Lines are a mean to improve the economic performance of firms that offer several products to a market by systematically reusing software artifacts. In most cases the definitive company goal is profit maximization. That can be reached by increasing revenue or by reducing cost. Revenue is increased by offering products with a wide variety of features to an audience willing to pay. However, the fewer features are realized the fewer cost incur. Hence, a firm may ask what features are most important to realize. We approach this question by introducing Value-Based Portfolio Optimization as an addition to common Product Portfolio Scoping approaches that helps deciding on this question.