FURPSin

FURPSin is a software quality framework that extends the traditional FURPS model by adding two attributes focused on system integration and networking. It is used in some teams and projects to address the needs of modern, interconnected software without claiming universal standardization.

The original FURPS model, commonly credited to Hewlett-Packard, identifies five quality dimensions: Functionality, Usability, Reliability, Performance, and Supportability. FURPSin expands this set by introducing two additional dimensions, Interoperability and Networking, resulting in a seven-part quality perspective intended for distributed or API-driven environments.

In FURPSin, each dimension is described with criteria and potential metrics. Functionality covers feature completeness and correctness; Usability covers ease of use, accessibility, and learnability; Reliability addresses fault tolerance and recoverability; Performance concerns response time, throughput, and scalability; Supportability includes maintainability, testability, and deployability. Interoperability evaluates compatibility with external systems, data formats, standards, and APIs; Networking assesses network-related requirements such as bandwidth, latency, availability, quality of service, and security across communications channels.

Applications of FURPSin include requirements elicitation, design reviews, and test planning. Teams map user stories to the seven dimensions and define measurable acceptance criteria to guide validation and quality assurance. While it can provide a comprehensive checklist for complex ecosystems, its lack of formal standardization may lead to inconsistent interpretations and added complexity compared with FURPS or FURPS+. Users should weigh the benefits of broader coverage against the overhead of defining consistent, shared metrics. Related concepts include FURPS, FURPS+, and other software quality models.