Abstract: A tool and an associated methodology for planning, modeling, and monitoring a development project are provided. The tool includes a centrally-positioned data base, such as at an SQL Server. An optimized model of the development project is created, and updates are provided thereto, such as updates provided by project personnel working at remote sites. Due to the centralization of the data and quantitative mechanisms by which to report to, and update the contents of, the data base, an accurate plan and model of the development project is made, facilitating improved tracking of the progress of the development project.

Abstract: Techniques are described for determining the complexity of a computing environment. The techniques include developing a model for the complexity of a computing environment based on the quantity of particular elements of the computing environment. The model includes two statistical weights for each element in the complexity model. One statistical weight is applied to each element to provide a complexity rating of the element. Another statistical weight is applied to each element to provide a complexity rating across all elements.