Abstract: In one aspect, an automated method is provided for updating cost data for a software application in a maintenance environment. The method includes collecting functional metrics data and determining a composite index. A maintainability index is calculated, and an average cost per full-time equivalent is recorded. A maintenance unit cost is then calculated from the composite index, the maintainability index, and the average cost per full-time equivalent. In another aspect, an automated method is provided for computing cost of a software application in an enhancement environment. The method includes collecting functional metrics data, determining a composite, and calculating a maintainability index. An average cost per full-time equivalent is recorded, and a size of the application in function points is estimated. An enhancement unit cost is then calculated from the composite index, the maintainability index, the average cost per full-time equivalent, and the estimated function point size.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method for managing an enterprise's communications. A plurality of issues is identified on which to manage communications. For each of the plurality of issues, a communications list is created comprising at least one person that is to be informed of an issue. For at least one of the plurality of issues, the communications list is organized hierarchically. For at least one of the plurality of issues, criterion is established as to when information about the at least one of the plurality of issues should be communicated to a level higher, lower, or across the hierarchy of the communications list.