Abstract: Techniques for assessing information technology components by comparing a component (including a component still under development) to a set of criteria. Each of the criteria may have one or more attributes, and may be different in priority from one another. In preferred embodiments, a component assessment score is created as a result of the comparison. When necessary, a set of recommendations for component changes may also be created. The criteria/attributes may be prioritized in view of their importance to the target market, and the assessment results are preferably provided to component teams to influence component harvesting, planning, and/or development efforts. Optionally, the assessment process may be used to determine whether the assessed component has achieved at least some predetermined assessment score associated with a special designation.

Abstract: Techniques for selecting IT components (including components still under development) in view of ones thereof that will be most beneficial for incorporating into a component library and/or into products and solutions for a target market or markets. A set of criteria are evaluated with regard to each component. Each of the criteria may have one or more attributes, and may be different in priority from one another. In preferred embodiments, a component consumability score is created as a result of the comparison. The criteria/attributes used in creating this score are preferably weighted in view of their importance to the target market, and the consumability scores for components are preferably provided to component teams to influence component harvesting, planning, and/or development efforts.

Abstract: Techniques for designing information technology components by influencing design of a component using a set of criteria that reflect requirements of a target market. Each of the criteria may have one or more attributes, and may be different in priority from one another. The criteria are preferably directed toward ensuring, and/or improving, the component's acceptance by its target market. Preferably, a component assessment process is used to determine whether the assessed component will meet requirements of its target market; if deficiencies are found, the component (or supporting information such as documentation) can then be redesigned.