Feature Performance Metrics for Software as a Service Offering: The Case of HubSpot

This paper provides an industry case study for measuring the performance of software as a service (SaaS) product features in order to prioritize development efforts. The case is based on empirical data from HubSpot and it is generalized to provide a framework applicable to other companies with large...

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Main Authors: Latner, Avi, Valerdi, Ricardo
Format: Working Paper
Language:en_US
Published: Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Engineering Systems Division 2016
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/102824
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author Latner, Avi
Valerdi, Ricardo
author_facet Latner, Avi
Valerdi, Ricardo
author_sort Latner, Avi
collection MIT
description This paper provides an industry case study for measuring the performance of software as a service (SaaS) product features in order to prioritize development efforts. The case is based on empirical data from HubSpot and it is generalized to provide a framework applicable to other companies with large scale software offerings and distributed development. Firstly, relative value is measured by the impact that each feature has on customer acquisition and retention. Secondly, feature value is compared to feature cost and specifically development investment to determine feature profitability. Thirdly, feature sensitivity is measured. Feature sensitivity is defined as the effect a fixed amount of development investment has on value in a given time. Fourthly, features are segmented according to their location relative to the value to cost trend line into: most valuable features, outperforming, underperforming and fledglings. Finally, results are analyzed to determine future action. Maintenance and bug fixes are prioritized according to feature value. Product enhancements are prioritized according to sensitivity with special attention to fledglings. Underperforming features are either put on “lifesupport”, terminated or overhauled.
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spelling mit-1721.1/1028242019-04-11T05:37:53Z Feature Performance Metrics for Software as a Service Offering: The Case of HubSpot Latner, Avi Valerdi, Ricardo This paper provides an industry case study for measuring the performance of software as a service (SaaS) product features in order to prioritize development efforts. The case is based on empirical data from HubSpot and it is generalized to provide a framework applicable to other companies with large scale software offerings and distributed development. Firstly, relative value is measured by the impact that each feature has on customer acquisition and retention. Secondly, feature value is compared to feature cost and specifically development investment to determine feature profitability. Thirdly, feature sensitivity is measured. Feature sensitivity is defined as the effect a fixed amount of development investment has on value in a given time. Fourthly, features are segmented according to their location relative to the value to cost trend line into: most valuable features, outperforming, underperforming and fledglings. Finally, results are analyzed to determine future action. Maintenance and bug fixes are prioritized according to feature value. Product enhancements are prioritized according to sensitivity with special attention to fledglings. Underperforming features are either put on “lifesupport”, terminated or overhauled. 2016-06-02T13:37:13Z 2016-06-02T13:37:13Z 2011-03 Working Paper http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/102824 en_US ESD Working Papers;ESD-WP-2011-04 application/pdf Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Engineering Systems Division
spellingShingle Latner, Avi
Valerdi, Ricardo
Feature Performance Metrics for Software as a Service Offering: The Case of HubSpot
title Feature Performance Metrics for Software as a Service Offering: The Case of HubSpot
title_full Feature Performance Metrics for Software as a Service Offering: The Case of HubSpot
title_fullStr Feature Performance Metrics for Software as a Service Offering: The Case of HubSpot
title_full_unstemmed Feature Performance Metrics for Software as a Service Offering: The Case of HubSpot
title_short Feature Performance Metrics for Software as a Service Offering: The Case of HubSpot
title_sort feature performance metrics for software as a service offering the case of hubspot
url http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/102824
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