Abstract
The consistent modeling of quality requirements for Web sites and applications at different stages of the life cycle is still a challenge to most Web engineering researchers and practitioners. In the present chapter, we propose an integrated approach to specify quality requirements to Web sites and applications. By extending the ISO 9126-1 quality views characteristics, we discuss how to model internal, external quality, and quality in use views taking into account not only the software features, but also the own characteristics of Web applications. Particularly, we thoroughly analyze the modeling of the content characteristic for evaluating the quality of information–so critical for the whole Web application eras. The resulting model represents a first step towards a multi-dimensional integrated approach to evaluate Web sites at different lifecycle stages.
TopFeatures Of Web Eras And Applications: An Overview
The first goal of this section is to introduce the main features of the Web evolution, but without deepening in the different dimensions of eras, while they are detailed commented in Murugesan (2007); the second goal is to outline the distinctive intrinsic features of WebApps compared to traditional software applications.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Quality Model: it specifies the quality perspective and the relationships between quality characteristics, sub-characteristics and associated attributes of an entity, which allow the further evaluation or estimation for given information needs.
Content Characteristic: it represents the capability of a Web product to deliver information which meets stated and implied needs when used under specified conditions. It is composed of sub-characteristics such as content accuracy, suitability, accessibility and legal compliance.
Content Legal Compliance: which represents the capability of the Web product to adhere to standards, conventions, and legal norms related to content as well as to intellectual property rights.
Information Quality: which is a quality dimension for a Web product and it is represented by the content characteristic in the quality model.
Content Suitability: which represents the capability of a Web product to deliver information with the right coverage, added value, and consistency, considering the specified user tasks and goals.
Content Accuracy: which represents the capability of a Web product to deliver information that is correct, credible and current.
Content Accessibility: which represents the capability of a Web product to deliver information that is accessible for all users (with or without disabilities) taking into account both technical and representational aspects.
Web 2.0: it is gradually becoming recognized as an important collection of Web technologies, business strategies, and social trends which allow people collaborate, share and edit information online in seemingly new ways of interaction.