Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

Function Point Analysis
     
         (FPA) A standard metric for the relative size
        and complexity of a software system, originally developed by
        Alan Albrecht of {IBM} in the late 1970s.
     
        Functon points (FPs) can be used to estimate the relative size
        and complexity of software in the early stages of development
        - analysis and design.  The size is determined by identifying
        the components of the system as seen by the end-user: the
        inputs, outputs, inquiries, interfaces to other systems, and
        logical internal files.  The components are classified as
        simple, average, or complex.  All of these values are then
        scored and the total is expressed in Unadjusted FPs (UFPs).
        Complexity factors described by 14 general systems
        characteristics, such as reusability, performance, and
        complexity of processing can be used to weight the UFP.
        Factors are also weighted on a scale of 0 - not present, 1 -
        minor influence, to 5 - strong influence.  The result of these
        computations is a number that correlates to system size.
     
        Although the FP metric doesn't correspond to any actual
        physical attribute of a software system (such as {lines of
        code} or the number of subroutines) it is useful as a relative
        measure for comparing projects, measuring productivity, and
        estimating the amount a development effort and time needed for
        a project.
     
        See also {International Function Point Users Group}.
     
        (1996-05-16)