Software Portability as a Non Functional Requirement

Software Portability RequirementsPortability requirements are non-functional requirements and focus on the ability of two or more components or systems to perform their required functions while all of these are in the same environment

Example of Software Portability Requirements

For example,

  • A computer game that must work on Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10.

Compatibility requirements

Compatibility requirements about the ease of moving components or systems between environments (Environments can be hardware and/or software environment).

Software Portability VS Compatibility Requirements
Software Portability VS Compatibility Requirements

Types of Compatibility Requirements

Hardware Compatibility Requirements

Requirements that software must be compatible with different hardware configurations.

Operating Systems Compatibility Requirements

Requirements that software must be compatible with different Operating Systems like Windows, Unix, Mac OS, etc.

Software Compatibility Requirements

Requirements that software must be compatible with other software. For example, MS Word application must be compatible with other software like MS Powerpoint, MS Excel, etc.

Network Compatibility Requirements

Requirements that software must have a good performance in a network with parameters such as Operating speed, Bandwidth,  and Capacity, etc.

Browser Compatibility Requirements

Requirements that focus on the compatibility of our website with different browsers like Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, etc.

Devices Compatibility Requirements

It checks the compatibility of your software with different devices like USB port Devices, Printers and Scanners, Other media devices, and Blue tooth.

Mobile Compatibility Requirements

Checking your software is compatible with mobile platforms like Android, iOS, etc.

Versions Compatibility Requirements

It is verifying your software application to be compatible with different versions of the software. For instance checking your Microsoft Word to be compatible with Windows 7, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 7 SP2, Windows 7 SP3.

FAQ ON Software Compatibility as a Non-Functional Requirement

Hardware Compatibility Requirements are functional requirements? True/False

Answer: False

Reason: Hardware Compatibility Requirements are Non-functional requirements.


Operating Systems Compatibility Requirements are functional requirements? True/False

Answer: False

Reason: Operating Systems Compatibility Requirements are functional requirements.


Software Compatibility Requirements are Non-functional requirements? True/False

Answer: True


Network Compatibility Requirements are Non-functional requirements? True/False

Answer: True


Browser Compatibility Requirements are functional requirements? True/False

Answer: False

Reason: Browser Compatibility Requirements are non-functional requirements.


Devices Compatibility Requirements are functional requirements? True/False

Answer: False

Reason: Devices Compatibility Requirements are Non- functional requirements.


Mobile Compatibility Requirements are Non-functional requirements? True/False

Answer: True


Versions Compatibility Requirements are functional requirements? True/False

Answer: False

Reason: Versions Compatibility Requirements are non-functional requirements.