CMMI - Introduction

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

This blog is intended to develop an understanding of CMMI so that process improvements can be better applied by its reader to their projects.

• What is CMMI?
• Why CMMI?
• What are it's characteristics?
• What are the CMMI levels?
• What are Process areas?
• What are the benefits of being at Level 5?


These are some of the things we will look at in this blog various posts. This is the first in the series of posts that will explore CMMI.

In first post - What is CMMI and Why CMMI?

WHAT?

There are lot's of definitions for CMM. One good one is this:

It defines how software organizations mature or improve in their ability to develop software.

The model was developed by Software Engineering Institute (SEI) of Carnegie Mellon University in late 80s. This model provides a structured view in a five-layer model of increasingly sophisticated practices for those working in software.

Each level (except Level 1) has certain Key Process Areas associated with it. Each level addresses levels of maturity exhibited by the project. The first version of CMM came in early 90s.

Around 1999, SEI took up an integration project. There were multiple CMM models in place - one for software development, one for Integrated process and product development, one for systems engineering etc.

Organizations (and SEI!) found it difficult to live with multiple models. Hence this project integrated the different CMM models into one and thus CMM - Integrated , CMMI came into being.

The structure of CMMI is similar to CMM.

WHY?

CMMI describes how software organizations can take the path of continuous improvement which is so required in this highly competitive world. Moreover, it is a model that can be tailored to suit the organization. "Keep Improving" - is the CMMI key message.

CMMI also creates brand value and many clients are demanding it.

SEI website - www.sei.cmu.edu

Any questions/comments/feedback, please mail to - know.cmmi@gmail.com or leave a comment here.

Next is - CMMI - Overview and 5 Levels

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