Capability Maturity ModelingSM at the SEI

Abstract

In 1987, the SEI released a software process maturity framework and maturity questionnaire to support organizations in improving their software process. Four years later, the SEI released the Capability Maturity ModelSM for Software (SW-CMMSM). The SW-CMM has influenced software process improvement worldwide to a significant degree. More recently, the SEI has become involved in developing additional capability maturity models that impact software. This paper discusses the problems these CMMs are trying to address, our goals in developing these CMMs, the objectives and status of each of these models, and our current plans for the 1996–1997 time frame. We then briefly turn to topics that address the usability of the SW-CMM in certain situations: in small organizations and in challenging application domains. We then describe SEI's involvement in an international standards effort to create a standard for software process assessment. Finally, to gain perspective on how the CMMs might impact the community in the future, we look at the growing use of the SW-CMM and some benefits associated with its use.