In 2010, the SEI celebrated a quarter century of leadership, excellence, and growth in software engineering. During our anniversary year, we took time to remember how, through DoD-sponsored research, the SEI had grown from its flagship methodology—the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI)—to research advances in software product lines, strides in software architecture, and the establishment of CERT, the world’s best-known network and computer security program.

The Institute enjoyed a busy and productive 2010, despite the significant challenge of economic conditions worldwide. It was also a year of beginnings and, sadly, endings. 

In September, we welcomed Douglas Schmidt to the staff as deputy director, research, and chief technology officer. Doug’s appointment further adds to our technology and research capabilities and is a concrete example of the efforts the SEI is taking to strengthen its focus on research and development. 

In October, we were saddened by the death of Watts Humphrey, an engineering icon and SEI Fellow. Watts joined the Institute in the early years—in 1986—and became known as the “Father of Software Quality” for his work establishing the Software Capability Maturity Model, the basis of CMMI. His career and life were extraordinarily productive. His last book, Leadership, Teamwork, and Trust: Building a Competitive Software Capability, with co-author Jim Over, was published a few months after his death. We miss him. This report features a retrospective of Watts’ journey. 

Elsewhere in the report, learn about the work we did in 2010 and accomplishments we marked. Here are just a few: 

• The SEI launched the CERT Resilience Management Model (CERT-RMM), helping organizations improve their ability to carry out their missions while facing a changing risk environment and potential disruptions. 
• The SEI published the latest version of the Capability Maturity Model Integration—CMMI Version 1.3, a model that is leaner and more efficient, with clearer high-maturity concepts. 
• SEI researchers explored ways to strengthen agile practices by applying architecture principles—helping agile meet its potential to help reduce the footprint of traditional software offerings and move to providing continuous delivery of new or improved capabilities. 
• SEI technical staff took their research to the field—and sky—as they explored tactical implications for service-oriented architecture (SOA): operating on a smartphone to access information from tactical assets such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). 

With 25 years of accomplishments under our belt, we enter the current year with confidence and enthusiasm to pursue the growing opportunities and challenges in software engineering. We are committed to working collaboratively with the global software engineering community— providing leadership where appropriate—and to driving the future of complex systems. We are working to enhance our research while continuing our excellence in transition and acquisition support. I am confident that with our talented, experienced team and your support, we will continue to have significant impact—for many years to come. 

Sincerely,
Paul D. Nielsen
Director and CEO