Software CMM and CMMI
This topic contains questions and answers about upgrading from the Software CMM to CMMI.
Contents:
- What is the Software CMM?
- How should CMM users upgrade to CMMI?
- Can another organization release a new Software CMM?
What is the Software CMM?
Often called "the CMM," the Software CMM was the first capability maturity model. It was adopted by organizations worldwide, primarily by software development companies.
The Capability Maturity Model for Software (also known as the CMM and SW-CMM) has been retired, and CMMI (Capability Maturity Model Integration) replaces it. The SEI no longer maintains the SW-CMM model, its associated appraisal methods, or training materials, nor does the SEI offer SW-CMM training. All SW-CMM appraisal results from CBA IPI and SCE appraisals will expire on December 31, 2007. After December 31, 2007, all SW-CMM ratings will be considered invalid and should not be advertised.
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How should CMM users upgrade to CMMI?
To upgrade to CMMI, organizations that are using one or more CMMs should compare their current processes and approach with the CMMI model and create an upgrade strategy that meets their business needs.
Many of the skills used in applying the Software CMM are useful in implementing a CMMI-based process improvement program, since many of the best practices, issues, and improvement approaches are essentially the same. Organizations close to a process improvement milestone using the Software CMM may want to measure their progress before upgrading to CMMI.
More information about upgrading from the Software CMM to CMMI is available at http://www.sei.cmu.edu/cmm/.
return to topCan another organization release a new Software CMM?
No. The SW-CMM is the intellectual property of Carnegie Mellon University. Any person or organization that produces works that build on the intellectual property of Carnegie Mellon must formally obtain permission to use that intellectual property.
The SEI is the steward of all CMM-related intellectual property produced within Carnegie Mellon. Therefore, another organization that wished to release a new version by building on an SEI-developed CMM would have to gain SEI agreement to do so, and Carnegie Mellon will sanction no such work.
return to topIf you have a question that is not answered within this FAQ, check the CMMI FAQ Main Page or send email to an SEI person at cmmi-comments@sei.cmu.edu. You will receive a response within 48 hours.