Purpose: To implement standardized, repeatable management procedures for developing software through the use of the Capability Maturity Model (CMM).

Applicability: This program applies to all software development projects performed, and by or with assistance from Ascellon after October 1, 2000.

Benefits:

• High-quality software products produced on schedule and at lowest cost
• Accurate estimates for bids and proposals involving software development
• A marketing tool—we understand, and use, the CMM.

Software Development Management Procedures:

• Requirements Management — Document the requirements and track changes
• Project Management — Develop the project documentation, ensure adequate resources are allocated to software development, and track “planned versus actual” for product size, costs, and milestones.
• Software Subcontract Management — Define the work to be performed; select and oversee the subcontractor.
• Configuration Management — Identify items to track, document approved changes to the project/product baseline, and determine if the software being developed satisfies the stated requirement of the baseline.
• Software Quality Assurance — Make an independent assessment of the project progress and products produced.

Most of these activities were already being performed, and we now are formally recognizing their importance and documenting their execution. Because we scale these procedures to the size of the products to be produced, additional costs are minimal.

For more information about CMM-compliant software developement, click on our CMM-Compliant Program FAQ.