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©2004, by Hillel Glazer, Entinex, Inc.
Why CMMI
As we know, CMMI exists because far too many software projects fail and far too few software developers know or do what it takes to succeed. CMMI’s sole purpose is to achieve the objectives of improving the quality, cost, and delivery of software and other technology products --that’s it . And these days just about every software development services firm has heard of CMMI®, or its predecessor CMM® for Software. The issue is, very few of them truly understand it. For many companies focusing on the Federal government space, yes, CMMI is essential for winning work. But CMMI’s broader benefit -- scalable, consistent, repeatable business and management processes for developing software -- should be a core motivation to get appraised. Why? When software development is what a company specializes in, these benefits can provide insights into the efficiency and profitability of its development efforts, and predictability into growth and capacity capabilities.
Clarifying CMMI
First, there is one thing to keep in mind: CMMI is a model not a standard. And how many times have you heard a services firm say they’re "CMMI Compliant"? "Compliant" implies a standard can be met. Yes, it’s much easier to comply with a standard and therefore much easier to appraise against one. But, CMMI, like I said is a model -- a role model. There’s nothing to comply with. Rather, there’s something to emulate.
In emulating a role model’s behavior, the individual’s conduct is guided. But you can’t create a standard from a role model. How would that look? A checklist of daily activities? Would such a checklist work for each individual? For example, just because I have the exact workout, meditation, and meal routine as my favorite athlete doesn’t mean I’ll be as good at the sport as he is. Models just aren’t standards, and trying to comply with CMMI as though it is a standard is one quick path to failure.
To emulate CMMI, you must adopt its goals and then adapt how you achieve them to your way of doing things. The goals are comprised of specific and generic practices typically -- but not precisely -- followed. Companies who fail to adopt the goals also fail to adapt their processes and find their process efforts quickly losing steam. What will you adapt and what will you adapt it to if you don’t have the goals aligned first?
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All Contents © Copyright Entinex, Inc. All rights reserved. These works may be freely reproduced, distributed, or transmitted solely for non-commercial, personal, or educational purposes, provided that they are not modified and any reproduction or transmission contains this copyright notice and the author’s complete bio and company information as provided. Nothing else may otherwise be used, reproduced, published, or disseminated without prior written permission.
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