Software Engineering Institute

Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) models have evolved the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) concept, established by the Capability Maturity Model for Software (SW-CMM), to a new level that enables the continued growth and expansion of the CMM concept to multiple disciplines. Like the SW-CMM, EIA/IS 731, IPD-CMM, and other process improvement models, CMMI models are tools that help organizations improve their processes. This CMMI model is designed to help organizations improve their product and service development, acquisition, and maintenance processes. Concepts covered by this model include systems engineering, software engineering, and integrated product and process development as well as traditional CMM concepts such as process management and project management. Each CMMI model is designed to be used in concert with other CMMI models, making it easier for organizations to pursue enterprise-wide process improvement at their own pace. This CMMI model has a continuous representation, which focuses on measuring process improvement using capability levels. Capability levels apply to process-improvement achievement within individual process areas such as configuration management or verification.