Poster title: CMMI compliance in COTS-based development

Abstract

The Capability Maturity Model Integrated (CMMI) provides a reference model of industry best-practices for software and systems engineering. Like its predecessor, the Capability Maturity Model for Software (SW-CMM), the wording of the CMMI seems to reflect custom development of a new software product or system. However, the model was intended to apply to all types of systems development, including the extensive use of COTS. In the author’s experience, project personnel often struggle with interpreting the model in a COTS-based en-vironment. Managers may perceive that some CMMI practices are impossible or inappropriate to perform in a COTS effort. However, improved project performance can result from understand the fundamental principles behind the CMMI practices, and translate them into the appropriate best-practices for COTS-based development. The poster will highlight the critical implications of CMMI compliance on the use of COTS in software and systems engineering, and how the CMMI can reduce risk and rework. A detailed mapping and interpretation of the CMMI planning, management, and engineering practices will be provided.