CMMI® Online
Welcome to CMMI Online, an online tool that helps you explore and understand CMMI models.
A model is a simplified representation of the world. A Capability Maturity Model® (CMM®) contains the essential elements of effective processes for one or more bodies of knowledge. Like other CMMs, Capability Maturity Model Integration® (CMMI) models provide guidance to use when developing processes. CMMI models are not processes or process descriptions. The actual processes used in an organization depend on many factors, including application domain(s) and organization structure and size.
There are multiple CMMI models available, as generated from the CMMI Framework. Here we focus on CMMI for Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Integrated Product and Process Development, and Supplier Sourcing (Version 1.1). Both Continuous and Staged representations are covered and are presented in a fully hyperlinked form to highlight the interdependencies with the model.
Our intent is to continue to add models over time to provide a single point of access for the CMM related information you need.
Representations: Continuous or Staged?When selecting the model that is best suited for your organization, you must first select a representation, either continuous or staged, and then you must determine the bodies of knowledge you want to include.
There are many valid reasons to select one representation or the other. Described below are some of the possible advantages and disadvantages of selecting each of the two representations. Whether used for process improvement or appraisals, both representations are designed to offer essentially equivalent results.
Continuous Representation
If you choose the continuous representation for your organization, expect that the model will do the following:
- Allow you to select the order of improvement that best meets the organization’s business objectives and mitigates the organization’s areas of risk
- Enable comparisons across and among organizations on a process area by process area basis or by comparing results through the use of equivalent staging
- Provide an easy migration from Electronic Industries Alliance Interim Standard (EIA/IS) 731 to CMMI
- Afford an easy comparison of process improvement to International Organization for Standardization and International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC) 15504, because the organization of process areas is similar to ISO/IEC 15504
Staged Representation
If you choose the staged representation for your organization, expect that the model will do the following:
- Provide a proven sequence of improvements, beginning with basic management practices and progressing through a predefined and proven path of successive levels, each serving as a foundation for the next
- Permit comparisons across and among organizations by the use of maturity levels
- Provide an easy migration from the SW-CMM to CMMI
- Provide a single rating that summarizes appraisal results and allows comparisons among organizations
It is important to note that professional judgment is critical when interpreting specific and generic practices described in the CMMI model. Although process areas depict behavior that should be exhibited in any organization, all practices must be interpreted using an in-depth knowledge of the CMMI model being used, the organization, the business environment, and the circumstances involved.