The Capability Maturity Model: Guidelines for Improving the Software Process

Even though the model has been revised, this is still a good book and an excellent place to start if you are going to be involved in CMM(I).

At one time this was the definitive text on the CMM, but is rapidly showing its age because of the new CMMI suite that the Software Engineering Institute is developing. For reference the CMMI (Capability Maturity Model Integration) is an effort to integrate maturity models for software, system engineering and integrated product development).This book is the one that introduced the CMM to the masses and is what is now called the CMM-SW (SW=Software). It is still a valid reference for software-only organizations from a key process area point of view. As such, it still has value to any organization that is striving to attain CMM level 2 or above. If you're new to the CMM (and there are many who are), this the CMM is five levels of capability maturity, when chaotic organizations assumed to be at level 1. It is not a methodology, so do not expect to find any "how to" information in this book. What you will find in this book is a description of the CMM itself and its structure, and key process areas that need to be in place in an organization for each level of the model. Each key process area has associated key practices.In a nutshell, the CMM is a benchmark. The key to achieving level 2 or above requires a commitment to perform. This book will tell you what processes need to be in place, and what the key practices are for each process, but will not tell you which methods to use. It's dry reading, but there is no ambiguity in the descriptions, which makes this book a valuable reference if you are involved in a company-wide CMM initiative. If your goal is to explore the value and benefits of the CMM, then I recommend A Guide to the CMM by Kenneth Dymond as a better place to start. Despite its age and the CMMI initiatives this book still merits 5 stars for those who are actually implementing the CMM for software.

This book is an excellent reference for anyone studying the SEI/CMM framework. It is excellent if you are a beginner or an old timer in the world of process improvement. This is by far the best book written by the Watts Humphrey group. I received this book at 4:00pm, cracked it open at 7:30pm and did not put it down till 11:00pm. The style, and approach makes this book enjoyable, YES enjoyable to read. Some critics have been too harsh on the CMM model and try to dismiss it. These same critics then try to explain that CMM is a waste of time,and praise RUP/UML. This is not so. SEI/CMM establishes the framework that gauge success in a software organization. Methodologies such as RUP/UML, and Structured Analysis and Design support the CMM and its Key Process Areas. There is no conflict, only support. Think of the CMM KPA(s) as the "what" and the methodologies as the "how". Kudos to the authors in their continuing efforts to teach the software community about process improvement.

You've come to the right place, this IS the CMM. As a model it is complete. This book does not take into account the miriad of political obstacles, but for those software groups that are seriously ready for continuous software improvement, this is the source of what to do. There are other great books, such as the one by Kim Caputo, that give more specific ideas about implementation. Obtaining CMM compliance takes a lot of research and careful planning to get the job done, after all, it is all process and doesn't happen overnight or in a vacuum.

Excellant reading for anyone in software, especially for those in software quality and project management. Greatly helps understanding of the software process. Gives the basic concepts of the CMM and in-depth understanding of each KPA. Includes implementation guidance. Also discusses ISO & SPICE project.