Two top Indian software powerhouses, Satyam Computers and TCS recently earned the distinction of getting a level-5 CMM rating from the institute. Ron Radice, an IBM veteran and a director of the SEI at Pittsburgh, has worked closely with many companies guiding them to successful completion of various levels. An author of several books on quality management, Radice spoke to The Financial Express on the concept. Excerpts:
How can a company achieve the CMM's various levels? What are the qualification methods?

It is up to the company to prefer which maturity model they want to adopt. These models are carefully-designed norms to give guidance to a company to improve inkey process areas. These are a set of practices touching aspects like quality, skills, schedule, cost, cycle time, productivity, consulting and value of processes.

The maturity level-1 is an initial phase to set things right for a company growing in total chaos. The level-2 or repeatable level brings discipline to processes while level-3 is defined so that the company can undertake standard and consistent processes.

Level-4 is managed in which the company reaches a stage where everything can be predicted, controlled and measured. The last level, optimising level 5 stresses on opportunities, prevent defects and bring about incremental changes in the company. It focuses on continuously improving processes.

Also, the SW-CMM, SE-CMM and IPD-CMM are among several existing, widely-known models. The content and characteristics of these three models provide the basis for the initial CMM integration product suite. The direction is to integrate the development characteristics and delivery methods of these andfuture capability models (CMs), to enable users to cut the cost of performing assessments and implementing improvements.

After achieving the CMM levels, what are the changes a company undergoes?

The SEI improves the ability of software engineers to analyse, predict and control selected functional and non-functional properties of software systems. It focuses on defining, maturing and accelerating the adoption of improved technical engineering knowledge, processes and tools.

The optimising level, level-5 is not the destination of process management; it is a foundation for building an ever-improving capability. The companies will increase efficiency and quality. They will also meet customer expectations, better time to market position, improved productivity and efficiency and most importantly a rise in revenues. If you acquire the rest, an improved revenue flow will naturally follow. However, no certificate is given to show any achievement but it is up to the company to feel confident.

Howdoes a company become different by acquiring the ranking? What are the advantages?

The mission of SEI is to promote the evolution of software engineering from an ad hoc, labour-intensive activity to a discipline that is well managed and supported by technology. So, a company must achieve the maturity levels for purely business reasons.

Since the institution was established by the US federal government to advance the practice of software engineering as quality software produced on schedule and within the budget, forms critical component of the US defence systems, only companies having atleast level-3 are considered for businesses and ventures. So it becomes a critical component of your business mission.

Do you think Indian companies need to concentrate more on quality and achieve and maintain these levels?

I am happy that there is substantial awareness among Indian software companies about the need to achieve these levels. They have to understand that it is in their favour to achieve thesestandards. See, the SEI-CMM levels are like a doctor's prescription. You can improve the quality of your life and remain healthy if you follow certain standards in life. CMM just tells you that.