CMM describes software process management maturity relative to five levels:
ie., Initial, Repeatable, Defined, Managed, Optimizing
In the Initial level there is a lack of planning and the development of a clear-cut guide that software development teams can follow. Few details of a software process have been defined at this level. Good results are considered miraculous.
In the Second level ie., the CMM Repeatable Process is characterized by a commitment to discipline in carrying out a software development project. And is achieved by : Requirements management, software projects planning, software project tracking and oversight, software subcontract management, software quality assurance, software configuration management.
In the Third level ie., the CMM Defined Process is to guide the structuring and evaluation of a software project. And is achieved by : Organisational process focus and definition, training program, software product engineering, intergroup coordination, peer reviews.
In the Fourth level ie., the CMM Managed Process is for data gathering and analysis and managing software quality, and is achieved by : Quantitative process management, software quality management.
In the Fifth level ie., the CMM Optimizing Process is associated with defect prevention, automation of the software process wherever possible, and methods for improving software quality and team productivity and shortening development time.
