Committee for Standardization. CEN Military Standards etc. Software For example in software usage, the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) is a process improvement approach that “provides organizations with the essential elements of effective processes.” There are various levels attainable within CMMI, the highest of which is Level 5. Attaining this level of certification verifies that the practices of the organization are exemplary. The Testing Maturity Model (TMM) has been designed to complement CMMI and is based on best industry practices. The TMM has 2 components; firstly, a set of 5 levels that define testing capability covering maturity goals, subgoals and activities, tasks and responsibilities and secondly, an assessment model consisting of a maturity questionnaire and an assessment procedure. There is also the Test Process Improvement model from Sogeti. This supports the improvement of test processes by looking at 20 key areas and has different levels therein to enable insight into the state of the key areas. In order to satisfy the criteria stipulated in the best practice guidelines, organizations must be committed and must invest time and money to implement and adhere to the processes as defined by such guidelines. Typically, companies have a small test team which coordinates the entire testing activity. During the testing cycle, the test team is supplemented with the readily available developers. Pros to independent testing No commercial bias is present: test reports have more credibility. The turnaround time for test activity is often much shorter because the independent laboratory specializes in testing Independent organizations often have specialized facilities with current calibration Personnel often have excellent experience, credentials, certifications, and accreditations. Cons to independent testing Costs of contract testing Independent testers do not know the product, service, or customer as well as the producer or developer. Close coordination is needed. References Quality Tests