Texas Can Benefit From Using a Standard Framework to Manage Software Development:
A Pilot Study Using the Capability Maturity Model for Software
November 2001
Report Number 02-008
Overall Conclusion
The State can expect significant savings from using a standard framework such as the Capability Maturity Model for Software (SW-CMM1) for managing and improving software development processes.
Key Facts and Findings
- The Comptroller of Public Accounts (Comptroller) estimates that it will achieve a 5 to 15 percent efficiency gain on projects by using the SW-CMM to standardize its software development processes.
- As of August 2001, the Quality Assurance Team (QAT) was monitoring 44 high-risk projects with life cycle costs of $801 million. If these projects achieved a savings of 5 to 15 percent resulting from efficiency gains as estimated by the Comptroller, the State could save between $40 to $120 million over the life of the projects.
- Of the 44 high-risk projects, 70 percent experienced delays in product delivery ranging from 2 to 71 months.
- Following a standard framework to manage software development should result in information technology (IT) projects that are developed on time, on budget, and with agreed-to functionality.
- The SW-CMM provides a level-by-level approach to managing and improving
software development processes:
- The SW-CMM helps organizations identify what key processes should be in place when developing and maintaining software.
- Using the SW-CMM reduces development and maintenance costs, improves
understanding of product functionality, and produces products much closer
to on time and within budget.
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