What is Capability Maturity Model (CMM)?

The Capability Maturity Model (CMM) is a framework developed by the Software Engineering Institute in the late 1980s to improve software development processes and project management. It structures organizational improvement into five maturity levels, ranging from chaotic and unpredictable processes to optimized and continuously improving operations. Each level introduces more refined and standardized practices, enhancing efficiency and quality, and ultimately leading to better customer satisfaction and business results. CMMI, or Capability Maturity Model Integration, extends this approach beyond software development to other areas like systems engineering and service management. By providing a structured path for improvement, both CMM and CMMI enable organizations to reduce errors, increase predictability, and maintain a competitive edge through consistent process enhancement.