Terry Rout, the ISO/IEC 15504 Project Editor outlines the background to the project.

Started with the ImproveIT initiative at the UK Ministry of Defence, leading on to an ISO Study Group established to develop a standard. A new work item introduced in 1992 and the TR 15504 published in 1998. The standard is now re-published during 2003–05 as ISO/IEC 15504.

Many achievements have been made: 4000 assessments performed worldwide, 45 countries involved, major sectors setting the pace – Space, Automotive, Medical etc.

International standard has 5 parts that includes an exemplar assessment model based on the process reference model in ISO/IEC 12207. Parts 1–4 are published. Part 5 will be released as FDIS around June 2005 this year.

Transition guidance is available. All assessment approaches should use the new standard. Any approaches based on the exemplar model should use the new exemplar model from FCD status onwards (i.e. already).

New work to start in May 2005 is 15504 Part 6 – an exemplar systems assessment model. Additionally a study group is developing a proposal for an organisational maturity framework consistent with ISO/IEC 15504.

Currently there are a number of Process Reference Models for use with 15504. There are standards based models and sector based models. There are a number of process assessment models that are used with them.

Compatibility is the key. Being able to harmonise different approaches against the requirements of the standard.

Alec Dorling, the ISO convener and SPICE project manager gives some outlook on key current initiatives.

What’s happening in the near future? Automotive SPICE an initiative of the major European car manufacturers that has developed an assessment approach and model for application in suppliers is finally about to be release in May 2005. Also a certification structure is under was involving a fresh approach to assessment and certification. Assessment bodies will be able to perform assessments in a number of modes. Assessment results of a given combination of Type and Classification will be offered up for certification against a Target Maturity Model. First certifications are expected in the first quarter 2006.

Thanks to Terry Rout and Alec Dorling for giving a status update.