CMMI FOR OUTSOURCING - GUIDELINES FOR SOFTWARE, SYSTEMS, AND IT ACQUISITION

Increasingly, both commercial and government organizations are acquiring key software, systems, and IT functions instead of building them. Yet all too often, the technology solutions they purchase cannot be sustained successfully. Now there is a comprehensive solution: the CMMI-ACQ model, which connects the CMMI 1.2 framework with established industry best practices for acquisition and outsourcing. CMMI for Outsourcing® is the definitive introduction to CMMI-ACQ and its use in all phases of technology acquisition.

CMMI-ACQ combines the SEI's unparalleled knowledge of software process improvement with new techniques developed for GM's $16 billion technology acquisition program. This book reflects the unique insights of four SEI and GM experts who helped create CMMI-ACQ and implemented it for the first time. These experts cover the entire acquisition project lifecycle, presenting real-world stories, insider experiences, tips, tricks, and pitfalls to avoid.

Among the topics covered: determining when outsourcing is and is not appropriate; developing acquisition strategies and aligning organizational structure with them; capturing accurate requirements; specifying realistic design constraints; writing effective RFPs; selecting, managing, and collaborating with suppliers; negotiating contracts; managing risk; and "measuring for success."

CMMI for Outsourcing® will be valuable to any organization that wants to achieve better results from technology acquisition. It will be especially helpful to organizations already involved with CMMI-related process improvement and to companies that partner withthem. It is also the official, required text for SEI's Introduction to the Software Acquisition CMMI course.