CMMI

The company I work for has achieved a CMMI-level 3 certificate. What does this mean? First of all let us get to know what CMMI stands for. CMMI means Capability Maturity Model Integration. Secondly what is CMMI used for?

CMMI is an approach used by organizations to improve the performance of their processes. The CMMI methodology can be applied to a project, a division or the whole organization to achieve success through more effectiveness. There are 5 levels in a CMMI process and the level given to a organization shows in which state it functions to improve performance of processes. These 5 levels in CMMI are,

• 1st Level (Initial)- This means that the process i unpredictable as well as poorly controlled and reactive. Reactive processes are not prepared for any new changes. So they have to 'react' in unexpected situations. 
• 2nd Level (Managed)- Here, the process is characterized for projects and is often reactive.
• 3rd Level (Defined)- Process is characterized for the organization and is proactive. That means the process is always managed in a visionary way.
• 4th Level (Quantitatively Managed)- Process is measured and controlled in this 4th Level.
• 5th Level (Optimizing)- The final level actually focuses on process improvements.

CMMIT does not have to be restricted to be used just in software development. It can be used for other companies such as Engineering and Mechanical as well.
So why is this certificate important to a company? Simply it gives, their clients to do business with them since they know that your company has achieved fine-tuned processes to match their needs and that their requirements would be met.