What is Software Process Improvement and Capability Determination (SPICE)?
Software Process Improvement and Capability Determination (SPICE) is an international framework to assess software development processes. SPICE was developed jointly by International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). SPICE is specified in ISO/IEC 15504.
The need for an international software standard
The goal of any company developing software is to produce high-quality software using a productive and efficient team. However, this doesn't always happen due to gaps or inefficiencies in existing development processes - issues that development teams are not always aware of.
Lacking information about the what is state, development teams cannot initiate improvements to reach a what should be state. That is why undertaking a detailed assessment of the software development process is important. Ideally, this assessment should follow internationally accepted frameworks and standards.
Here are some benefits of adopting an international standard:
- Organizations can harmonize existing approaches to software process assessments.
Software developers and suppliers can submit one comprehensive process assessment scheme rather than submit numerous schemes.
Organizations can initiate and sustain continuous improvements in software processes.
Program managers can ensure alignment between software in development and organizational goals and needs.
