Software process in a mixed R&D environment

As the R&D organization for a large aerospace company, we undertake a wide range of software projects. The SEI encourages adoption of an organization-wide process model to improve the quality of software, but the variety of projects and the diversity of the computing resources make it difficult to identify such a process. Process is more than the waterfall or spiral models. We describe a framework for constructing a software development process, applicable to projects in a heterogeneous organization. This framework is flexible, with work products identified through scaling, tailoring, and customization. The framework and construction of the customized project process are supported by standards, guidelines, templates, examples, training, and consulting. A Web-based repository is used to disseminate process information, encouraging reuse and aiding repeatability.