The CMMI for Development constellation consists of two models: CMMI for Development +IPPD and CMMI for Development (without IPPD). Both models share much of their material and are identical in these shared areas. However, CMMI for Development +IPPD contains additional goals and practices that cover IPPD.

Currently, only one model is published since the CMMI for Development +IPPD model contains the full complement of practices available in this constellation, and you can derive the other model from this material. If you are not using IPPD, ignore the information that is marked “IPPD Addition,” and you will be using the CMMI for Development model. If the need arises or the development constellation is expanded, the architecture will allow other models to be generated and published.

CMMI for Development is the designated successor of the three source models. The SEI has retired the Software CMM and the IPD-CMM. EIA has retired the SECM. All three of these models are succeeded by CMMI for Development.

The best practices in the CMMI models have gone through an extensive review process. CMMI version 0.2 was publicly reviewed and used in pilot activities.

The CMMI Product Team evaluated more than 3,000 change requests to create CMMI version 1.0. Shortly thereafter, version 1.02 was released, which incorporated several minor improvements.

Version 1.1 incorporated improvements guided by feedback from early use, with more than 1,500 change requests submitted as part of the public review, and hundreds of comments as part of the change control process.

CMMI version 1.2 was developed using input from nearly 2,000 change requests submitted by CMMI users. More than 750 of those requests were directed at CMMI model content. As you can see, not only is CMMI widely adopted, but it is improved based on the feedback received from the community.