General Dynamics Robotic Systems Achieves SEI Software Capability Maturity Level 3

(I-Newswire) May 2, 2005 - General Dynamics Robotic Systems and KAMO Consultancy performed a joint appraisal of the software development processes used in Robotic Systems' Software Engineering. The appraisal team conducted a Standard CMM Appraisal Method for Process Improvement (SCAMPI) Class A appraisal. After reviewing three representative projects, the team determined that General Dynamics Robotic Systems' Software Engineering has achieved Defined Maturity Level 3. The appraisal was conducted after only 14 months of software process improvement; the industry average is over 36 months. Additionally, the Level 3 status was achieved in General Dynamics Robotic Systems' first appraisal.

The Software Engineering Institute developed its software improvement process to address concerns that industry as a whole was generally not producing software as well as it could. The SEI promotes a disciplined approach to software engineering. SEI developed a capability maturity model (CMM) based on the "best practices in industry." The CMM is used to evaluate the maturity of the software processes of an organization and for identifying improvements that are required to increase maturity.

The CMM has become a standard for assessing and improving software processes and is organized into five maturity levels: initial, repeatable, defined, managed, and optimizing. The thoroughness, effectiveness, and control of an organization's software processes are shown to improve as an organization moves up through each level.

General Dynamics Robotic Systems' software organization includes a staff of approximately 60 software engineers developing real-time embedded software applications for robotic applications.

"General Dynamics Robotic Systems has made a significant investment in software process improvement to ensure the development of quality software," said Scott Myers, General Dynamics Robotic Systems president. "Achieving SEI Level 3 means that we will continue to develop the robust and reliable software which is key to our robotics programs, such as the Army's Autonomous Navigation System for the Future Combat Systems program (FCS), as they move from research into production. With this achievement and our previous engineering achievement of ISO 9001-2000, our employees have demonstrated exceptional teamwork and professionalism and have helped position GDRS for continued success."

About KAMO Consulting:

KAMO Consultancy assists organizations with the design and implementation of continuous improvement programs that will help achieve business goals. For more information, please visit www.kamoconsultancy.com

About General Dynamics:

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 70,200 people worldwide and had 2004 revenue of $19.2 billion. The company is a market leader in mission-critical information systems and technologies; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and business aviation. More information about the company can be found at www.generaldynamics.com

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