CMMI
Process improvement framework with maturity levels for capability benchmarking
ISO 22301
International standard for business continuity management systems
Quick Verdict
CMMI drives process maturity for predictable delivery in software/IT, while ISO 22301 builds BCMS resilience against disruptions. Companies adopt CMMI for benchmarking and contracts, ISO 22301 for continuity compliance and risk reduction.
CMMI
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI)
Key Features
- Defines 6 maturity levels for organizational process progression
- Structures 25 practice areas across 4 category areas
- Mandates generic practices for process institutionalization
- Employs SCAMPI appraisals for official benchmarking
- Supports staged and continuous capability representations
ISO 22301
ISO 22301:2019 Business continuity management systems Requirements
Key Features
- PDCA cycle for continual BCMS improvement
- Business Impact Analysis prioritizing critical functions
- Risk assessment and recovery strategy development
- Top management leadership commitment and policy
- Integration with ISO 27001 and other standards
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
CMMI Details
What It Is
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) is a performance improvement framework developed by the Software Engineering Institute and now governed by ISACA. It provides a structured approach to process maturity across development, services, and acquisition domains, emphasizing institutionalization through maturity levels (0-5) and capability progressions.
Key Components
- **4 Category AreasDoing, Managing, Enabling, Improving.
- 25 Practice Areas (e.g., Requirements Development, Configuration Management, Risk Management).
- Generic practices for institutionalization (policy, planning, monitoring).
- SCAMPI appraisals (Class A/B/C) for certification and benchmarking.
Why Organizations Use It
- Achieves predictable delivery, reduced rework, and higher ROI (e.g., 34% cost savings).
- Meets contractual requirements in defense, regulated sectors.
- Builds stakeholder trust via published maturity ratings.
- Enables competitive bidding and operational resilience.
Implementation Overview
- Phased approach: assessment, piloting, rollout, appraisal.
- Applies to mid-to-large organizations in software, IT, manufacturing.
- Involves training, tooling, change management; SCAMPI Class A for official ratings.
ISO 22301 Details
What It Is
ISO 22301:2019 is an international certification standard for Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS). It provides requirements to protect against, reduce likelihood of, respond to, and recover from disruptions, ensuring continuity of critical products and services. Built on a risk-based PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle using Annex SL high-level structure.
Key Components
- 10 clauses: Clauses 4-10 core (context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement)
- Key elements: Business Impact Analysis (BIA), risk assessment, recovery strategies, testing
- Core principles: Leadership commitment, continual improvement
- Certification valid 3 years with annual surveillance audits
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances resilience, minimizes downtime/financial losses
- Meets regulatory needs (e.g., NIS Directive, NIST)
- Builds stakeholder trust, competitive edges, lower insurance
- Proactive risk management against cyber, natural disasters
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, BIA, documentation, training, testing, audits
- Applies to all sizes/sectors globally
- 60-day plans possible with tools; 6-8 week certification
Key Differences
| Aspect | CMMI | ISO 22301 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Process improvement across development, services, acquisition | Business continuity management and disruption recovery |
| Industry | Software, IT, defense, cross-industry global | All sectors worldwide, critical infrastructure focus |
| Nature | Voluntary process maturity framework with appraisals | Voluntary certifiable BCMS standard |
| Testing | SCAMPI appraisals (A/B/C classes), sustainment reviews | BIA testing, tabletop exercises, internal/external audits |
| Penalties | Loss of maturity rating, no legal penalties | Loss of certification, no direct legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CMMI and ISO 22301
CMMI FAQ
ISO 22301 FAQ
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