CMMI
Process maturity framework with levels 0-5
ISO 27017
International standard for cloud-specific security controls
Quick Verdict
CMMI drives process maturity for predictable delivery in software/IT, while ISO 27017 provides cloud-specific security controls within ISO 27001. Organizations adopt CMMI for operational excellence and benchmarking; ISO 27017 for shared cloud responsibility and regulatory assurance.
CMMI
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI)
Key Features
- 6 Maturity Levels (0-5) for organizational progression
- 25 Practice Areas across 4 Category Areas
- Staged and continuous capability representations
- SCAMPI appraisals for official benchmarking
- Generic practices ensuring process institutionalization
ISO 27017
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 Code of practice for cloud security
Key Features
- Clarifies shared responsibilities between CSPs and CSCs
- Introduces 7 cloud-specific CLD security controls
- Adapts 37 ISO 27002 controls for cloud environments
- Addresses multi-tenancy segregation and VM hardening
- Enables customer monitoring of cloud service activities
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 for process institutionalization. Primarily for software development, services, and acquisition, it uses maturity levels and capability progressions to enhance predictability and quality. Key approach: staged (organizational maturity) or continuous (per-practice area) representations with v2.0 featuring 4 Category Areas.
Key Components
- 25 Practice Areas grouped into Doing, Managing, Enabling, Improving.
- 6 Maturity Levels (0-5); Capability Levels 0-3.
- Specific and generic practices for institutionalization.
- SCAMPI appraisals (Class A/B/C) for certification.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives reduced rework, predictable delivery, ROI via data-driven control. Often contractually required in defense; builds stakeholder trust, competitive edge in procurement. Mitigates risks like overruns, defects.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, pilots, training, rollout, appraisal. Applies to mid-large orgs in IT/software/services globally. Focuses Agile/DevOps integration; requires executive sponsorship, tooling for evidence.
ISO 27017 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 is an international code of practice providing guidance on information security controls for cloud services, extending ISO/IEC 27002. It targets cloud service providers (CSPs) and customers (CSCs), using a risk-based approach integrated into an ISO 27001 ISMS to address cloud-unique risks like shared responsibilities and multi-tenancy.
Key Components
- Cloud-specific implementation guidance for 37 ISO 27002 controls
- 7 additional CLD controls (e.g., segregation, VM hardening, asset removal)
- Built on ISO 27001 ISMS framework
- No standalone certification; assessed within ISO 27001 audits
Why Organizations Use It
- Clarifies shared responsibility models reducing cloud risks
- Supports regulatory alignment (e.g., GDPR) and procurement demands
- Enhances multi-tenancy security and operational maturity
- Builds stakeholder trust and CSP competitive differentiation
Implementation Overview
- Integrate via risk assessment and control mapping in existing ISMS
- Key activities: responsibility matrices, config hardening, monitoring setup
- Suited for CSPs/CSCs globally, any size/industry with cloud use
- Joint audits with ISO 27001, typically 9-12 months (179 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | CMMI | ISO 27017 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Process improvement across development, services, acquisition | Cloud-specific security controls extending ISO 27002 |
| Industry | Software, IT ops, defense, cross-industry global | Cloud providers/customers, all industries global |
| Nature | Voluntary maturity framework with appraisals | Voluntary code of practice for ISO 27001 ISMS |
| Testing | SCAMPI A/B/C appraisals by certified appraisers | Integrated into ISO 27001 audits, no standalone cert |
| Penalties | Loss of maturity rating, no legal penalties | No direct penalties, impacts ISO 27001 certification |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CMMI and ISO 27017
CMMI FAQ
ISO 27017 FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...
SOC 2 Audit Survival Guide: 10 Red Flags Auditors Flag and Model Answers for Walkthroughs
Master SOC 2 Type 2 audits with our guide: 10 red flags like incomplete logs/vendor gaps, model walkthrough answers, psychology tips. Pass first-time with <5% e
CIS Controls v8.1 for Cloud & Kubernetes: A Practical Implementation Playbook (AWS/Azure/GCP + IaC)
Translate CIS Controls v8.1 to cloud-native: Kubernetes patterns for IAM, logging, vuln mgmt, hardening on AWS, Azure, GCP + IaC. Practical playbook for teams.
Top 5 Reasons Automation Tools Like Vanta Slash SOC 2 Type 2 Timelines from Months to Weeks
Automation tools like Vanta cut SOC 2 Type 2 prep from 6 months to 6 weeks, saving 70% costs. See SignWell examples, AWS/Okta/GitHub integrations. CISOs: Get fi
Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM
Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform
Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.
Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages
APPI vs MAS TRM
Compare APPI vs MAS TRM: Japan's privacy powerhouse meets Singapore's tech risk blueprint. Unlock compliance strategies, pitfalls & implementation guide now!
APPI vs ISO 50001
APPI vs ISO 50001: Compare Japan's privacy law with energy mgmt standard. Unlock compliance strategies, risks, benefits & phased implementation for global success now!
NIST CSF vs CE Marking
Compare NIST CSF vs CE Marking: Cyber risk framework meets EU product safety rules. Uncover key differences, benefits & pick the best for compliance success now.