PMBOK
Global standard for project management principles and processes
ISO 27017
International code of practice for cloud security controls.
Quick Verdict
PMBOK provides project management principles and processes for all industries, while ISO 27017 offers cloud-specific security controls extending ISO 27001. Organizations adopt PMBOK for delivery governance and ISO 27017 for cloud risk management and compliance assurance.
PMBOK
Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide)
Key Features
- Matrix of 5 Process Groups and 10 Knowledge Areas
- ITTO structure defining 49 traceable processes
- Tailoring for predictive, adaptive, hybrid lifecycles
- 12 principles and performance domains for outcomes
- Planning-heavy model enabling proactive controls
ISO 27017
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 Code of practice for cloud security controls
Key Features
- Clarifies shared responsibilities between CSPs and CSCs
- Introduces 7 cloud-specific CLD security controls
- Provides guidance for 37 ISO 27002 cloud adaptations
- 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.
PMBOK Details
What It Is
PMBOK® Guide – Project Management Body of Knowledge is a globally recognized standard and guide published by PMI. It provides principles, performance domains, and processes for effective project governance and delivery across industries. The methodology evolved from process-based (ITTOs) to principle-based in 7th/8th editions, emphasizing tailoring for predictive, adaptive, or hybrid approaches.
Key Components
- **5 Process GroupsInitiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring/Controlling, Closing.
- **10 Knowledge AreasIntegration, Scope, Schedule, Cost, Quality, Resources, Communications, Risk, Procurement, Stakeholders.
- 12 Principles and 8 Performance Domains in modern editions.
- Non-prescriptive processes with ~49 ITTO-defined activities; no formal certification but aligns with PMP.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives predictability, reduces overruns, ensures compliance via embedded controls. Offers strategic benefits like value delivery, risk mitigation, stakeholder alignment. Builds competitive edge through standardization; high-performers 3x more likely to use it per PMI research.
Implementation Overview
Phased rollout: assessment, tailoring, pilots, training, tooling. Applies to all sizes/industries; requires PMO, OCM, PPM tools. Focuses on maturity via OPM3; 12-24 months for enterprise transformation.
ISO 27017 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 is a code of practice extending ISO/IEC 27002 with cloud-specific information security controls. It provides implementation guidance for cloud services across IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS in public, private, and hybrid models. Its risk-based approach clarifies responsibilities in shared cloud environments.
Key Components
- Guidance on 37 ISO 27002 controls adapted for cloud.
- 7 additional CLD controls for shared roles, multi-tenancy, VM hardening, admin ops, monitoring, asset removal, and network alignment.
- Built on ISO 27001 ISMS; not standalone certification.
- Dual perspectives for CSPs and CSCs.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives cloud risk management, regulatory alignment (e.g., GDPR), procurement trust, and competitive differentiation. Enhances stakeholder confidence via auditable cloud controls.
Implementation Overview
Integrate into existing ISO 27001 via risk assessment, control mapping, and audits. Suited for CSPs, enterprises with cloud footprints; global applicability. Joint audits with 27001 take 9-12 months.
Key Differences
| Aspect | PMBOK | ISO 27017 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Project management processes, principles, performance domains | Cloud-specific information security controls, shared responsibility |
| Industry | All industries worldwide, any organization size | Cloud service providers and customers, global applicability |
| Nature | Voluntary guide and standard, no certification enforcement | Code of practice extending ISO 27001, audit-integrated |
| Testing | No formal testing, self-assessment and tailoring | Audited within ISO 27001 certification, annual surveillance |
| Penalties | No legal penalties, loss of best practices adherence | No direct penalties, certification withdrawal possible |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PMBOK and ISO 27017
PMBOK FAQ
ISO 27017 FAQ
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