Standards Comparison

    SAFe

    Voluntary
    2023

    Framework scaling Lean-Agile practices for enterprise agility

    VS

    ISO 27017

    Voluntary
    2015

    International code for cloud security controls.

    Quick Verdict

    SAFe scales Agile for enterprise software delivery and Business Agility, while ISO 27017 provides cloud-specific security controls within ISO 27001 ISMS. Companies adopt SAFe for faster time-to-market; ISO 27017 for cloud compliance assurance.

    Agile Scaling

    SAFe

    Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) 6.0

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Agile Release Trains synchronize 50-125 people across teams
    • Program Increments enable 8-12 week predictable planning
    • Four configurations scale from Essential to Full SAFe
    • PI Planning aligns objectives and manages dependencies
    • 10 Lean-Agile principles guide economic value flow
    Cloud Security

    ISO 27017

    ISO/IEC 27017:2015 Code of practice for cloud security controls

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Clarifies shared responsibilities between CSPs and CSCs
    • Adds 7 cloud-specific CLD security controls
    • Provides guidance for 37 ISO 27002 cloud adaptations
    • Addresses multi-tenancy segregation and VM hardening
    • Integrates seamlessly with ISO 27001 ISMS audits

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    SAFe Details

    What It Is

    Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) 6.0 is a comprehensive knowledge base of organizational patterns for scaling Lean-Agile practices across enterprises. Its primary purpose is to achieve Business Agility by aligning strategy, execution, and operations. SAFe employs a systems thinking approach, integrating Agile, Lean, and DevOps principles.

    Key Components

    • **Agile Release Trains (ARTs)50-125 people delivering value in Program Increments.
    • **10 immutable Lean-Agile principlesEconomic view, systems thinking, value flow.
    • **Seven core competenciesLean-Agile Leadership, Team Agility, Continuous Learning Culture.
    • **Four configurationsEssential, Large Solution, Portfolio, Full SAFe. No formal certification required, but trainings like SAFe Agilist offered.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Drives 20-50% faster time-to-market, 30-75% productivity gains, improved quality. Enables compliance in regulated industries via embedded governance. Reduces risks through alignment, boosts employee engagement, enhances competitive responsiveness.

    Implementation Overview

    Follow **Implementation Roadmapvalue stream mapping, leadership training, phased ART launches. Applies to large IT/software enterprises globally. Key activities: PI Planning, Inspect & Adapt. SPC coaching recommended for success.

    ISO 27017 Details

    What It Is

    ISO/IEC 27017:2015 is a code of practice for information security controls tailored to cloud services, extending ISO/IEC 27002. It focuses on implementing security in public, private, and hybrid clouds across IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, using a risk-based approach within an ISO 27001 ISMS.

    Key Components

    • 37 controls from ISO 27002 with cloud-specific guidance
    • 7 additional CLD controls (e.g., shared responsibilities, VM segregation, hardening)
    • Built on ISO 27001/27002 frameworks
    • Compliance via ISO 27001 audits, no standalone certification

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Addresses cloud-specific risks like multi-tenancy and shared duties
    • Supports regulatory alignment (GDPR, CCPA) and procurement demands
    • Enhances risk management and customer trust
    • Provides competitive differentiation for CSPs and CSCs

    Implementation Overview

    • Integrate into ISO 27001 ISMS through risk assessment and control mapping
    • Key activities: define responsibilities, harden configurations, enable monitoring
    • Suitable for CSPs/CSCs of all sizes globally
    • Joint audits take 9-12 months (184 words)

    Key Differences

    Scope

    SAFe
    Scaling Agile for enterprise software/IT delivery
    ISO 27017
    Cloud-specific security controls in ISMS

    Industry

    SAFe
    Software, IT ops, regulated sectors globally
    ISO 27017
    Cloud providers/customers, all industries globally

    Nature

    SAFe
    Voluntary agile scaling framework
    ISO 27017
    Voluntary code of practice for certification

    Testing

    SAFe
    PI planning, metrics, no formal certification
    ISO 27017
    ISO 27001 audits assess cloud controls

    Penalties

    SAFe
    No penalties, implementation failure risks
    ISO 27017
    No penalties, loss of certification

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about SAFe and ISO 27017

    SAFe FAQ

    ISO 27017 FAQ

    You Might also be Interested in These Articles...

    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.

    100+ Standards & Regulations
    AI-Powered Insights
    Collaborative Assessments
    Actionable Recommendations

    Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages