WCAG
Global standard for accessible web content to disabled users
CMMI
Global framework for process maturity and improvement
Quick Verdict
WCAG ensures accessible web content via testable criteria for legal/ethical compliance, while CMMI drives process maturity for predictable delivery. Organizations adopt WCAG to avoid lawsuits and serve all users; CMMI for efficiency, quality, and procurement wins.
WCAG
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2
Key Features
- POUR principles organize accessibility requirements
- Testable success criteria at A/AA/AAA levels
- Technology-agnostic for current and future web tech
- Backward-compatible additive version updates
- Normative criteria separate from evolvable techniques
CMMI
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI)
Key Features
- Maturity Levels 0-5 for organizational progression
- 25 Practice Areas in 4 Category Areas
- SCAMPI Class A/B/C appraisal methods
- Staged vs continuous representations
- Generic practices for institutionalization
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
WCAG Details
What It Is
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 is the W3C's technology-agnostic standard for web accessibility. It provides testable success criteria under POUR principles (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust) to make content accessible to people with disabilities.
Key Components
- Four POUR principles with 13 guidelines and ~90 success criteria at A/AA/AAA levels.
- Normative success criteria; informative techniques, failures, and understanding docs.
- Conformance requires full pages, complete processes, accessibility-supported tech, non-interference.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets legal benchmarks (ADA, Section 508, EN 301 549, EAA).
- Reduces litigation risk amid rising lawsuits.
- Improves UX, conversion rates, SEO, market reach.
- Enables procurement, governance, vendor contracts.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: policy, assessment, remediation, training, CI/CD integration, audits.
- Applies to all web content creators globally.
- No formal certification; self-assess via VPAT/ACR, independent audits recommended.
CMMI Details
What It Is
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) is a performance improvement framework developed by Carnegie Mellon’s SEI and governed by ISACA. It provides a structured approach to process institutionalization, focusing on maturity progression across development, services, and acquisition domains using staged or continuous representations.
Key Components
- 4 Category Areas (Doing, Managing, Enabling, Improving) with 12 Capability Areas and 25 Practice Areas in v2.0.
- Maturity Levels 0-5 and Capability Levels 0-3.
- Generic Practices for institutionalization (policy, planning, monitoring).
- SCAMPI appraisals (Class A/B/C) for certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances predictability, reduces rework, improves quality.
- Meets contractual requirements in defense, regulated sectors.
- Manages risks via measurement and causal analysis.
- Builds competitive edge through benchmarked maturity.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: assessment, piloting, rollout, appraisal.
- Involves gap analysis, training, tooling integration.
- Suits mid-to-large organizations in IT, software, services globally.
- Requires authorized Lead Appraiser for formal ratings. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | WCAG | CMMI |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Web content accessibility for disabilities | Process improvement across development/services |
| Industry | All web-publishing organizations globally | Software, defense, services, regulated sectors |
| Nature | Voluntary W3C technical guidelines | Voluntary process maturity framework |
| Testing | Automated/manual/AT testing, no certification | SCAMPI appraisals A/B/C by certified appraisers |
| Penalties | Litigation risk under ADA/EAA | Contract disqualification, no direct fines |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about WCAG and CMMI
WCAG FAQ
CMMI FAQ
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