| Table 1. The Five CMM Maturity Levels | |
| Level | Description |
| Initial | The software process is ad hoc, and occasionally even chaotic. Few processes are defined, and success depends on individual effort and heroics. |
| Repeatable | Basic project management processes are established to track cost, schedule, and functionality. The necessary process discipline is in place to repeat earlier successes on projects with similar applications. |
| Defined | The software process for both management and development activities is documented, standardized, and integrated into a standard software process for the entire organization. All projects use an approved, tailored version of the organization’s standard software process for developing and maintaining software. |
| Managed | Detailed measures, called metrics, of the software process and product quality are collected. Both the software process and products are quantitatively understood and controlled. |
| Optimized | Continuous process improvement is enabled by quantitative feedback from the software process and from piloting innovative ideas and technologies. |