ISO 12207 – Systems and software engineering — Software life cycle processes

ISO/IEC 12207 is an international standard that provides a framework for software life cycle processes. The full title of the standard is “ISO/IEC 12207:2008 – Systems and software engineering — Software life cycle processes.” It was jointly published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). ISO/IEC 12207 establishes a common framework for describing the processes involved in the development, acquisition, supply, operation, and maintenance of software systems. The standard defines processes, activities, and tasks that are part of the software life cycle, providing a structured approach to software development and maintenance.

Key features and objectives of ISO/IEC 12207 include:

Life Cycle Processes: The standard defines a set of software life cycle processes, including primary processes and supporting processes. Primary processes encompass the core activities related to software development, while supporting processes provide essential support and management functions.

Process Interactions: ISO/IEC 12207 emphasizes the interactions and relationships between different software life cycle processes. It provides a systematic view of how processes are interlinked and how information and outputs flow between them.

Process Categories: The standard categorizes software life cycle processes into three main categories: primary processes, supporting processes, and organizational processes. Each category serves specific purposes in the overall software development and maintenance context.

Process Capability: ISO/IEC 12207 allows organizations to assess and improve their process capability. The standard provides a basis for evaluating the maturity and effectiveness of an organization’s software processes.

Applicability to Different Organizations: The framework is designed to be adaptable to different types of organizations, irrespective of their size or the nature of the software systems they develop or maintain.

Consistency with Other Standards: ISO/IEC 12207 is consistent with other standards in the ISO/IEC 12200 series, providing a harmonized approach to software engineering processes.

Flexibility in Process Tailoring: The standard allows organizations to tailor the software life cycle processes to meet their specific needs. This adaptability is crucial for accommodating variations in project requirements and organizational context.

ISO/IEC 12207 is widely used in the software industry as a reference for defining, implementing, and assessing software engineering processes. It is particularly relevant for organizations involved in software development, maintenance, and acquisition, helping them establish a common understanding and language for software-related activities.