The TMMi model complies with the criteria originally set by the Board of Directors of the TMMi Foundation:
The TMMi model provides a standard reference model applicable for all industries
The TMMi is partly based on industry best practices and during its development many industry test and software quality models were evaluated and considered, with the good elements combined to ensure a widely applicable test improvement model. Today, TMMi is used accross many industries, with different lifecycle models and considered to be the leading world-wide model for test process improvement.
Using the TMMi one can identify risks, testing strengths and best practices
In addition the TMMi model an assessment framework has been created by the TMMi Foundation to support TMMi-based assessments. With a TMMi assessment an organization can identify its testing strengths, weakenesses (risks) and best practices. It will provide an organization with a detailed understanding of its level of testing maturity.
Using TMMi will improve test effectiveness and efficiency
Case studies and the TMMi user survey have shown clear benefits in using the TMMi model. The TMMi world-wide user survey report states that a high 88% of the TMMi users are experiencing benefits in effectiveness/product quality, e.g., reduced product risks, and 77% experience benefits in test efficiency (77%), e.g., increased testing productivity.
A programme of test process improvements can be run using TMMi
Through the measurement of (intermediate) results derived from assessments, TMMi will provide detailed guidance for improvements. The staged representation of the TMMi allows for a clear prioritization of process areas to be improved. TMMi is also rich in testing practices, examples and suggestions thereby supporting the implementation of the proposed test improvements.
Provide public governance, measurement and certification
A full accreditation scheme is available for Assessment Service Providers, assessors and lead-assessors. Accredited Assessment Service Providers (ASP's) can formally assess an organization. If an organizations complies with the TMMi model criteria it will be subsequently certified by the TMMi Foundation against the TMMi and listed on the TMMi website.
Have a detailed independent model for test process improvement that is also positioned as complementary to CMMI
TMMi can be used independently of the CMMI. However, TMMi is also positioned as complementary to the CMMI in that it largely follows the same maturity structure with respect to the staged representation, but at the same times provides much more detail and support regarding software and system testing.
ISO liaison
In the context of becoming and being the leading world-wide model for test process improvement, the TMMi Foundation has a close working relationship with the ISO/IEC organization throughout the development and maintainance of the TMMi model. The TMMi Foundation has been supporting the ISO/IEC Working Group 26 (within the JTC1/SC7 Software and Systems Engineering) as a Category C liaison since 2014. The TMMi Foundation has committed resources to make a contribution to this specific working group with the following objectives:
- To align the TMMi process reference model with the concepts and definitions provided by ISO 29119
- To provide input to and feedback on all draft standards under development by WG26
- To serve as technical experts on WG26 to help develop software testing standards
- To provide feedback from the TMMi community about the future direction of development of international software testing standards.
