What is ISO-IEC 25021:2017

ISO-IEC 25021:2017, also known as Software engineering - Systems and software Quality Requirements and Evaluation (SQuaRE) - Measurement Reference Model and Guide, is a standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It provides guidelines and a reference model for measuring software quality and evaluating the fulfillment of quality requirements in software systems.

The Importance of ISO-IEC 25021:2017

As software plays an increasingly critical role in our lives, ensuring its quality has become essential. ISO-IEC 25021:2017 provides a comprehensive framework that helps organizations objectively assess and measure software quality. By following this standard, companies can establish reliable evaluation processes, make informed decisions about software acquisition or development, and ultimately deliver high-quality software products that meet user expectations.

Key Components of ISO-IEC 25021:2017

The standard defines various key components that contribute to software quality measurement and evaluation:

Quality characteristics: ISO-IEC 25021:2017 identifies eight quality characteristics that software should possess, including functionality, reliability, usability, efficiency, maintainability, portability, compatibility, and security. These characteristics serve as a basis for assessing and evaluating the software's overall quality.

Measurement framework: The standard provides a measurement framework that consists of quality measures, measurement entities, and measurement scales. Quality measures are specific indicators used to assess each quality characteristic, while measurement entities represent the software elements being measured. Measurement scales define the values assigned to quality measures during evaluation.

Quality requirements: ISO-IEC 25021:2017 emphasizes the importance of clearly defining quality requirements for software systems. These requirements should be measurable, achievable, and aligned with the stakeholders' expectations. Establishing well-defined quality requirements helps organizations set specific targets for software quality and evaluate whether they have been met.

Evaluation process: The standard outlines a systematic evaluation process that consists of planning, executing, and reporting evaluation activities. It provides guidance on selecting appropriate evaluation methods, collecting relevant data, analyzing the results, and reporting findings in a clear and concise manner.

Conclusion

ISO-IEC 25021:2017 serves as a valuable tool for organizations striving to deliver high-quality software products. By adhering to the guidelines and reference model provided by this standard, companies can establish effective measurement and evaluation processes that ensure their software meets the desired quality characteristics and fulfills stakeholders' requirements. Implementing ISO-IEC 25021:2017 not only improves software quality but also enhances customer satisfaction, increases productivity, and reduces risks associated with software development and procurement.