The software industry is fairly new and talking about the software development companies they are much younger. It is only few years back when the outsourcing of software development was been introduced. As this industry gains maturity, quality certification has also got a new meaning for suppliers and customers as well. There is a slight difference between Quality Certification in software and manufacturing. The implementation and application of Quality certification is different from their principles.



The Quality Certification is based on two major types, i.e., ISO 9001:2000 and SEI CMM level of certifications. Comparing these two certification the ISO 9001:2000 is a lot easier than that of SEI CMM and cheaper as well. That is the reason why numbers of companies are going with the ISO certification.

There are N numbers of benefits with quality certification. The key benefit of Quality certification in a software development company is that it showcases the maturity and continuity of the organization. Both the quality certifications pay attention on processes. The ISO states that the process should be defined and is being followed as well whereas the SEI CMM has made certain parameters for a process within which the company should work. The certification and documentation provides a long term growth pattern in the company and along with customers.

Apart from the maturity and continuity of the organization, software development companies need quality certification to ensure the success of large projects. The tested methodologies (part of certification process) ensures designing which are produced by the companies are of a high standard and will withstand the test of durability.

Non-certified companies in comparison to certified companies face a tough time when it comes to competition and that is why more software companies are moving towards quality certification.

It is being observed that most of the medium and large companies are moving towards SEI CMM thinking that is the better developed one. The whole process SEI CMM is lengthy, time consuming and expensive as well but when it comes to benefits it compensates for all of that.

If any offshore product development companies have not gone down the path of quality certification then they must go through it. Though here we are talking only about the ISO 9001:2000 and SEI CMM, there are several other certifications which can be obtained by software development companies. Usually these certifications are given by software manufacturers or independent bodies and though they might not be as critical as the quality certifications mentioned, they have a good level of importance when evaluating a supplier.