What is EN ISO 26415:2011?

EN ISO 26415:2011 is a technical specification that provides guidelines and requirements for the evaluation of software and system product quality. It was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) with input from various industry experts and stakeholders. This article aims to provide an of the key aspects covered in EN ISO 26415:2011.

Scope and Purpose

The scope of EN ISO 26415:2011 encompasses the evaluation of software and system quality attributes such as reliability, usability, efficiency, maintainability, portability, and security. Its purpose is to establish a framework for assessing and measuring these quality attributes throughout the software development and maintenance process.

Key Guidelines and Requirements

EN ISO 26415:2011 provides a set of guidelines and requirements that organizations can follow to evaluate and improve their software and system quality. These guidelines cover areas such as:

Evaluation planning and strategy: The standard emphasizes the importance of establishing a clear evaluation plan and strategy before conducting any assessments. This includes defining the objectives, scope, and criteria for the evaluation.

Evaluation methods and techniques: EN ISO 26415:2011 provides guidance on different evaluation methods and techniques that can be used to assess the quality attributes of software and systems. This includes both qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Data collection and analysis: The standard outlines the process of collecting relevant data during the evaluation and analyzing it to draw meaningful conclusions about the quality of the software or system.

Reporting and documentation: EN ISO 26415:2011 specifies the requirements for reporting and documenting the evaluation results. This includes documenting the evaluation process, findings, and recommendations for improvement.

Benefits of EN ISO 26415:2011

Implementing EN ISO 26415:2011 can yield several benefits for organizations. Firstly, it helps to ensure that software and systems meet the required quality standards, enhancing customer satisfaction. Secondly, it provides a systematic approach to evaluate and improve the quality attributes, leading to more reliable, usable, efficient, maintainable, portable, and secure products. Additionally, it promotes consistency and repeatability in the evaluation process, enabling organizations to benchmark their performance against industry best practices.

In conclusion, EN ISO 26415:2011 is an essential technical specification for organizations aiming to enhance the quality of their software and system products. By following the guidelines and requirements outlined in this standard, organizations can evaluate and improve various quality attributes, leading to better overall performance and customer satisfaction.