What is ISO 25010:2021?

ISO 25010:2021 is the international standard for software quality requirements and evaluation. It provides a framework to assess various quality characteristics of software products, including functionality, reliability, usability, efficiency, maintainability, and portability. Adopted by organizations worldwide, ISO 25010 helps ensure that software meets user expectations and delivers value.

The Importance of ISO 25010:2021

In today's digital age, where software plays a critical role in our lives, ensuring its quality is paramount. ISO 25010 provides a comprehensive approach to evaluate and measure different aspects of software quality. By adhering to this standard, organizations can enhance their software development processes, resulting in better end products and satisfied users.

The Key Quality Characteristics

ISO 25010 covers eight key quality characteristics that are essential for any software product. These are:

Functionality: This characteristic focuses on whether the software meets specified functional requirements and performs tasks effectively.

Reliability: Referring to the stability and dependability of the software under specified conditions.

Usability: How easy it is for users to operate the software and achieve their goals efficiently.

Efficiency: Evaluating the software's performance in terms of resource utilization, such as memory and processing power.

Maintainability: The ease with which the software can be modified, debugged, and extended.

Portability: Assessing the ability of the software to be transferred from one environment to another without issues.

Compatibility: Ensuring the software can work well with other systems, software, or hardware.

Security: Referring to protecting data and resources from unauthorized access and maintaining confidentiality.

Evaluating Software Quality

ISO 25010 provides detailed guidance on evaluating software quality against these characteristics. It emphasizes the importance of using measurable criteria and objective evidence to assess each characteristic. Often, a combination of testing methods, such as functional testing, performance testing, and user experience testing, is employed to evaluate software quality comprehensively.

By following ISO 25010, organizations can identify areas for improvement, define quality objectives, and make informed decisions about their software development process. Moreover, adherence to this standard enhances transparency and trust between software providers and users, leading to improved customer satisfaction.