What is ISO-IEC 38502:2017?

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) have jointly developed a standard called ISO/IEC 38502:2017. This standard provides guidance for organizations on how to evaluate, select, use, and monitor software aspects of systems throughout their life cycle.

Importance of ISO-IEC 38502:2017

ISO-IEC 38502:2017 is crucial for both customers and suppliers involved in software development and implementation. It sets out a framework that ensures better decision-making, risk management, and quality control processes related to software-intensive systems.

The standard emphasizes the need for organizations to establish clear policies and procedures for evaluating and managing software throughout its life cycle.

Key Features and Benefits

ISO-IEC 38502:2017 covers various aspects of software evaluation and management. It provides guidelines on:

The evaluation of software-related processes, products, and services.

The selection of appropriate software technologies, tools, and techniques.

The establishment of criteria for software acceptance and validation.

The monitoring and improvement of software quality and performance.

By following the principles outlined in this standard, organizations can ensure that their software meets established requirements, performs reliably, and is effectively managed throughout its entire life cycle.

Implementing ISO-IEC 38502:2017

Implementing ISO-IEC 38502:2017 requires organizations to take several steps:

Understand the standard: Organizations must familiarize themselves with the content and requirements of ISO-IEC 38502:2017.

Assess existing practices: Organizations should assess their current software evaluation and management practices against the standard's guidelines.

Identify gaps and establish policies: Based on the assessment, organizations need to identify any gaps and develop policies and procedures to fill those gaps.

Train personnel: Adequate training must be provided to relevant personnel to ensure proper understanding and implementation of the standard.

Monitor and improve: Continuous monitoring and improvement activities are necessary to ensure ongoing compliance with ISO-IEC 38502:2017.

By following these steps, organizations can align their software evaluation and management processes with international standards, leading to improved software quality and better overall system performance.