I. Background on the Regulatory Revision

To promote high-quality development of the software industry and digital transformation, important adjustments were made to the 2026 Software Process Capability Maturity Model (CSMM) policy:

• Implement the national software development strategy
• Adapt to rapid software technology iteration
• Improve software engineering quality
• Enhance software enterprise capabilities

II. Key Changes Explained

1. Capability Level Classification

Software process capability is divided into five levels:

• Initial Level (1):Unpredictable process, undefined scope.
• Project Specification Level (2):Project-Level Process Management: Basic Requirements
• Organizational Improvement Level (3):Organizational Process Management, Standardization
• Quantum Level Up (4 Level):Data-driven quantitative management
• Continuously Optimizing (Level 5):Continuous Process Improvement and Innovation

2. Expanded Evaluation Dimensions

Evaluation covers multiple dimensions:

• Strategy & Governance
• Process & Engineering
• Organization & Personnel
• Technology & Tools
• Quality & Safety
• Value and Benefits

3. Innovation in Evaluation Methods

Adopt a diversified evaluation approach:

• Document Review
• Person Interviews
• Project Spot Check
• Data Analysis
• On-site Observation
• Online Assessment (Remote Review)

4. Extended Application of Results

Evaluation results are used for:

• Government Project Declaration and Funding Application
• Bidding Bonus Factors
• Enterprise Qualification Reference
• Industry Award and Merit Criteria

3. Evaluation Process

1. Application Accepted

• Submit application and supporting documents
• Sign Evaluation Contract

2. Pre-assessment (optional)

• Gap Analysis
• Improvement suggestions

3. Formal Assessment

• Document Review
• On-site Audit
• Person Interviews
• Project Spot Check

4. Results Published

The assessment agency issues the assessment report and certificate of rating.

IV. Recommendations for Enterprises

1. Establish the process system

Establish a software process management system in accordance with standard requirements.

2. Strengthen project management

Standardize project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure.

3. Continuous Improvement

Conduct regular process evaluations and improvement activities.

V. Valuation

• Boost software development capabilities and project success rates
• Reduce development costs and defect rates
• Boost customer confidence and market competitiveness
• Government project declaration and bidding score bonuses
• Some provinces and cities offer assessment subsidies (5K - 20K yuan).