European Software Institute

IT Mark

Why?

The current market does not include a specific model designed for IT SMEs. The need is for a SME-sized model that:

• Helps SMEs get into Software Process Improvement and into the Quality Ladder
• Distinguish the "good providers" from the rest

What is IT Mark?

The first international business and technical process Certification service that provides a quality and maturity assessment from 3 complementary points of view:

• Business Management (strategic, commercial, financial, marketing, etc)
• Information Security Management
• Software and Systems Processes: In matters relating to Bussiness Management the reference used is the 10-Squared model, which was developed to assess applications for Venture Capital. From the Information Security Management point of view, the reference model is ISO 17799, whereas for Software & Systems a lightweight version of CMMI® is used, a standard globally acknowledged by the IT world with which ESI has broad experience I providing services to enterprises in all five continents.

Who is the target?

This service is aimed at micro and small enterprises which develop and maintain Information Technology solutions.

Benefits

• Improve your business performance (both Technical and Management points of view)
• Gain market recognition for IT capability
• Attain a Market differentiator, by means of a seal of excellence
• Identify strengths and weaknesses as well as opportunities for improvement
• Includes an improvement roadmap through the successive grades of Maturity
• Inexpensive and cost effective

IT Mark grades

IT Mark establishes 3 grades depending on the processes maturity of the Enterprise:

• IT Mark
• IT Mark Premium
• IT Mark Elite

This service provides an entry-level product designed for Micro and Small enterprises, but which can help SMEs grow along the Quality Ladder. Larges companies can also be accommodated as the services are scaleable.

Marketing and promotion

IT Mark marketing and promotion is done by the ESICenter Network of excellence in Software Engineering:

• ESICenter Australia (Melbourne, Australia)
• ESICenter Bulgaria (Sofia, Bulgaria)
• ESICenter Cono Sur (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
• ESICenter Mexico (Guadalajara, Mexico)
• ESICenter Sinertic Andino (Bogotá, Colombia)
• ESICenter SSEAC (Shangai, China)
• ESICenter Unisinos (Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil)

List of ITMark Appraisals

The number of ITMark Appraisals by country are:

The following link will generate a current list of companies which have completed and reported ITMark appraisal results. Authorisation have been received from the sponsor of the appraisal.

If you have completed an ITMark appraisal and you would like to publish your appraisal information in this web, please contact your ITMark appraiser.

List of ITMark Certified Companies

Cluster Approach Projects

A cluster approach project is a context where SMEs are awarenessed about the benefits provided by new technolgy/models/standards and involved together in a common project to share resources and therefore reduce costs. Each SME takes part in a common project with the same objective but performs each own project which allows them to have specific support to success their improvement plan. The cluster approach projects establish a collaborative framework which allow different technologies/models:

• Software Process Improvement:
• CMMI®
• SPICE (ISO 15504)
• ITMark
• SW Systematic Reuse
• IT Service Management (ISO20000)
• Trust, Security and Dependability (ISO27000)

Services:

• Case Study: ITMark Extremadura
• Case Study: PACIS
• Case Study: SoftAragón