Abstract
Most aircraft companies develop onboard systems software for civilian aircraft based on the guidelines RTCA DO-178B/ED-12B "Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification". This, apart from ensuring the reliability of the software, also addresses the issues involved in certification of the onboard system. SEI-CMM is used to measure organization's capability in software development and also improvement. As the costs and timelines become stringent, it becomes necessary for companies to improve their software development process by adopting SEI-CMM to make sure that the software is developed as per plan and there is involvement of the higher management in the development process.

This paper looks at these two standards with a view to implement DO-178B in organizations which are SEI-CMM level 5 certified and vice versa. Implementing DO-178B within SEI-CMM is required only if the company is involved in development of safety critical softwares.

Author Narasimha Swamy

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