The document describes the architecture of a software quality process framework. The framework is oriented around key architectural principles and is designed to be practical, scalable, and independent of technology. It includes guiding principles, proven methods, specific techniques, best practices, standards, templates, sub-processes, tools, technologies, and key processes to manage quality throughout the entire software development life cycle.

1. Introduction – Software Quality Process Framework Process is oriented around key architectural principles: Must be practical and feasible Must support the ability to implement reliability, repeatability, predictability Must be designed for phased component implemention(s) Must have the capability of being improved over time Must be scalable across wide variety of industries / project types Must be independent of technology base at the highest level

2. Architectural Relationships – Software Quality Process Framework Technical Environments Windows (Win 2K, Win XP, Vista) - Browsers (Internet Explorer, AS/400 / Legacy (Firefox, Opera) Data Mart - Network The Framework can accommodate known and projected projects yet remains independent of the technical environments so that the Framework can be enhanced over time. Guiding Principles Methods Techniques Practices White Papers Standards Templates Quantify Quality Facilitate Quality Monitor Performance Verify Quality Tools Technologies Sub- Processes Key Processes . . . Manage Quality

3. Architecture: Methods – Software Quality Process Framework Methods Techniques Practices White Papers Standards Templates Quantify Quality Facilitate Quality Monitor Performance Verify Quality Tools Technologies Sub- Processes Key Processes . . . Manage Quality Proven methods that are Quality focused & are integrated into the overall SDLC (e.g., Keyword Driven Testing, Causal Analysis, Fagan Inspection Process) Guiding Principles

4. Architecture: Techniques – Software Quality Process Framework Guiding Principles Specific techniques that are used during the process of assuring the quality of applications, systems, or products Proven methods that are Quality focused & are integrated into the overall SDLC (e.g., Keyword Driven Testing, Causal Analysis, Fagan Inspection Process) Methods Techniques Practices White Papers Standards Templates Quantify Quality Facilitate Quality Monitor Performance Verify Quality Tools Technologies Sub- Processes Key Processes . . . Manage Quality

5. Architecture: Practices -- Software Quality Process Framework Guiding Principles “ Good practices” that have been developed in-company along with industry “Best Practices” Proven methods that are Quality focused & are integrated into the overall SDLC (e.g., Keyword Driven Testing, Causal Analysis, Fagan Inspection Process) Specific techniques that are used during the process of assuring the quality of applications, systems, or products Methods Techniques Practices White Papers Standards Templates Quantify Quality Facilitate Quality Monitor Performance Verify Quality Tools Technologies Sub- Processes Key Processes . . . Manage Quality

6. Architecture: White Papers -- Software Quality Process Framework Guiding Principles Authoritative reports used to educate or help people make decisions “ Good practices” that have been developed in-company along with industry “Best Practices” Proven methods that are Quality focused & are integrated into the overall SDLC (e.g., Keyword Driven Testing, Causal Analysis, Fagan Inspection Process) Specific techniques that are used during the process of assuring the quality of applications, systems, or products Methods Techniques Practices White Papers Standards Templates Quantify Quality Facilitate Quality Monitor Performance Verify Quality Tools Technologies Sub- Processes Key Processes . . . Manage Quality

7. Architecture: Standards -- Software Quality Process Framework Guiding Principles Industry, company, or corporate standards for adherence Authoritative reports used to educate or help people make decisions “ Good practices” that have been developed in-company along with industry “Best Practices” Proven methods that are Quality focused & are integrated into the overall SDLC (e.g., Keyword Driven Testing, Causal Analysis, Fagan Inspection Process) Specific techniques that are used during the process of assuring the quality of applications, systems, or products Methods Techniques Practices White Papers Standards Templates Quantify Quality Facilitate Quality Monitor Performance Verify Quality Tools Technologies Sub- Processes Key Processes . . . Manage Quality

8. Architecture: Templates -- Software Quality Process Framework Guiding Principles Specific templates for documenting or developing test assets Industry, company, or corporate standards for adherence Authoritative reports used to educate or help people make decisions “ Good practices” that have been developed in-company along with industry “Best Practices” Proven methods that are Quality focused & are integrated into the overall SDLC (e.g., Keyword Driven Testing, Causal Analysis, Fagan Inspection Process) Specific techniques that are used during the process of assuring the quality of applications, systems, or products Methods Techniques Practices White Papers Standards Templates Quantify Quality Facilitate Quality Monitor Performance Verify Quality Tools Technologies Sub- Processes Key Processes . . . Manage Quality

9. Architecture: Sub-Processes -- Software Quality Process Framework Guiding Principles Breakdown of activities that comprise a key process Methods Techniques Practices White Papers Standards Templates Quantify Quality Facilitate Quality Monitor Performance Verify Quality Tools Technologies Sub- Processes Key Processes . . . Manage Quality

10. Architecture: Tools -- Software Quality Process Framework Guiding Principles Tools used within the Quality Assurance process (e.g., Mercury Quality Center, Mercury Performance Center) Methods Techniques Practices White Papers Standards Templates Quantify Quality Facilitate Quality Monitor Performance Verify Quality Tools Technologies Sub- Processes Key Processes . . . Manage Quality

11. Architecture: Technologies -- Software Quality Process Framework Guiding Principles Tools used within the Quality Assurance process (e.g., Mercury Quality Center, Mercury Performance Center) Specialized technologies used (e.g., fault injection testing, monitoring, security testing) Methods Techniques Practices White Papers Standards Templates Quantify Quality Facilitate Quality Monitor Performance Verify Quality Tools Technologies Sub- Processes Key Processes . . . Manage Quality

12. Architecture: Guiding Principles -- Software Quality Process Framework Guiding Principles Guiding Principles -- Examples Theme 1: The Quality Assurance function will be involved in every identified software development life cycle (SDLC) phase to provide appropriate consulting, advise, support, and quality oversight Theme 2: Requirements-based Quality Assurance testing activities are based on accurate, correct, and testable requirements Theme 3: Continuous process improvement will provide renewed and constant value to the company Theme 4: Automated testing with a high ROI will be exploited Theme 5: Software quality will be gauged by facts and data (metrics and measurements) rather than perception Theme 6: The long term goal is to move from defect detection to defect prevention Methods Techniques Practices White Papers Standards Templates Quantify Quality Facilitate Quality Monitor Performance Verify Quality Tools Technologies Sub- Processes Key Processes . . . Manage Quality

13. Architecture: Key Processes -- Software Quality Process Framework Guiding Principles Comprehensive collection of top level key process areas that provide for Quality focus Heart of overall Framework Provides a collection point for sub-processes, methods, techniques, practices, white papers, tools, and technologies Methods Techniques Practices White Papers Standards Templates Quantify Quality Facilitate Quality Monitor Performance Verify Quality Tools Technologies Sub- Processes Key Processes . . . Manage Quality