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MIL-STD-498 |
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MIL-STD-498 |
MIL-STD-498 is a standard for the software development process, where the term "software development" is used as an inclusive term encompassing new development, modification, reuse, reengineering, and other activities resulting in software products. This standard harmonizes the earlier standards DOD-STD-2167A and DOD-STD7935A, which were specific to embedded mission-critical software and automated information systems respectively. It can be applied to any type of software, including application software, operating system software, the software portion of firmware, reusable software, and software employed to develop deliverable software.
Information regarding MIL-STD-498 is provided under the following headings:
Audience
The audience for this standard includes:
Scope
This standard recognizes that it is essential to have a consistent framework, uniform requirements and terminology, and established activities and tasks for acquiring, developing, modifying and documenting software.
Abstract
The MIL-STD-498 package consists of the standard itself and a set of 22 Data Item Descriptions (DIDs).
The standard establishes the major activities included in the software development process; for each activity specific tasks, documentation requirements and responsibilities are defined.
The activities in the standard form a comprehensive set, sufficient for a large and complex project, but scaleable and adaptable to suit the needs of smaller ones. The standard requires a tailoring process for each project, which consists of evaluating each of the standard requirements to determine whether it is necessary and cost effective for the project or for a particular piece of software of the project.
The most relevant activities from a quality point of view are the so called "integral processes" consisting of software configuration management, software product evaluation, software quality assurance, corrective action, joint technical and management reviews.
MIL-STD-498 provides 22 DIDs from which an appropriate set can be selected for a project. Each DID describe the purpose and contents of a specific planning or engineering document. The DID is intended to be used as a checklist for information to be defined and recorded in carrying out the related activity, regardless of whether a deliverable is required.
The conversion of MIL-STD-498 to a commercial standard is in progress in the USA.
