The CMMI-SVC, V1.2 model is a collection of best practices that is generated from the CMMI V1.2 Architecture and Framework. This collection includes services best practices from government and industry. CMMI-SVC is based on the “CMMI Model Foundation” or “CMF” (i.e., model components common to all CMMI models and constellations) and incorporates work by several service organizations to adapt CMMI for use in the service industry.

The CMMI-SVC model provides guidance for the application of CMMI best practices by the service provider organization. Best practices in the model focus on activities for providing quality services to the customer and end users. CMMI-SVC integrates bodies of knowledge that are essential for a service provider.

By integrating these bodies of knowledge, CMMI-SVC provides a comprehensive set of best practices for providing services. CMMI for Development (CMMI-DEV) may be treated as a reference for the development of the service system, which supports delivery of the service [SEI 2006a]. In those cases where the service system is large and complex, the CMMI-DEV model can be effectively used to develop such a system. (See the definition of “service system” in the glossary.)