Broadsword News

Come and see the show!

2012-03-03T12:25:00.000-08:00

Welcome back my friends . . . to the show that never ends!

As the front man for the organizational process and performance improvement band called Broadsword, I do a lot of shows all over the world. This platform gives me a pretty clear view of the changing landscape of our industry, which I’m always willing to share with you. So if you want to move to the beat of the latest sounds, learn how to be more agile, and make agility even stronger with the CMMI, then you’ll want attend some of these rockin' events!

(Sunday!) March 4, 2012 online only -- SPamCast conversation with Tom Cagley

March 12, 2012 in Albuquerque, NM -- SEPG NA Conference

April 4, 2012 in Fairfax, VA -- D.C. Software Process Improvement Network (DC SPIN)

April 5, 2012 in Vienna, VA -- D.C. Agile Leadership Network

May 8, 2012 in Fort Washington, PA -- Philadelphia Software Process Improvement Network (Philly SPIN)

June 5-7, 2012 in Madrid, Spain -- SEPG Europe Conference

Mark your calendar, and I’ll see you at the show!

Visit www.broadswordsolutions.com for more information about running a successful CMMI program.

Why I'm coming to SEPG 2012 (again) this year - Reason #2

2012-03-01T09:02:00.002-08:00

The #2 Reason to Attend SEPGNA: To Build Stronger Relationships with Other Partners

Howdy Partners! We’ve come a long way together down the hot and dusty trail. Now that the SEPG North America rodeo on March 12-March 15 in Albuquerque is almost here, we’re almost to the end of my Top Ten reasons to be there. (Here’s a round-up of Reason #10, Reason #9, Reason #8, Reason #7, Reason #6, Reason #5, Reason #4, and Reason #3.) But I still have news for you: whether you’re the quickest artifact herder, the coolest documentation roper, or the bravest process rider in the West … at SEPG NA, you’re wanted.

So let’s get on with my list of Top 10 Reasons to attend SEPG North America 2012.

Drum roll, please! Reason #2 is …

To Build Stronger Relationships with Other Partners

As you know by now, I’m a big believer in relationships. I’ve already posted about the SEGP NA as THE place to build relationships with our customers (Reason #4) and key SEI leaders (Reason #3). I am even more passionate about building relationships with each other as Partners.

It’s pretty clear to anyone who has developed and nurtured these types of relationships just how far-reaching and powerful a true partnership can be.

At SEPG NA we form, develop and nurture the relationships that matter most in our industry. You’ll interact with other Partners and Lead Appraisers who, like you, are trying to make their clients successful. In this way, SEPG NA is more than a conference. It’s a community of like-minded professionals.

I’d like to see more Partners harness the power of the Partner community. It’s the one place where we can get to know each other, learn from each other and potentially even work together. The cool thing is, the more we do business together, the stronger we become as a community. And the reverse is also true: the stronger we are as a community, the more we do business together. You might say that the path to strong business is strong community.

As my good friend and competitor Bill Smith knows, I like to call it “co-opetition.”

As a unified Partner group, we are building stronger relationships with the SEI and with our clients. But it goes beyond that. We are building a community that helps each other build business. And we want that!

It’s not too late to register – and we’ll see you in Albuquerque!

Need more reasons to go? Check back soon for Reason #1.

Jeff Dalton is President of Broadsword Solutions Corporation and the incoming Chairman of the SEI’s Partner Advisory Board. He is a SCAMPI Lead Appraiserwhose blog can be read at www.asktheCMMIAppraiser.com. He can be reached at appraiser@broadswordsolutions.com.

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Posted in SEPG Conferences, SEPG North America 2012

Tagged CMMI Appraiser, CMMI Consultant, CMMI Consulting, CMMI Training, sepg

Broadsword to Deliver CMMI+Scrum Learning Experience at both SEPGNA 2012 and SEPG Europe 2012

2012-03-01T09:01:00.000-08:00

5 March 2012

WATERFORD, MI - Broadsword Solutions Corporation (Broadsword) today announced that the firm has been selected to present its popular CMMI+Scrum Learning Experience class at two industry-leading events this spring. The first training class will be offered at the SEPG North America 2012 Conference on March 12-15, 2012 in Albuquerque, NM. The second training class will be offered at the SEPG Europe Conference on June 5-7, 2012 in Madrid, Spain. The SEPG is the Software Engineering Institute's (SEI) flagship conference for engineering in process improvement.

At both Conferences, Broadsword president Jeff Dalton will lead the hands-on learning session with real-life stories, examples and games that demonstrate how the Capabilities Maturity Model Integration (CMMI), the leading framework for continuous improvement, can also be used to improve Agile methods.

As pioneers of the AgileCMMI methodology for company-wide process and performance improvement, Broadsword developed the CMMI+Scrum training to share insights, tools, tips and techniques to help engineers and executives understand how to take Scrum to the enterprise level and create an environment in which the whole company can use Scrum in every project successfully.

"Our goal is to make an immediate and long-lasting impact for the North American and European Partner and client communities," Dalton said. "We have a lot of experience working at all levels of organizations, and this collaborative 2-day workshop is designed for everyone from engineering executives to project managers and developers to receive hands-on, practical experience using Scrum, so that they can make Scrum better in their organizations with the CMMI."

The two events in 2012 mark the 7th consecutive year that Broadsword has been selected to speak at SEPG, but just the first and second times it will be delivering the CMMI+Scrum learning experience to the SEPG community. The company is known for providing timely information that helps companies improve engineering performance. Dalton has been voted a "Top 10 Speaker" at multiple SEPG conferences, and was keynote speaker at the International Conference on CMMI in Lima, Peru, in 2010.

About the SEPG

SEPG is the premier, global conference series on software and systems process management. The SEPG Conference Series also sets the benchmark for excellence in the areas of acquisition, development, maintenance, security and services.

To better reflect the regional and global influences on software and systems process management, the SEPG Conference Series serves regional needs with conference offerings in North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. Each conference offers core technologies like CMMI, People CMM, PSP, TSP, Agile, ISO and Six Sigma; approaches to implementing high maturity; effective acquisition techniques; service development and delivery; and many other processes for improvement.

About Broadsword Solutions Corporation

Broadsword is an SEI Partner and Process Innovation firm that is the world leader in using Agile and Lean methods to drive high performance engineering using their AgileCMMI methodology and collaborative consulting and coaching solutions. Working with great clients like Rockwell Collins, NASA, Boeing, Chrysler, Compuware and L3 Communications, Broadsword's methods and success is proven throughout North America and the World.

Broadsword is based in southeastern Michigan and can be reached at www.broadswordsolutions.com.

Contact Jeff Dalton

+1 248 341 3367 or info@broadswordsolutions.com

Broadsword President Jeff Dalton to Be Featured on SPaMCast

2012-02-29T10:59:00.000-08:00

29 February 2012

Avon Lake, OH -- Broadsword Solutions Corporation (Broadsword), pioneers of the leading methodology for incremental and iterative process improvement, today announced that Broadsword's president, Jeff Dalton, will be featured on the Software Process and Measurement Webcast (SPaMCast) beginning Sunday, March 4th. A recording of the interview will be available after Sunday at www.spamcast.net.

SPaMCast is an industry-leading podcast which explores the dynamic world of software process improvement and measurement. The cast covers topics that deal with the challenges found in information technology organizations as they grow and evolve. Tom Cagley, editor of SPaMCast, and Dalton will discuss agile, Scrum and the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI), the leading model for engineering performance improvement.

Broadsword, an SEI Partner, is the world leader in delivering agile solutions that integrate agile methods with the CMMI. Its popular 2-day "Scrum+CMMI Learning Experience" class teaches attendees to use the CMMI to make Scrum projects better.

"Tom's webcast has always been such a great place to learn from industry leaders. I'm honored to be a guest of SPaMCast and to discuss such a timely and important topic," Dalton said. "As Scrum is gaining in popularity in the software and engineering worlds, many companies are not getting the results they had hoped for. SPaMCast listeners will learn that the CMMI is fully compatible with Scrum, and can be used to improve agile methods, making the investment in agile both powerful and productive."

About SPaMCast

The Software Process and Measurement Webcast (SPaMCast) provides a forum to explore the varied world of software process improvement and measurement. The show combines commentaries, interviews and listener feedback to serve up ideas, options, opinions, advice and even occasionally facts. In a nutshell, the cast provides advice for and from practitioners, methodologists, pundits and consultants.

About Broadsword Solutions Corporation

Based in southeastern Michigan, Broadsword is an SEI Partner and Process Innovation firm that is the world leader in using agile and Lean methods to drive high performance engineering using their AgileCMMI methodology and collaborative consulting and coaching solutions. Working with great companies like Rockwell Collins, NASA, Boeing, Chrysler, Compuware and L3 Communications, Broadsword's methods and success is proven throughout North America and the world.

Media Contacts:

Thomas Cagley
Editor, Software Process and Measurement Webcast
Tel: +1 206 888 6111
Email: spamcastinfo@gmail.com
Web: www.spamcast.net

Jeff Dalton
President, Broadsword Solutions Corporation
Tel: +1 248 341 3367
Email: info@broadswordsolutions.com
Web: www.broadswordsolutions.com

Why I'm coming to SEPG (again) this year. Reason #3.

2012-02-29T10:40:00.001-08:00

The #3 Reason to Attend SEPGNA: To Build Stronger Relationships with Key SEI Leaders

Howdy, Partners – Whoopee ti yi yo, git along little dogies! It’s time once again for my Top Ten reasons to go to the SEPG North America rodeo in Albuquerque on March 12-15. If you read my Reason #10, Reason #9, Reason #8, Reason #7, Reason #6, Reason #5 and Reason #4, you know that SEPG North America is the place to be for anyone who is passionate about process improvement and the CMMI.

So let’s load up the chuck-wagon and get on with my list of Top 10 Reasons to attend SEPG North America 2012.

Drum roll, please! Reason #3 is …

To build stronger relationships with key SEI leaders.

Introducing yourself to your hosts is not only the polite thing to do, it is one of the best reasons for going to the SEPGNA. Especially this year, when several key SEI leaders will be in attendance.

Since I’m limited to 300-500 words, I can’t talk about ALL of the great folks over at the SEI, so today I’d like to call attention to four influential people that you’ll want to be sure to meet at the Conference. They are:

Dr. Paul D. Nielsen. Paul is Director and Chief Executive Officer of the SEI. As you may know, part of Paul’s role is to visit with key customers to help keep the SEI aligned with the needs of leading companies and organizations, which is good for the Partners as well. Talk to Paul about whether it makes sense for him to interact with your (or your client’s) management team.
Anita Carleton. Anita is the newly appointed Director of the Software Engineering Process Management (SEPM) Program at the SEI – and one awesome lady as well! Meeting Anita will give you an opportunity to learn about her vision for the program, and give you a chance to share your ideas as well. Like Paul, Anita travels to companies and organizations to interact with their management and help improve alignment. Both you and your customers will benefit from meeting Anita.
Rawdon (“Rusty”) Young. Rusty is another influential leader in a new role. As CMMI Program Manager (acting), Rusty is the person to meet if you would like to hear about the future of the CMMI, if you have some ideas for changes (don’t forget to fill out a change request!), or about anything else regarding the CMMI that you want to talk about. He’s your man!
Lisa Masciantonio. Lisa is head of the SEI Partner Network and is the main point of contact for all of the SEI Partners. If you have any Partner issues, Lisa is the one to go to. In fact, go to Lisa even if you don’t have any issues! She’s aweeeeeeesome!

As key representatives of the SEI at the SEPGNA Conference, Paul, Anita, Rusty and Lisa are a big part of the face of a product line that is the best process model in the industry. It’s up to us, as Partners, to get to know them, so that we can work more closely with them on reinforcing the brand. The SEPGNA is the perfect place to do that. Be sure to introduce your customers to these fine individuals.

While I don’t have space to write about ALL of the great people at the SEI, don’t forget to connect with Eileen Forrester, Will Hays, Mike Konrad, and many others.

If you haven’t already signed up, be sure to register – and we’ll see you in Albuquerque!

Need more reasons to go? Check back soon for Reason #2.

Jeff Dalton is a Certified SCAMPI Lead Appraiser, Certified CMMI Instructor, author, and consultant with years of real-world experience with the CMMI in all types of organizations. Jeff has taught thousands of students in CMMI trainings and has received an aggregate satisfaction score of 4.97 out of 5 from his students.

Visit www.broadswordsolutions.com for more information about running a successful CMMI program.

Broadsword forms strategic relationship with Pi Innovo

2012-02-27T06:51:00.000-08:00

27 February 2012

Plymouth, MI: Pi Innovo -- an international designer and developer of innovative electronics systems -- and Broadsword Solutions Corporation (Broadsword), pioneers of the leading methodology for incremental and iterative process improvement, today announced a strategic partnership to assist Pi Innovo in pursuing its mission for continuous improvement, using the Software Engineering Institute's (SEI) Capabilities Maturity Model Integration, or CMMI.

Broadsword will apply its agileCMMI Methodology to streamline the CMMI appraisal process for Pi Innovo, making the process more useful and efficient. The partnership will enable Pi Innovo to add more rigor and measurements to its process, in support of making better decisions and better serving its clients.

"We wanted a true partner," said Walter Lucking, CEO of Pi Innovo US Operations. "Our goal was to work with someone we could trust that would help us achieve Maturity Level Three, and take us where we wanted to be as a business. Broadsword came highly recommended, and our experience has been very good."

"Consistent with its reputation for driving the highest quality results for its clients, Pi Innovo has chosen to utilize an accelerated framework for continuous improvement based on the CMMI," Broadsword's president, Jeff Dalton, said. "We are honored to leverage our management consulting, engineering and process improvement solutions in support of Pi Innovo's mission to be the acknowledged expert in providing consistently innovative electronics systems to all vehicle and related industries."

About Pi Innovo

Pi Innovo is an international organization with a 25-year pedigree of excellence in electronic systems innovation for vehicle and related applications. Pi Innovo was formed after the recent management buyout of the UK and USA design engineering operations of the South African based Control Instruments Group, previously trading as Pi Shurlok. Pi Innovo's uniquely adaptable business engagements, based on Pi Team services and OpenECU products, enjoy a strong reputation for deliverinng results of the highest quality, providing outstanding value for clients.

About Broadsword Solutions Company

Based in southeastern Michigan, Broadsword is an SEI Partner and Process Innovation firm that is the world leader in using Agile and Lean methods to drive high performance engineering using their AgileCMMI methodology and collaborative consulting and coaching solutions. Working with great clients like Rockwell Collins, NASA, Boeing, Chrysler, Compuware and L3 Communications, Broadsword's methods and success is proven throughout North America and the world.

Media Contacts:

Alistair Greenhill
Director, Marketing, Pi Innovo
Tel +44 (0) 1223 203409
Email: alistair.greenhill@pi-innovo.com
Web: pi-innovo.com

Walter Lucking
CEO, US Operations, Pi Innovo
Tel +1 (734) 656 0145
Email: walter.lucking@pi-innovo.com
Web: pi-innovo.com

Jeff Dalton
President, Broadsword Solutions Corporation
Tel +1 (248) 341 3367
Email: info@broadswordsolutions.com
Web: www.broadswordsolutions.com

Why I'm coming to SEPG (again) this year - Reason #5

2012-02-16T12:42:00.001-08:00

The #4 Reason to Attend SEPGNA: To Build Stronger Relationships with Your Customers

Howdy, Partners – by the sun slanting in the Western sky, I see it’s almost time for the SEPG North America rodeo on March 12-15 in Albuquerque. That means I better put a hitch in my giddy-up and get on with my Top 10 reasons to be there. (Here’s Reason #10, Reason #9, Reason #8, Reason #7, Reason #6 andReason #5.) Ready?

Then let’s get on with my list of Top 10 Reasons to attend SEPG North America 2012.

Drum roll, please! Reason #4 is …

To build stronger relationships with your customers.

Building relationships with the customer is important in any industry. But it’s absolutely critical in the context of the CMMI, where we are passionate about organizational process and performance improvement, and helping companies be as great as they can be.

So let me ask you this: will you take the opportunity to build stronger relationships with your customers by bringing them to SEPGNA 2012?

As part of my commitment to the CMMI, I am bringing six of my customers to the conference this year. Last year I brought five. Here’s why I think it’s a good thing to do:

SEPGNA allows you to spend quality time with your customers. So often in our day-to-day work, we are on-site to solve problems. There are subgroups to be evaluated and artifacts to be collected. But down in Albuquerque, life moves at a slower pace. You’ll be able to connect with your customers on a personal level. You’ll share meals together, attend sessions together, and perhaps take in a round of golf together.

SEPGNA allows you to guide your customers through the learning process. With you by their side, customers can grasp the real meaning of the CMMI, and the long-term value the model provides. And when questions come up, you’ll be right there to answer with real-live examples from their current projects.

SEPGNA allows you to introduce your customers to both the SEI and other adopters of the CMMI. For me, this is one of the most rewarding experiences at the SEPGNA. I love to see new friendships form when I introduce my customers to the smart folks from the SEI, as well as to the broader community of people with the same problems they’ve been facing.

In my opinion, all of us – both the SEI and its Partners – should strive to be people-integrators. That means, part of our job is to integrate the customers with each other, so that they can have a support system of their own.

And you know what? I’ve never met a customer who wasn’t excited about going.

So let’s be generous and share some knowledge. I urge each of you to invite at least one customer to come. Have them register – and we’ll see you in Albuquerque!

Need more reasons to go? Check back soon for Reason #3.

Tim Zeller Joins with Broadsword, Expands Health Care Services Division

2012-02-15T07:25:00.000-08:00

8 February

BETHESDA, MD - Broadsword Solutions Corporation (Broadsword) today announced that Timothy N. Zeller, J.D., will be immediately joining the company as Senior Consultant.

Zeller is a former chief executive of government and non-profit organizations and has served as General Council and Director of Risk Management and Legal Affairs in the health care industry. He has been a certified ISO 9000 lead auditor and is an attorney who received his Juris Doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan.

As Senior Consultant with Broadsword, Zeller will focus on assistinng the firm's clients using the Software Engineering Institute's (SEI) Capability Maturity Model Integration, or CMMI. He will expand the firm's executive consulting capabilities in government relations, labor relations, human resources management and strategic planning.

"My career has led me to focus on helping organizations accelerate performance while increasing their ability to respond to customers with greater agility and quality, which is the primary focus of Broadsword," Zeller said. "I look forward to applying the firm's popular AgileCMMI methodology to guide companies through a unique incremental and iterative process that improves productivity, eliminates chaos and reduces risk."

"In welcoming Tim to the team, Broadsword continues to add expertise and experience to its health care services division," Broadsword's president, Jeff Dalton, said. "Tim's dedication to organizational performance improvement will further our mission to help our clients along the path to greatness."

About Broadsword Solutions Corporation

Broadsword is an SEI Partner and Process Innovation firm that is the world leader in using Agile and Lean methods to drive high performance using their AgileCMMI methodology and collaborative consulting and coaching solutions. Using the CMMI as a toolset, Broadsword works with clients such as Sapient Government Systems, SAIC, Rockwell Collins, L3 Communications, MetroStar Systems, Insight Systems Corporation and Guident Technologies. Broadsword's methods and success are proven throughout North America and the World. Broadsword has offices in Michigan, Washington, D.C., and San Diego, and can be reached at www.broadswordsolutions.com.

Contact Jeff Dalton

+1 301.841.7486 or info@broadswordsolutions.com

Broadsword to deliver CMMI+Scrum Learning Experience at SEPG NA 2012

2012-01-19T15:45:00.000-08:00

19 January 2012

WATERFORD, MI: Broadsword Solutions Corporation (Broadsword) today announced that the firm will be offering its popular CMMI+Scrum Learning Experience class at the SEPG North America 2012 Conference on March 12-15, 2012, in Albuquerque, NM. The SEPG is the Software Engineering Institute's (SEI) flagship conference for engineering process improvement.

Broadsword president Jeff Dalton will lead the hands-on learning session with real-life stories, examples and games that demonstrate how the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI), the leading framework for continuous improvement, can also be used to improve Agile methods.

As pioneers of the AgileCMMI methodology for company-wide process and performance improvement, Broadsword developed the CMMI+Scrum training to share insights, tools, tips and techniques to help engineers and executives understand how to take Scrum to the enterprise level and create an environment in which the whole company can use Scrum in every project successfully.

“Not everyone realizes that CMMI is fully compatible with Scrum and XP, and it fills in the blanks in a way that makes the investment in agile both powerful and productive,” Dalton said. “We use Scrum and CMMI to teach you about Scrum and CMMI - and how the CMMI can make it even better.”

2012 is the 7th consecutive year that Broadsword has been selected to speak at SEPG , but the first time to be delivering the CMMI+Scrum learning experience. The company is known for providing timely information that helps companies improve operational and engineering performance. Dalton has been voted a “Top 10 Speaker” at multiple SEPG conferences, and was keynote speaker at the International Conference on CMMI in Lima, Peru, in 2010.

“We believe the training offered by Jeff Dalton will make an immediate and long-lasting impact on the Partner and client communities attending this year’s conference,” SEPG NA Conference Coordinator Brittney Osikowicz, said. “Many agile shops unfortunately have not been getting anything close to the results they were hoping for. Developers, project managers and engineering executives can find solutions to that problem with CMMI+Scrum Learning Experience.”

About the SEPG

SEPG is the premier, global conference series on software and systems process management. The SEPG Conference Series also sets the benchmark for excellence in the areas of acquisition, development, maintenance, security, and services.

To better reflect the regional and global influences on software and systems process management, the SEPG Conference Series serves regional needs with conference offerings in North America, Europe, Latin America,and Asia-Pacific. Each conference offers core professional development in process improvement through technical sessions focused on technologies like CMMI, People CMM, PSP, TSP, Agile, ISO, and Six Sigma; approaches to implementing high maturity; effective acquisition techniques; service development and delivery; and many other processes for improvement.

About Broadsword Solutions Corporation

Broadsword is an SEI Partner and Process Innovation firm that is the world leader in using Agile and Lean methods to drive high performance engineering using their AgileCMMI methodology and collaborative consulting and coaching solutions. Working with great clients like Rockwell Collins, NASA, Boeing, Chrysler, Compuware and L3 Communications, Broadsword’s methods and success is proven throughout North America and the World.

Broadsword is based in southeastern Michigan and can be reached at www.broadswordsolutions.com.

Contact Jeff Dalton

+1 248-341-3367 or info@broadswordsolutions.com

Broadsword forms strategic relationship with MetroStar

2012-01-19T15:41:00.000-08:00

19 January 2012

RESTON, VA – MetroStar Systems (MetroStar) – a trusted information technology company providing innovative solutions for today’s business challenges by advancing technology daily – and Broadsword Solutions Corporation (Broadsword), pioneers of the leading methodology for incremental and iterative process improvement, today announced a strategic partnership to assist MetroStar in adopting a plan for continuous improvement, using the Software Engineering Institute’s (SEI) Capabilities Maturity Model Integration, or CMMI.

Broadsword will apply its agileCMMI Methodology to help MetroStar’s agile developers communicate in a common language and adopt a more consistent development approach. MetroStar intends to optimize Broadsword’s end-to-end solutions, from training to SCAMPI-C to SCAMPI-A appraisals.

“Broadsword has a philosophical approach that’s more aligned with the type of organization we are,” said MetroStar CEO Ali Reza Manouchehri. “Another huge advantage that Broadsword brought to the table was that Broadsword has actually helped various organizations achieve CMMI level ratings with agile experience. There were no others that had experience of Broadword that could come in and speak agile/Scrum language with our developers.”

Broadsword’s president, Jeff Dalton, said, “MetroStar understands that its culture of agile development is one of its great competitive differentiators. In order to continue delivering exceptional value to its customers, MetroStar has decided not to change the framework that works for the organization, but to take the individual Scrum elements involved and make them more robust. We look forward to applying our agileCMMI and Scrum-based approach to process improvement solutions to help MetroStar reach their ambitious goals.”

About MetroStar

For the past ten years, MetroStar Systems, has transformed from a small start-up into one of America's Fastest Growing Companies (2009), ranked no. 562 by Inc. Magazine with a three-year sales growth of 481.4%. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, MetroStar Systems(TM) is a Small Business Administration-certified 8(a) firm that provides its clients with agile, collaborative solutions designed to integrate people, processes, technology, and learning across an organization and its geographic boundaries. For additional information, please visit: www.MetroStarSystems.com.

About Broadsword

Broadsword is an SEI Partner and Process Innovation firm that is the world leader in using Agile and Lean methods to drive high performance engineering using their AgileCMMI methodology and collaborative consulting and coaching solutions. Working with great clients like Rockwell Collins, NASA, Boeing, Chrysler, Compuware and L3 Communications, Broadsword’s methods and success is proven throughout North America and the World.

Broadsword is based in southeastern Michigan and can be reached at www.broadswordsolutions.com .

Contact Jeff Dalton

+1 248-341-3367 or info@broadswordsolutions.com

Broadsword forms strategic relationship with Insight

2012-01-06T14:18:00.000-08:00

6 January 2012

ARLINGTON, VA: Insight Systems Corporation (Insight) – a business and IT consulting firm for government agencies and commercial organizations – and Broadsword Solutions Corporation (Broadsword), pioneers of the leading methodology for incremental and iterative process improvement, today announced a strategic partnership to assist Insight in adopting a plan for continuous improvement, using the Software Engineering Institute’s (SEI) Capabilities Maturity Model Integration, or CMMI.

To help Insight reach its goals, Broadsword will apply the agileCMMI Methodology it pioneered to streamline the appraisal process for Insight, making the process more useful and efficient.

“We wanted to be more competitive in our market by having the CMMI certification,” President Nancy Abramson said. “After conducting extensive research, we were impressed with Broadsword’s qualifications and services. We liked the delivery options and efficiencies that the firm offered.”

Broadsword’s president, Jeff Dalton, said, “Insight has made an important commitment to applying the right amount of process at the right time, by utilizing an architecture and system based on the CMMI as a framework for continuous improvement. We look forward to applying our management consulting, engineering, process improvement solutions to help the company outstrip their competitors and enhance their reputation for delivering superior value to their customers.”

About Insight

Insight Systems Corporation, founded in 2001, is an 8(a) Washington DC-based solutions partner to information-intensive enterprises, government agencies and commercial organizations, that seek strategic results aligned with their business and Information Technology missions. Insight offers a results-oriented focus on achieving the customer's mission. Insight provides expertise project and program management, knowledge management, business consulting, web portals and other custom applications development, systems modernization and redevelopment and Information Technology infrastructure services to public and private sector organizations.

About Broadsword Solutions Corporation

Broadsword is an SEI Partner and Process Innovation firm that is the world leader in using Agile and Lean methods to drive high performance engineering using their AgileCMMI methodology and collaborative consulting and coaching solutions. Working with great clients like Rockwell Collins, NASA, Boeing, Chrysler, Compuware and L3 Communications, Broadsword’s methods and success is proven throughout North America and the World.

Broadsword is based in southeastern Michigan and can be reached at www.broadswordsolutions.com.

Contact Jeff Dalton

+1 248-341-3367 or info@broadswordsolutions.com

Broadsword welcomes Harold Larue to the team

2012-01-03T15:19:00.000-08:00

3 January 2012

Birmingham, MI: Broadsword Solutions Corporation (Broadsword), pioneers of the leading methodology for incremental and iterative process/performance improvement, today announced that Harold Larue will be joining the team as a Solutions Specialist.

Harold is formerly the Chief Information Officer of the Columbus Food League and has a technology career spanning two decades that began at CompuServe when that company was the precursor to the Internet and today's social networks.

As a Solutions Specialist, he will be assisting Broadsword to define innovative, customized solutions for new and existing clients.

Broadsword’s president, Jeff Dalton, said, “Our vision is to hire great people that fit well into our culture, and Harold is a perfect fit. Our firm has grown to the point where we need help communicating information about our innovative and timely solutions to our clients. We expect Harold will hit the ground running."

About Broadsword Solutions Corporation

Broadsword is an SEI Partner and Process Innovation firm that is the world leader in using Agile and Lean methods to drive high performance engineering using their AgileCMMI methodology and collaborative consulting and coaching solutions. Working with great clients like Rockwell Collins, NASA, Compuware, Boeing, Chrysler, Compuware and L3 Communications, Broadsword’s methods and success is proven throughout North America and the World.

Broadsword is based in southeastern Michigan and can be reached atwww.broadswordsolutions.com.

Contact Jeff Dalton

+1 248-341-3367 or info@broadswordsolutions.com

Robroy forms strategic relationship with Broadsword

2011-12-29T09:44:00.000-08:00

31 December 2011

BALTIMORE, MD: Robroy & Company, LLC (Robroy), a marketing communications firm, and Broadsword Solutions Corporation (Broadsword), pioneers of the leading methodology for incremental and iterative process/performance improvement, today announced a strategic partnership to assist Broadsword in applying its passion for continuous improvement to the firm’s unique inbound client acquisition approach.

As pioneers of the AgileCMMI methodology for company-wide process and performance improvement, Broadsword has experienced 30% increase in revenue, year-over-year, for last five years, more than doubling growth, and projects more hiring in 2012. The firm expects that the partnership will help generate and convert more online traffic, as well as to add value to, existing relationships.

“From a marketing perspective, Broadsword has two powerful assets,” Robroy Principal, Rob Macdonald, said. “First, the firm is known for the high level of thought-leadership it provides to a community seeking new ways solve business problems. And second, the firm exudes personality: an infectious positive attitude, folksy sense of humor and warmth that wins the trust and confidence of the community.”

Broadsword’s president, Jeff Dalton, said, “Our firm has grown to the point where we need innovative and timely solutions. Whether it’s by developing interesting and fun copy for our website, advice on blogging or other social media, search engine optimization, or interesting ideas for promoting our products and services, we expect Robroy will play a significant role in helping us generate new opportunities to serve clients.”

About Robroy & Company, LLC

Robroy & Company, founded in 2010, is a strategic marketing communications firm that shows small-to-midsized companies how to generate revenue by leveraging their story, online, in print and in person. Principal Rob Macdonald is a creative revenue generator, content strategist and writer. He serves as the president of the American Marketing Association, Baltimore. His column appears in the Baltimore Business Journal. He blogs at www.robroysblog.com, and tweets @robmacdonald. For more information about Robroy, please visit www.robroysblog.com.

About Broadsword Solutions Corporation

Broadsword is an SEI Partner and Process Innovation firm that is the world leader in using Agile and Lean methods to drive high performance engineering using their AgileCMMI methodology and collaborative consulting and coaching solutions. Working with great clients like Rockwell Collins, NASA, Boeing, Chrysler, Compuware and L3 Communications, Broadsword’s methods and success is proven throughout North America and the World.

Broadsword is based in southeastern Michigan and can be reached at www.broadswordsolutions.com.

Contact Jeff Dalton

+1 248-341-3367 or info@broadswordsolutions.com

Broadsword forms strategic relationship with ADNET Systems

2011-12-12T12:54:00.000-08:00

13 December 2011

ROCKVILLE, MD: ADNET, Systems, Inc (ADNET) – an award-winning federal contractor that provides IT services to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Department of Transportation (DOT) and Department of Interior – and Broadsword Solutions Corporation (Broadsword), pioneers of the leading methodology for incremental and iterative process improvement, today announced a strategic partnership to assist ADNET in expanding their commitment to continuous improvement, using the Software Engineering Institute’s (SEI) Capabilities Maturity Model Integration, or CMMI.

As pioneers of the AgileCMMI methodology for company-wide process and performance improvement, Broadsword has guided ADNET’s increasing adoption of the CMMI for years.

“We like Broadsword’s flexibility,” Head of Corporate Quality, Dave Morris, said. “They understand that the Model is just that. You don’t change the business to the Model, you show how your business can fit with the Model.”

Broadsword’s president, Jeff Dalton, said, “ADNET is passionate about being the best company they can be for their customers. This passion has been driving them to scale their culture of operational excellence as the company continues to grow. Broadsword is honored to be a part of the journey, clearing away the clutter from their path.”

About ADNET

ADNET, founded in 1991, is an award-winning federal contractor supporting the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Interior, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, among others. ADNET has reaped several high profile awards and accolades, including the 2008 and 2009 Goddard Small Business Contractor of the Year, the first time in the 25+ year history of the award that a small company won in consecutive years, and was Goddard’s 2009 and 2011 nominee for NASA’s prestigious George M. Low Award. For more information about ADNET, please visit www.aadnet-sys.com.

About Broadsword Solutions Corporation

Broadsword is an SEI Partner and Process Innovation firm that is the world leader in using Agile and Lean methods to drive high performance engineering using their AgileCMMI methodology and collaborative consulting and coaching solutions. Working with great clients like Rockwell Collins, NASA, Boeing, Chrysler, Compuware and L3 Communications, Broadsword’s methods and success is proven throughout North America and the World.

Broadsword is based in southeastern Michigan and can be reached at www.broadswordsolutions.com. Contact Jeff Dalton

+1 248-341-3367 or info@broadswordsolutions.com

Three Broadsword Senior Consultants to speak at SEPG 2012

2011-11-30T20:09:00.001-08:00

Waterford, MI: Broadsword Solutions Corporation (Broadsword) today announced that the firm was honored by having three senior consultants selected to speak at the Software Engineering Institute's (SEI) SEPG North America 2012 Conference on March 12-15, 2012 in Albuquerque, NM.

2012 is the 7th consecutive year that Broadsword has been selected to speak, but this is the first year to have three speakers chosen.

Broadsword was notified of the acceptance of Julie Calfin, Laura Adkins, and Jeff Dalton as expert speakers to deliver four speeches (and one training class) on topics related to the Capability Maturity Model Integration, or CMMI. The submissions process was conducted as a double-blind review, and the speakers were selected based on expertise, not name or company affiliation.

Jeff has been voted "Top Speaker" at multiple SEPG conferences, and was keynote speaker the the International Conference on CMMI in Lima, Peru in 2010. He will be leading the firm's popular "CMMI+Scrum Learning Experience."

"We are honored and humbled to receive industry verification the Broadsword's expertise, as a company, is regarded so highly, and we look forward to sharing that knowledge," said Jeff Dalton, President of Broadsword. "I am very proud of the entire team."

About Broadsword SolutionsCorporation:  Broadsword is an SEI Partner and Process Innovationfirm that is the world-leader in using Agile and Lean methods to drivehigh-performance engineering using their AgileCMMI methodology and collaborative consulting andcoaching solutions. Working with great clients like Rockwell Collins,NASA, Boeing, Chrysler, Compuware, and L3 Communications, Broadsword’s methodsand success is proven throughout North America and the world.

Broadsword is based insoutheastern Michigan and can be reached at www.broadswordsolutions.com.  

Contact: Jeff Dalton

 Phone +1 248-341-3367 or  info@broadswordsolutions.com

www.broadswordsolutions.com

Broadsword Forms Strategic Partnership with Guident Technologies to accelerate engineering performance

2011-11-25T07:36:00.001-08:00

Herndon, VA: Guident, a leading integrator of business intelligence, management consulting, and systems engineering services to the government and commercial marketplaces, today announced a strategic partnership with Broadsword Solutions Corporation (Broadsword) to assist Guident in creating process and process efficiencies that that will benefit its customers using the Software Engineering Institute's (SEI) Capability Maturity Model Integration, or CMMI.

Read more about the Guident-Broadsword Partnership here.

Broadsword forms strategic partnership with Evanhoe and Associates, Inc.

2011-11-21T07:59:00.001-08:00

DAYTON, OH: Evenhoe and Associates, Inc. - specialists in IT, AIT, RFID, and AIDC and data collection, integration, and presentation - and Broadsword Solutions Corporation (Broadsword) today announced a strategic partnership to assist Evanhoe in radically accelerating engineering performance using the Software Engineering Institute's Capability Maturity Model Integration, or CMMI.

Read more about Evanhoe and Broadsword's partnership here.

2011-11-19T18:38:00.000-08:00

Scan with your smartphone for mobile access to our premium CMMI Content!

Download a QR Code Reader from iTunes or Android Marketplace

This Thanksgiving don't be a turkey - and avoid too much stuffing!

2011-11-19T12:39:00.001-08:00

Dear Readers,

This year, as Mrs. Appraiser and I head out east to join all of our brother, sister, and little appraisers, I'm reminded to give thanks for all that we have.

We live in a place where we have smart engineers, software developers, analysts, project managers, and testers all doing their best to create some of the best products in the world. But this year do yourself a favor - and don't be a turkey!

Ever since I was a little appraiser I loved the white meat. "Just some white meat" I would say as my dad carved out a "partially implemented" piece that was sized just for me. Mom would insists on a little stuffing, vegetables, and cranberry sauce so that I could "satisfy the goal" of growing up healthy.

But I really just wanted the white meat. "Just enough, not too much" I would always say.

As we all prepare to head out for the holiday, keep in mind the basics of "Just Enough" process:

- always err on the side of "too little" and not "too much" process. Engineers will know what to do if there isn't a flowchart.

- keep it simple. Engineers are smart, they don't need step-by-step instructions. They need guidelines. Even if they did need them, you would probably get them wrong anyway.

- keep your documentation short, but consistent and easy to read. Most people won't read it anyway.

- limit the amount of time and scope you allow people to work on "the process" ("limited WIP") so that it is not possible to over-engineer the solution. Because if you let them, engineers will produce a process that is un-implementable.

- think of your process as a "product." As a product, it will need resources, a plan, a design, and architecture, sponsorship, budget, and many other things to be successful. A "process binder" is not a process system!

- Consider banning the words "process" and "CMMI" from your vernacular. Want another word? Try "E-N-G-I-N-E-E-R-I-N-G."

I remind you of these things because MOST organizations miss them. Don't be a turkey this year and get filled up with stuffing, cranberry sauce, and potatoes. Just ask for the white meat. It's healthy and does not have much fat.

If you've taken my CMMI Training class then you've heard many of these things from me. But if you're working with a CMMI Consultant that is not giving you the straight story, send me a note and I'll post a response.

Have a great holiday!

Jeff Dalton is a Certified SCAMPI Lead Appraiser, Certified CMMI Instructor, Candidate SCAMPI Appraiser Observer, author, and consultant with years of real-world experience with the CMMI in all types of organizations. Jeff has taught thousands of students and has received an aggregate satisfaction score of 4.97 out of 5 from his students.

Learn more about CMMI Appraisals at www.broadswordsolutions.com

Be part of the Broadsword Performance Improvement Community

2011-10-30T08:11:00.000-07:00

"Like" us on Facebook for pictures, videos, and
conversations about CMMI, Scrum, and
performance improvement

Get your daily tweet on CMMI, Scrum,

and Performance Improvement

Ask the CMMI Appraiser. Go 'head. Ask him!

In the words of the infamous "Q" of Star Trek fame: See you "Out There...."

Broadsword launches SCRUM+CMMI Learning Experience

2011-10-17T18:37:00.000-07:00

Trying to figure our how Scrum and CMMI can work together? Try Broadsword's Scrum+CMMI Learning Experience, a hands-on learning session that uses Scrum to teach you about Scrum - and how CMMI can make it even better!

A Scrum Team teaches us about Scrum Artifacts using Haiku

A Scrum team presents a skit: "The Scrum Elements"

A Scrum team used the CMMI to make Scrum even stronger

A Scrum team conducts Sprint Planning,
and makes sure it's complete using the CMMI

Contact Broadsword for the Scrum+CMMI Learning Experience
at info@broadswordsolutions.com

Broadsword President to speak at the Dayton SPIN - November 17th

2011-09-29T10:08:00.000-07:00

“Scrum+CMMI: Power Partners in Product Development” – Jeff Dalton

Abstract:

Everywhere we look, agile methods are taking hold. Whether it is Scrum or XP, Spiral or Crystal, we are all starting to see the positive effects that Agile methods are having on our work. But it's not all good news. Many "agile" shops are not getting anything close to the results they were hoping for. Management still waits for information and makes decisions based on perception. Projects are still late and over budget. People are not trained, and the same mistakes are being made time and time again. But there is an answer.

The Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI), the leading framework for continuous improvement can ALSO be used to improve Agile methods! CMMI is fully compatible with Scrum and XP, and it fills in the blanks in a way that makes the investment in agile both powerful and productive.

Speaker:

Jeff Dalton is Broadsword’s President, Certified Lead Appraiser, CMMI Instructor, ScrumMaster and author of “agileCMMI,” Broadsword’s leading methodology for incremental and iterative process improvement. He is Chairman of the SEI’s Partner Advisory Board and President of the Great Lakes Software Process Improvement Network (GL-SPIN). He holds degrees in Music and Computer Science and builds experimental airplanes in his spare time.

November 17, 2011

For more information go to the Dayton SPIN site at:

http://www.daytonspin.org/

Broadsword Announces new CMMI Training in November

2011-09-29T08:38:00.000-07:00

CMMI Version 1.3 is here! Be among the first to attend this great class!

Earn 24 PDU's for your PMI certification!

This 3-day SEI Authorized CMMI Training course provides attendees with a detailed overview of the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI). It provides systems engineers, software developers, project managers, and process professionals with an understanding of how to use the CMMI, a model that is the defacto standard and leading framework for software process improvement.

Your instructor is Jeff Dalton, a Certified SCAMPI Lead Appraiser, Certified CMMI Instructor, Candidate SCAMPI Appraiser Observer, author, and consultant with years of real-world experience with the CMMI in all types of organizations. Jeff has taught this class to well over 1000 students and has received an aggregate satisfaction score of 4.97 out of 5 from his students.

Completion of this course is recommended for anyone with an interest in improving software and engineering product development processes, and is required for those who wish to participate in a CMMI SCAMPI Appraisal, those who wish to enroll in Intermediate Concepts of CMMI, and those who wish to undergo CMMI SCAMPI Lead Appraiser training or CMMI Instructor training.

When: November 2nd-4th, 2011 / 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (1:00PM on the 4th)

Where: Troy, MI

Central Michigan University

1650 Research Drive

Troy, MI 48083

Size: Maximum of 20 (register early!)

Tuition: $1300 (that's more than 30% off!)

If you need to register using a Purchase Order please call 248.341.3367 or email training@broadswordsolutions.com.

Bonus Content! You won't get this from anyone else!

In addition to the SEI Authorized course material, your instructor will present two Broadsword exclusive course modules. These modules have proven to be the highlight of the course and are only offered by Broadsword:

The Secrets of SCAMPI Appraisals

A survey of the SCAMPI Appraisal method and a look inside an actual CMMI SCAMPI Appraisal

Agile CMMI: Process Innovation at the Speed of Life

A discussion about the compatibility of CMMI with Agile computing methods and how to apply process maturity in an agile setting

What's include with this course?

Three day v1.3 SEI authorized course
SEI Authorized training materials
Broadsword exclusive training materials
Course completion certificate provided by the SEI
A copy of CMMI: Guidelines for Process Integration and Product Improvement
Breakfast and lunch all three days
Carnegie-Mellon University Continuing Education Units or 24 PMI PDUs
CMMI v1.3 quick-reference card
CMMI v1.3 Reference Poster

Questions?

If you have questions please email us at training@broadswordsolutions.com or call us at 248.341.3367 and we would be happy to assist you.

For more information about us please visit: http://www.broadswordsolutions.com

Broadsword forms strategic partnership with Movimento Group

2011-09-17T09:42:00.000-07:00

14 September 2011

PLYMOUTH/MICHGAN: Movimento Group—known as the “Go-To” company for control system diagnostic products and services—and Broadsword Solutions Corporation (Broadsword) today announced a strategic partnership to assist Movimento in radically accelerating engineering performance using the Software Engineering Institute’s (SEI) Capability Maturity Model Integration, or CMMI.

The CMMI is a world-class engineering process performance model developed by the SEI at Carnegie Mellon University and has been adopted by engineering organizations throughout the world. At one time the CMMI was most prevalent in the Department of Defense, aerospace, and federal government sectors, but now is just as successful in manufacturing, automotive, high-tech, and health care.   

“Broadsword’s unique combination of skills, expertise, and tools are exactly what we need to move to the next level as a company. CMMI is key to our future growth and strength as a software company and we are confident that this strategic partnership will help us continue delivering outstanding customer experiences” said Justin Schroeder, Movimento Chief Technology Officer.  

Broadsword’s President, Jeff Dalton, said "Movimento’s extraordinary commitment to initiate a continuous improvement architecture and system based on the CMMI identifies them as one of the leading engineering organizations in the world. Their approach will accelerate performance while allowing them to respond to customers with increased agility and quality." 

 About Movimento Group:  A technology driven company, Movimento is the world’s leader in vehicle and systems knowledge management, software updates and information products and services.  The Movimento Secure Cloud System changes the way OEMs deal with increased electrical hardware and software complexity throughout the product life cycle. The use of Movimento’s Secure Cloud System improves software robustness from anywhere in the world.  Movimento’s key customers include transportation OEMs and their supply chain as well as non-transportation product manufacturers. Movimento is a global company with offices in North America and Europe providing service and support to virtually any location, worldwide.  For more information, visit Movimento Group’s global website at www.movimentogroup.com.  

About Broadsword Solutions Corporation:  Broadsword is an SEI Partner and Process Innovation firm that is the world-leader in using Agile and Lean methods to drive high-performance engineering using their AgileCMMI methodology and collaborative consulting and coaching solutions. Working with great clients like Rockwell Collins, NASA, Boeing, Chrysler, Compuware, and L3 Communications, Broadsword’s methods and success is proven throughout North America and the world.

  Broadsword is based in southeastern Michigan and can be reached at www.broadswordsolutions.com.  

Contact: Jeff Dalton

 Phone +1 248-341-3367 or  info@broadswordsolutions.com

www.broadswordsolutions.com

Yes, we're hiring!

2011-09-06T15:42:00.000-07:00

Can you answer YES to all of these questions?

• Are you a sales professional who enjoys researching and prospecting to uncover new clients?

• Do you take pride in your ability to make connections with people, enroll their commitment and buy-in to provide solutions that drive results?

• Do you enjoy a fast-paced, results oriented, team environment requiring multi-tasking and attention to detail?

If you can, then we have the position for you!

We are Broadsword Solutions Corporation and we are an industry leader in helping engineering and software organizations do what they do, better! We use the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) and our AgileCMMI methodology to guide our clients through a unique incremental and iterative process that improves productivity, eliminates chaos, and reduces risk. We are a trusted partner to leaders of engineering and technology organizations in the federal government, aerospace and automotive industries. We are dedicated to applying our advice, solutions and tools to help our clients along the path to greatness. Check us out at broadswordsolutions.com.

We have a position to join our team as a Sales Associate. You will be researching and prospecting new clients who are not yet familiar with Broadsword.

The successful Sales Associate will achieve the following:

• Network with existing contacts and attend industry conferences to identify potential new clients

• Research companies in the federal government, aerospace and automotive, and manufacturing industries

• Prospect companies unfamiliar with Broadsword, CMMI, and AgileCMMI

• Sell new client special solution offerings

• Work with entire sales team to successfully bring on new clients

Successful candidates will bring the following:

• Bachelor degree

• Minimum 3 years of direct sales experience

• Background in technology, engineering or process systems

• Ability to comfortably communicate and interact with executive level leaders

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Strong teamwork skills

• Detail oriented

Here is what you can expect in return as a Sales Associate:

• Competitive base salary plus commission

• Opportunity to work for a successful, rapidly growing, family oriented company

• Benefits package including medical, dental, 401K with matching and paid vacation and holidays

If you are ready for the challenge and reward of our position, please submit your resume to
broadsword-sales@advisahiring.com.

Broadsword Solutions Corporation has engaged ADVISA Hiring to identify the top candidates for this position. Per their request, please direct all communications about this position to the address above. As we will be communicating with you through this and other advisausa.com and advisahiring.com e-mail addresses, please be sure to take the necessary steps, such as adding this address to your address book, to avoid having correspondence caught in your e-mail filters.

CMMI losing relevance? Hardly!

2011-05-03T07:22:00.000-07:00

The SEI's recently released "CMMI Maturity Profile" March 2011 report has mountain of excellent data regarding CMMI adoption. Though there was a downturn in 2008 due to economic conditions, CMMI adoption has rebounded in 2009 and 2010. Here at Broadsword, we have seen nothing but an increase in CMMI Appraisals, CMMI Training, and CMMI Consulting across both North and South America. Some "consultants" have commented that CMMI is "losing it's relevance" because of the reduction in demand by the DOD. But that reduction has been more than compensated (way more!) by the commercial sector, whose CMMI adoption trajectory is going straight up!

CMMI Adoption by Sector

www.broadswordsolutions.com

CMMI Appraisals on the rise since 2009.

2011-05-02T11:55:00.000-07:00

A lot has been made of the "slow-down" in CMMI Appraisals in the last two years. According to the SEI's data, that seems to have been a result of the recession, and we're back up above 2008 levels. This is a great indicator for the continuous improvement of software and engineering organizations. Download the complete report at our website http://www.broadswordsolutions.com/resources. More data to follow.

Broadsword CEO to speak in Washington, DC SPIN

2011-04-19T10:12:00.000-07:00

Jeff Dalton, Broadsword's CEO and CMMI Lead Appraiser will be speaking at the Washington D.C. Software Process Improvement Network (SPIN) on Wednesday May 4th, 2011.

The SPIN is sponsored by the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) at Carnegie Mellon University, and Washington's chapter is amongst the most active in the nation.

Jeff will be speaking about the impact that blogging and social media have on software process improvement and he will be discussing his own popular blog "Ask The CMMI Appraiser." This will be his second appearance at the DC SPIN.

For more information about CMMI, CMMI Appraisals, CMMI Training, and consulting go to http://www.broadswordsolutions.com/.

Premium content now available on Broadsword website.

2011-04-02T12:22:00.000-07:00

Broadsword President, Jeff Dalton, today announced the availability of Premium Content related to Software Process Improvement on their corporate website at www.broadswordsolutions.com/resources. This content focuses on using the Capability Maturity Model Integration and Agile methods to improve engineering and software development performance. Gathered from speeches, presentations, and articles written by the company over the last six years, this content is available free of charge for download.

You can learn more at www.broadswordsolutions.com

Early-Bird pricing now open for our June "Introduction to CMMI" training in Troy, MI

2011-04-02T12:08:00.000-07:00

Looking for an "Introduction to CMMI" training class? Planning on being part of a CMMI Appraisal? Take advantage of early-bird pricing for our "Intro to CMMI v1.3" class in Troy, MI June 1st - 3rd and save $200!

Enter the code "EARLY" on the registration screen for instant savings!

To register go to http://www.broadswordsolutions.com

Only a few seats left for our April "Introduction to CMMI" class in Dayton

2011-04-02T11:37:00.000-07:00

Broadsword has only a few seats left in our April 27-29 "Introduction to CMMI" training class in Dayton, OH. This class, which is brand new with the release of CMMI v1.3, is the three-day course authorized by the SEI and will include not only the "Introduction to CMMI v1.3" training materials, but will also include content not available anywhere else. "CMMI+Agile: Why not implement both?" and "The Secrets of SCAMPI Appraisals" will be presented in a brown-bag session during lunch on the first and second day.

If you're planning on being on an Appraisal Team, or just want to learn more about the CMMI, this "Intro to CMMI" class is something you don't want to miss!

You can register and save 30% at http://www.broadswordsolutions.com.

April Webinar was a great success! Sign up for May!

2011-04-02T11:28:00.000-07:00

Our April Webinar was attended by almost 100 listeners from all over the world. "Upgrade to CMMI v1.3: What you need to know!" was held on April 1st and was kicked off by one of our great project sponsors from Battelle Memorial Institute. "We went through a rigorous selection process where we narrowed our choices down to ten CMMI consulting firms. We went with Broadsword because of their proven track record and their AgileCMMI methodology" said Battelle's CMMI program manager.

Our Webinar presentations can be downloaded at Broadsword's Premium Content site at www.broadswordsolutions.com/resources

Check out our CMMI Training schedule at www.broadswordsolutions.com

Don't miss our May Webinar: "CMMI+Agile: Driving Radical Change." Sign up at http://broadswordsolutions.com.

SEPG 2011 is coming! See our Top Picks for Speakers!

2011-03-07T08:06:00.000-08:00

There are dozens of presentations and speakers to choose from at SEPG 2011. We help you navigate the program with our "Top Picks" at Ask The CMMI Appraiser!

New FREE CMMI Webinars announced!

2011-02-28T10:03:00.000-08:00

Broadsword has just announced four new FREE Webinars that will help you with different aspects of CMMI.

April: CMM v1.3 Upgrade to CMMI v1.3 - What you need to know
May: CMMI + Agile: Driving Radical Change
June CMMI - Everything you need to know
July: The Secrets of SCAMPI Appraisals

Our speaker will be Jeff Dalton, a Certified SCAMPI Lead Appraiser and Certified CMMI Instructor.

Broadsword Celebrates seven Years!

2011-02-22T22:25:00.000-08:00

Broadsword is celebrating our eighth year as a leading provider of software process improvement and CMMI services. We conducted our first CMMI Training class back in 2004 and conducted our first CMMI Appraisal in 2005. Since then we've presented the "Introduction to CMMI" class over sixty times, and have performed CMMI Appraisals and CMMI Consulting with dozens of clients across North America. Starting with one client in Detroit, Broadsword now serves dozens of clients throughout North America in all areas of process improvement. Thank you to all of our great clients and our great consultants for helping to make us a success!

SEPG 2011 Coming Soon!

2011-02-22T22:21:00.001-08:00

Coming soon to Portland, OR, the SEPG 2011 conference is the place to be for CMMI Appraisal, CMMI Training, and CMMI Consulting information. Don't miss out on the greatest show on earth! The third week in March in Portland, OR is the largest gathering of CMMI professionals on the globe. Broadsword's President, Jeff Dalton, is speaking on Tuesday on "The Agile SCAMPI." We will also be hosting a client appreciation dinner on Wednesday night for any of our clients that are in attendance. Don't miss out!

New clients in New York and Detroit!

2011-02-22T22:20:00.000-08:00

We are pleased to announce two new clients who have chosen to join us on the Path to Greatness! The first is a New York builder of hardware and software for the New York Transit System. They are using agileCMMI to speed their journey and get the most out of the CMMI and process improvement. The other is in Detroit and builds diagnostic systems for automobiles. They are building a global architecture for consistent, predictable processes. We're proud of our excellent client-base and thank all of our great clients for trusting us with their CMMI and Process Improvement programs.

Broadsword announces 2011 CMMI Training Schedule

2011-02-19T12:57:00.000-08:00

Our CMMI Training schedule is complete! This year we'll be sharing our secrets, tips, and training in our CMMI classes in Michigan, Ohio, and Alabama - as well as our popular on-line webinars.

CMMI has been upgraded to CMMI v1.3. Come to our CMMI Webinars and learn what you need to know to upgrade. Attend our CMMI Classes to learn all about CMMI and CMMI Appraisals.

For more information go to www.broadswordsolutions.com/products-and-services or email training@broadswordsolutions.com.

CMMI Training Events Hosted By Broadsword Solutions Corporation

FREE Webinar Series: Upgrade to CMMI v1.3 - What you Need to Know!

Friday, April 01, 2011 from 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (ET)

April 2011: Introduction to CMMI Training - Dayton, OH

Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 9:00 AM - Friday, April 29, 2011 at 1:00 PM (ET)

FREE Webinar Series: CMMI + Agile: Driving Radical Change

Friday, May 06, 2011 from 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (ET)

June 2011: Introduction to CMMI Training - Troy, Michigan

Wednesday, June 01, 2011 at 9:00 AM - Friday, June 03, 2011 at 1:00 PM (ET)

Troy, MI 48083 | Central Michigan University

June 2011 Webinar Series: CMMI - Everything you Need to Know

Friday, June 10, 2011 at 2:00 PM - Sunday, June 12, 2011 at 4:00 PM (ET)

September 2011 Introduction to CMMI Training - Huntsville, AL

Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at 9:00 AM - Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:00 PM (ET)

Location TBD

November 2011: Introduction to CMMI Training - Troy, Michigan

Wednesday, November 02, 2011 at 9:00 AM - Friday, November 04, 2011 at 1:00 PM (ET)

Troy, MI 48083 | Central Michigan University

CMMI, SCAMPI, and Capability Maturity Model Integration are registered trademarks of Carnegie Mellon University

Broadsword Announces new Web Site

2011-02-14T20:25:00.000-08:00

Broadsword Solutions Corporation today announced the launch if it's new web presence (www.broadswordsolutions.com), the premier site for software process improvement and CMMI related information.

The site, designed by HamiltonMarc Design Studio in collaboration with RobRoy & Company, features premium content, unavailable elsewhere, that can be downloaded free of charge.

Learn about CMMI, software process improvement, eliminating Process Debt, agileCMMI, and Broadsword's solutions.

Fully integrated with social media sites Twitter, Blogspot, LinkedIn, and Facebook, the site seeks is in the center of the process improvement community.

Contact Broadsword

Register for our April Webinar: CMMI v1.3 Upgrade: What you Need to know!

2011-02-14T09:55:00.000-08:00

Broadsword presents "CMMI v1.3 Upgrade: What you need to Know!" during our monthly webinar series April 1, 2011.

On November 1st, 2011 the current version of the CMMI, v1.2 will be retired, and starting today organizations using CMMI will be focusing on the latest release, CMMI v1.3.

There are many changes to the CMMI with this new release. CMMI v1.3 What you Need to Know is important to you if you're involved with an SEPG, a process team, and appraisal team, or just working as a process coach, auditor, or engineer, you will want to hear this information.

During CMMI v1.3 - What you Need to Know we will also discuss the new SCAMPIsm v1.3, with it's new sampling rules and model interpretation.

Join us for an hour on April 1st, 2011 for CMMI v1.3 - What you Need to Know!

Jeff Dalton to address the Engineering Society of Detroit

2011-02-08T13:08:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, February 8th, Broadsword's President Jeff Dalton will address the Engineering Society of Detroit and the Michigan User Group (MUG) on the subject of agility and continuous improvements. The presentation, titled "CMMI+Agile: Driving Radical Change in your Organization" will explore the use of agile methods to bring about enduring change to any engineering organization. The venue will be the Engineering Society of Detroit in Southfield, MI. More information can be found at http://www.mug.org

Contact Broadsword

What is he difference between an Appraisal and an Audit?

2011-02-03T13:07:00.000-08:00

What is the difference between an appraisal (ala CMMI) and an audit (ala TS9100)? The answer to that has several parts, so stay with me :)

Part I: Intent

The intent of the authors of these documents (the CMMI-DEV model and the TS Audit Specification) is different. CMMI is not a spec, it is a collection of "lessons learned" or "best practices" that are suggested by the authors, who were a collection of companies, consultants, and research scientists. TS is a strict collection of work products and procedure requirements. TS was intended as an audit method to ensure that organizations were "doing what they say they are doing" and that they comply, at the deliverable level, to the audit requirements. The CMMI was intended as a tool for helping companies "see" how a great company behaves, and to use it as a way to incrementally make themselves better. It assumes that companies get to decide what is best for them. In a way, CMMI is one-level of abstraction higher than TS in it's requirement to adhere to certain behaviors, with CMMI being "more trusting" of the TS of your professionals.

Part 2: Collaboration
The SEI specifically states that since CMMI is something that is collaborative in nature (with the participants being management, practitioners, and the Lead Appraiser) it does not have an "audit" component, but is appraised for further opportunities for improvement by a joint team led by the Lead appraiser, whose job it is to ensure that the appraisal method is followed with full integrity. To support Part I (above), it is the Lead Appraiser/Appraisal Team's job to simply identify strengths and weaknesses, not to "pass" an organization. OEMs and the DOD have mis-applied the intent so that the line between "audit" and "appraisal" has been blurred. But that doesn't mean they are the same thing.

Part 3: Behaviors vs. Documents

The TS audit seeks documents that 1) say what you are going to do and 2) show that you did them. The CMMI seeks evidence that people understand the behaviors that are desired by management, and that they are using those behaviors, and continuously improving them. Along the way they collaborate with their lead appraiser for advice and assistance in interpreting the model itself. The documents are merely one form, among several, of demonstrating what behaviors have been used and what the results are.

Part 4: Interpretation of Evidence (this is probably the most important difference)

For a TS audit, documentary evidence is paramount. Do the documents exist? An Auditor is following a checklist . For a CMMI appraisal, the documents are merely one consequence of process, and it is vital that the Lead Appraiser and Appraisal Team have a great depth of understanding about how the organization works, what their business needs are, and what they are trying to accomplish. They synthesize this to try to determine if what is being done is useful and meets the needs of the organization, and their findings will reflect that. It's not pass or fail, but strengths and weaknesses. The fact that OEMs and the DOD are trying to force a Pass/Fail mentality does not mean that it should be treated that way.

If you follow a process and a plan, and you incrementally make the improvements you need to make, then the appraisal will come when you are ready. This is one reason why it's hard to "jam" it into a short schedule as you might a TS audit. You need to convince the appraisal team (and the certified lead appraiser) that it truly is useful and an infrastructure exists for continuous improvement . . . . and that they are all being used by everyone!

Contact Broadsword

Broadsword President to be featured at SEI's SEPG 2011

2011-01-30T08:47:00.000-08:00

Jeff Dalton, Broadsword's President and Certified Lead Appraiser, has been selected to speak at this year's SEPG 2011, the software process improvement industry's most prestigious and well-attended event.

Jeff is a nationally recognized expert on the CMMI and the use of Agile methods to implement useful, continuous improvement and radical change within engineering organizations.

This year his speech with cover the use of Agile methods while conducting SCAMPI Appraisals with "The Agile SCAMPI: Taming the Savage Beast."

He is co-author of the SEI Publication "CMMI or Agile: Why not Embrace Both!" and received the SEI Member Award for "Outstanding Representative" in 2009 for his work in uniting the CMMI and Agile communities.

A regular speaker at SEPG in years past, he was voted "#1 Speaker" in 2008 and "Top Ten Speaker" in 2009. Jeff was keynote speaker at the CMMI International Conference 2010 in Lima, Peru and speaks regularly at SPINs, APLN, ASQ, and other events throughout the Americas.

Contact Broadsword

SEPG NA 2011 is coming soon!

2011-01-27T11:34:00.000-08:00

Get set. Get ready. Go!

SEPG North America, the greatest show on earth for process geeks, is coming soon to Portland, OR. Held during the 3rd week in March, SEPG is four non-stop days of CMMI, Process, case studies, consultants, clients, parties, dinners, bars, drinking, cigar-smoking (just me and my buddy Dave) and just plain outright fun!

I'll be speaking on "Agile SCAMPI: Taming the Savage Beast" - an iterative and incremental way to approach conducting a SCAMPI Appraisal.

Be there or be square!

New Broadsword Website coming soon!

2011-01-27T10:52:00.000-08:00

We've been working closely with our web design partner, HamiltonMarc Interactive Design, and the writers at RobRoy Consulting to deliver a brand new website for Broadsword. The site will be more interactive, with more and better information bringing together our blog, twitter, events, training classes, and downloadable information. Look for a release by mid-February.

Upcoming CMMI Training Classes

2010-12-05T18:19:00.001-08:00

Upcoming Events

More of jrd200x's events

Broadsword CEO Jeff Dalton to speak at SEI's SEPG 2011 Conference!

2010-12-04T12:56:00.000-08:00

Broadword's President and CEO, Jeff Dalton, has been selected by the SEPG program committee to speak at SEPG 2011 in Portland, OR in March. Jeff's presentation, "The Agile SCAMPI: Taming the Savage Beast" will discuss ways of approaching SCAMPI appraisals with agility by adopting iterative and incremental practices and an agile mindset.

Jeff is an SEI Certified SCAMPI Lead Appraiser and CMMI Instructor.

For more information email info@broadswordsolutions.com

www.broadswordsolutions.com

Jeff Dalton to speak at Dayton SPIN

2010-11-29T12:40:00.000-08:00

Jeff Dalton, President and CEO of Broadsword, will be the featured speaker at the November 30th meeting of the Dayton, OH SPIN. The Software Process Improvement Network, or SPIN, is a community of practitioners who are passionate about improving the state of software engineering.

Jeff's presentation, "CMMI+Agile: Partners in driving radical change" will explore the science around change and how we can conquer it with agility.

For more informatioon about the Dayton SPIN go to www.daytonspin.org.
For more information on Jeff Dalton go to www.broadswordsolutions.com

Broadsword's 2011 Class Schedule is taking shape!

2010-11-28T10:49:00.000-08:00

For information about our Road Show class schedule for 2011 click on:

http://broadsword-events.eventbrite.com/

We will be offering two classes this tour:

1. Introduction to CMMI v1.3
2. CMMI v1.3 Upgrade Training

The first two cities in 2011 are Troy, MI and Austin, TX

For rmore information you can also go to http://www.broadswordsolutions.com/

The new CMMI v1.3 training class has finally been released!

2010-11-27T18:34:00.000-08:00

New CMMI v1.3 Training Classes are scheduled!

The new v1.3 CMMI is class has been released by the SEI and Broadsword is licensed to deliver it!

To all of those who have called and asked about when the CMMI v1.3 class will be ready, we have two on the schedule! Save 30% if you register here.

January 19-21, 2011 in Troy, MI

"Introduction to CMMI v1.3"

Central Michigan University - Troy Campus

To register click here

February 16-18 in Austin, TX

"Introduction to CMMI v1.3"

Thompson Conference Center at the University of Texas

To register click here

To see a list of all of our classes for 2011 click here

This 3-day SEI Authorized course provides attendees with a detailed overview of the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI). It provides systems engineers, software developers, project managers, and process professionals with an understanding of how to use the CMMI, a model that is the defacto standard and leading framework for software process improvement.

Your instructor is Jeff Dalton, an Certified SCAMPI Lead Appraiser, Certified CMMI Instructor, Candidate SCAMPI Appraiser Observer, author, and consultant with years of real-world experience with the CMMI in all types of organizations. Jeff has taught this class to well over 1000 students and has received an aggregate satisfaction score of 4.97 out of 5 from his students.

Completion of this course is recommended for anyone with an interest in improving software and engineering product development processes, and is required for those who wish to participate in a CMM SCAMPI Appraisal, those who wish to enroll in Intermediate Concepts of CMMI, and those who wish to undergo CMMI SCAMPI Lead Appraiser training or CMMI Instructor training.

Why come to THIS class instead of that other guy's?

- Your instructor, Jeff Dalton, is also a Certified Lead Appraiser and will be revealing his Appraisal secrets gathered from conducting appraisals at dozens of clients!

- Jeff was voted #1 Speaker at several international conferences - including the SEI's SEPG conference

- Two Broadsword exclusive modules are included - one on Agile implementation - that no one else offers!

- You may win the FREE iPod! Register today!

www.broadswordsolutions.com

CMMI+Agile Article in Dr. Dobbs: Ambler calls authors "bravest group of people in the IT industry"

2010-11-16T11:27:00.000-08:00

http://www.drdobbs.com/architecture-and-design/212501388;jsessionid=FNLIDC1RTORI5QE1GHPSKH4ATMY32JVN

Agile CMMI: Complimentary or Oxymoronic?

Recently the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) published a technical note entitled CMMI or Agile? Why Not Embrace Both!, co-authored by Hillel Glazer, Jeff Dalton, David Anderson, Mike Konrad, and Sandy Shrum. The Agile-CMMI Five (AC5), as I like to call them, are likely the bravest group of people in the IT industry in their daring attempt to bring together two groups of people seemingly at opposite ends of the software-process-religion spectrum. Although it would be easy to denounce the AC5 as a collection of Satan-worshipping kitten torturers (and extremists from both camps have pretty much done that already), the reality is that this publication is a thoughtful discussion of a topic that is important to a large number of organizations within the IT industry.

For the entire text of this article go to: http://www.drdobbs.com/architecture-and-design/212501388;jsessionid=FNLIDC1RTORI5QE1GHPSKH4ATMY32JVN

Broadsword President Jeff Dalton interviewed on CIO site on Agile and CMMI

2010-11-16T10:53:00.000-08:00

Full text of this article is found at:

http://advice.cio.com/executivebrief/cmmi_and_agile_opposites_attract

CMMI and Agile: Opposites Attract

POSTED BY: ExecutiveBrief in Best Practices

TOPIC: IT Organization Management

CURRENT RATING: COMMENT: 1

The myths surrounding the compatibility of CMMI and Agile have recently been debunked by SEI. Learn how these seemingly opposing strategies can be paired to foster dramatic improvements in business performance!

Despite the perception that CMMI best practices and Agile development methods are at odds with each other, new research suggests just the opposite train of thought. In fact, CMMI and Agile champions can benefit from using both methods within organizations - with the potential to dramatically improve business performance.

Why Now?

SEI published a technical note in late 2008 entitled: CMMI or Agile: Why Not Embrace Both? Written by SEI staff members and industry experts, this technical note thoroughly addressed this topic. As you know, CMMI and Agile methods involve two different technologies; as a result, each technology has its own community of loyal adopters. Mike Konrad, a Senior Member of SEI’s Technical Staff, concurs and states that the natural tendency is to form specific “camps” around different methods. However, according to the technical note, this discord is not healthy for the software engineering profession.

“As the two communities continued to increase in size, it seemed like the appropriate time to address this issue head on in this technical note,” Konrad explains. “Also, it was an excellent opportunity for us at SEI to dispel some myths and set the record straight about these two methodologies.”

According to Jeffrey Dalton, the President of the Michigan-based Software Process Improvement firm Broadsword, different triggers spurred the growth of CMMI and Agile methods. For instance, CMMI is driven by a particular organization’s needs, and adopted in a top-down fashion, whereas Agile is very organic in its adoption process. Therefore, according to Dalton, it was inevitable that there would be a crossover between these two approaches because the adoption was getting larger.

“We are starting to see collisions as the younger folks who practice Agile in an organic manner start to move up in their organizations, and see the influence that CMMI has on Agile’s organic process,” Dalton says. “Previously, there was confusion concerning just how these two methods could co-exist in the same environment - but as it turns out, we know now that these two methods can function together.”

In fact, for over two years now, Dalton has considered the issue of CMMI and Agile coming together. Additionally, as more people started to ask questions about this issue, he decided that it was time to address the issue of these processes coming together more seriously.

Furthermore, Dalton admits that the Agile community does not agree with this viewpoint. To fully embrace the benefits of the CMMI and Agile methods co-existing, the Agile community needs to learn more about CMMI. However, since one tenet of the Agile methods is to embrace change a little at a time, there is the possibility that the Agile community will embrace this synergistic viewpoint in the future - as small changes are made.

Setting the Record Straight

As mentioned previously, the authors, Konrad, Dalton, Sandy Shrum, Hillel Glazer, and David Anderson, released the technical note in an attempt to set the record straight about these two processes. Consequently, Konrad knew that this controversial topic would delight some people while it would anger others—because that is simply the way it is with CMMI and Agile.

“It was an opportunity for us at SEI to dispel some myths and ‘apologize’, in a sense, to some people in the Agile community,” Konrad says. “Further, since each process attempts to embrace technology to get the desired result, we do have more in common than people may think.”

To read the rest of this article go to:

http://advice.cio.com/executivebrief/cmmi_and_agile_opposites_attract

New blog post on Scrum and CMMI

2010-11-09T07:58:00.000-08:00

New post on how Scrum teams might approach the Monitoring and Control of their process (CMMI GP2.8) at www.asktheCMMIAppraiser.com

CMMI v1.3 is here! Download it here for free!

2010-10-28T17:46:00.001-07:00

Dear Readers,

The new version of the CMMI, v1.3, has been released and is available for use! Download it today at: http://www.broadswordsolutions.com/

Version 1.3 has several changes that will impact you. We will be posting a Delta document in the next few days as we perform the analysis.

What you need to know about CMMI v1.3

2010-10-21T06:53:00.000-07:00

Our friends at the SEI are sponsoring a Webinar on "what you need to know about CMMI v1.3. This new version of the CMMI is coming out in November, so log on and learn some stuff.

Want to view this email as a webpage? Click here

Date: Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Time: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM EDT
Cost: Free

About the Webinar
In this webinar, Eileen Forrester will discuss the release of CMMI V1.3. All three CMMI models, CMMI-ACQ, CMMI-DEV, and CMMI-SVC, will be released as technical reports on November 1. A series of other products, such as training, SCAMPI upgrades, revised books, and improved certification procedures will be launched month by month throughout 2011. Attend this webinar to get an understanding of what's available (and when) to support your effective use of CMMI V1.3. Learn about sunsetting of V1.2, reviewing the changes to the SCAMPI method, qualifying for the appraiser and instructor roles, and available upgrade training. We will also be seeking your questions and input.

In addition, Forrester will describe additional plans for CMMI-SVC in the coming year, and opportunities for you to participate.

About the Speaker
Eileen Forrester is the manager of the CMMI for Services program at the Software Engineering Institute, and the lead author of the Addison Wesley book, CMMI for Services, Guidelines for Superior Service. She was the co-chair of the International Process Research Consortium and the editor of the IPRC Process Research Framework. Forrester is the developer of TransPlant, a transition-planning process, and her current research area is in process-oriented approaches to service delivery, technology change, risk management, and emergent system types. These approaches include GAIT, the CMMI for Services, OCTAVE, MDA, and multi-model improvement approaches. She has more than 30 years of experience in technology transition, strategic planning, process improvement, communication planning, and managing product, service, and non-profit organizations.

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista

Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer

Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat here.

Please feel free to pass along this invitation to your colleagues.

Broadsword to offer new CMMI+Scrum for those wanting the benefits of both!

2010-10-19T06:25:00.001-07:00

For all those agilistas that are struggling with CMMI - or you CMMI fans who are considering adopting Scrum, Broadsword will be releasing a CMMI+Scrum workshop in early 2011.

This two day workshop will focus on the components of both CMMI and Scrum, and will provide integrated, hands-on exercises and case studies to help get immediate value out of both.

For more information contact training@broadswordsolutions.com

http://www.broadswordsolutions.com/

BSC Welcomes some new clients to the family

2010-10-16T11:20:00.000-07:00

Broadsword welcomes Compuware Corporation (Detroit) and Pi Shurlok (Plymouth) to the BSC CMMI Family! Compuware is a global IT services company, and Pi Shurlok designs and manufactures electronics equipment for the automotive industry.

With all of the travelling we have all been doing in the last two years it's nice to be working more in Detroit again. These two new clients will join LG's Compact Power, Teradyne, and Johnson Controls to round-out our Detroit area business (making our consultants very happy).

New look for "Ask the CMMI Appraiser"

2010-10-16T04:53:00.000-07:00

We're released a newly redesigned "Ask The CMMI Appraiser." I hope you like the new look!

We're committed to giving you useful, entertaining, and AD-FREE information about CMMI and process improvement. Click on over to www.asktheCMMIAppraiser.com.

Thanks for reading!

www.broadswordsolutions.com

SEI Announces new fees for CMMI Product Line

2010-10-15T11:55:00.000-07:00

The SEI announced today new rates for its CMMI License Fees.

The following fees are increased:

- CMMI Instructor Support Fee
- Introduction to CMMI Attendee License Fee
- SCAMPI per-Appraisal Fee

The SEI tells us we can pass these on to our clients. Nice. I'm glad no one has to worry about it.

www.broadswordsolutions.com

CMMI Version 1.3 to be released in November

2010-10-15T09:36:00.000-07:00

We're fresh from our trip to Las Vegas to learn all about CMMI version 1.3. The new and improved version will be released in November 2010, the new book will be out in March 2011, and CMMI v1.2 will be sunset in November 2011.

What does this mean for you?

- if you took the CMMI v1.2 class you'll need to take the v1.3 upgrade training course offered by the SEI online, or take it from an SEI Partner that is offering the course.

- If you're planning an appraisal for late 2011 you should be looking at CMMI v1.3 now so you understand the differences.

If you're going to be on a SCAMPI Appraisal team (and especially if you've done it in the past) you'll need to take the new SCAMPI v1.3 Team Training class.

www.broadswordsolutions.com

Broadsword to offer Process Architecture Workshop

2010-10-13T09:16:00.000-07:00

Due to intense demand (and need!) Broadsword is now offering a 2-day intensive Workshop to assist clients in designing, developing, and deploying an effective Process Architecture.

A Process Architecture provides companies with the building blocks and foundation they need to successfully benefit from a continuous improvement program using the CMMI.

Broadsword also offers workshops for Measurement, Complex Decision Making, and Process Quality. These workshops are designed to bring together the appropriate stakeholders in a 2-day facilitated environment to quickly develop and effective process that would typically take weeks or months to develop.

Broadsword to close out busy 2010

2010-10-13T09:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

Thanks to you, Broadsword had the best year ever with numerous consulting, appraisal, and training engagements.

So far we've delivered eight "Introduction to CMMI" training classes, and a large number of SCAMPI A, B, and C Appraisals.

But what we do the most, and what we love to do the most, is our process improvement consulting using our "AgileCMMI" methodology.

We recently welcomed Laura Adkins, the latest addition to our team! She'll be helping out with our nationwide training tour, as well as serving clients as a CMMI and Process Improvement Consultant.