How can Software Packages Certification Improve Software Process

Popular software assesment models such as CMM, BOOTSTRAP, SPICE or ISO 9000 ignore the impact of software product certification on software quality. The first standard for software product quality was German DIN 66285. Based on this standard, the ISO developed a international standard for quality requirements and testing procedures for software packages: ISOIlEC 12119. This paper presents our experience with classical testing models based on ISO/IEC 12119 and DIN 66285 and with our improved model, call ed the cooperative model of testing. With this model we can achieve improvements in testing of efficiency and software production process. Practical experience shows that the roles of all parties in the testing process have changed. Knowledge transfer between the testing laboratory and supplier depends on supplier's maturity level.