Introduction -

A primary goal of any software development company is to create a quality product as inexpensively and quickly as possible. As customer become more aware of their needs and how data processing can affect them, they are also becoming more aware of the need to ensure they are getting a quality product. In turn, more and more companies are requiring ISO 9000 certification for the products and server that they purchase.

In Europe ISO 9000 registration has become a requirement for any company doing business there. This trend has continued into America and also the Pacific Rim. As international markets and the global economy increase, the need to have certification will also increase.

What does being ISO 9000 registered mean to a company? Does it truly affect the product and/or services that a company offers? Taking a look at one company's attempt to gain certification may answer some of the questions.

Fiserv Pittsburgh, a software development company specializing in system for financial institutions has been working on the certification process for 2 years. They estimate gaining certification some time in mid-1997. The primary goal according to Paul Minahan, Vice President of Quality Management, is 'by using the disciplined processes and procedures established through ISO 9000, we will build quality into our development process to assure results are achieved on time and that value is consistently delivered to clients by Fiserv.

Introduction

ISO and ISO 9000

Fiserv: Case Study

Analysis

V. References and other sites

IT Standards Home
April 20, 1997
kelly@sis.pitt.edu