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This book is the one that introduced the CMM to the masses and is what is now called the CMM-SW (SW=Software). It is still a valid reference for software-only organizations from a key process area point of view. As such, it still has value to any organization that is striving to attain CMM level 2 or above. If you're new to the CMM (and there are many who are), this the CMM is five levels of capability maturity, when chaotic organizations assumed to be at level 1. It is not a methodology, so do not expect to find any "how to" information in this book. What you will find in this book is a description of the CMM itself and its structure, and key process areas that need to be in place in an organization for each level of the model. Each key process area has associated key practices.
In a nutshell, the CMM is a benchmark. The key to achieving level 2 or above requires a commitment to perform. This book will tell you what processes need to be in place, and what the key practices are for each process, but will not tell you which methods to use. It's dry reading, but there is no ambiguity in the descriptions, which makes this book a valuable reference if you are involved in a company-wide CMM initiative. If your goal is to explore the value and benefits of the CMM, then I recommend A Guide to the CMM by Kenneth Dymond as a better place to start. Despite its age and the CMMI initiatives this book still merits 5 stars for those who are actually implementing the CMM for software.
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Rarely will you have the opportunity to read such a definitive work on any subject. Clearly this author has made this his life's work. Those who have need of a definitive, all encompassing, and detailed treatise on a subject that effects all aspects of public safety will need and want this book. You can do no better. The coverage is extraordinary and includes: An historical view and understanding going back thousands of years; Detailed and technical discussion of the evolution of protective devices and the methods used to overcome them; Current and timely information on devices now available with an in depth explanation of their differences, effectiveness, and workability; Forensic examination; Standards and Testing; and more, more, more.
This book goes way beyond the basic needs of a Locksmith or Technician into the realm of Academic Instruction into all aspects of physical device security. For the Locksmith, Detective or other Safety Professional weeks of pleasurable reading and education await you in this tomb. When you climb out let me know. The only errors I have found so far have been typographical so this work appears to be fully authorative. Any attorney engaged in litigation in this subject area must have this book. The knowledge contained herein can prevent embarrassment for any government official with responsibility for physical device security. This book can aid in job security for various occupations. It will save countless hours of research into difficult to obtain references. There is also available a CD Rom with additional information.
My hat is off to this author. Normally a book like this is a collaboration of many people. I can see how it took 30 years to do it alone...