ABSTRACT
The Six Sigma Difference When asked why they have not implemented Six Sigma, some IT managers respond that they have no need for it. These arguments are common when IT organizations believe that there is no difference — or, at least, no important difference — between Six Sigma and quality assurance (QA) or between Six Sigma and the Software Engineering Institute’s Capability Maturity Model (SEI CMM). The fact is that both QA and CMM are important and can contribute to the overall success of the IT department. Neither, however, is synonymous with Six Sigma, nor is either a substitute for it. Despite arguments to the contrary, IT needs Six Sigma because it encompasses more than either QA or CMM. The remainder of this chapter explains the differences.
