Overview
ISO/IEC 29110-1-1:2024 - Systems and software engineering - Lifecycle profiles for very small entities (VSEs) - Part 1-1: Overview provides the foundational concepts and taxonomy for the ISO/IEC 29110 series. It defines the characteristics of a very small entity (VSE) (entities with up to 25 people), explains why VSE-specific lifecycle profiles are needed, and introduces the catalogue of profile-based documents and profile groups used across the ISO/IEC 29110 family. The document is applicable to VSEs and can also be used by larger organizations.
Key topics and requirements
- VSE characteristics and benefits: Defines what qualifies as a VSE and the potential advantages of applying tailored lifecycle profiles for small teams.
- Lifecycle process concepts: Covers general lifecycle concepts, systems concepts, life cycle models and stages, and life cycle product types relevant to VSEs.
- Profile taxonomy (catalogue): Introduces profile groups and specific profiles (Entry, Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Agile) within the software and systems engineering generic profile groups, plus organizational management, service delivery, and domain-specific (e.g., space) profiles.
- Process improvement & assessment: Outlines process improvement concepts, capability assessment, and conformity assessment considerations to support incremental improvement and evaluation of lifecycle practices.
- Standardization and conformity: Clarifies the roles of standards, guidelines, profiles, profile specifications, and how conformity to profiles is expressed and assessed.
- Series overview: Maps how Part 1-1 fits into the broader ISO/IEC 29110 series (profile documents, management/engineering guidelines, assessment and certification guidance).
Practical applications and users
Who uses ISO/IEC 29110-1-1:
- VSE owners, managers and small development teams seeking practical lifecycle guidance tailored to limited resources.
- Systems and software engineers implementing lightweight, repeatable lifecycle practices.
- Consultants and process-improvement practitioners who adapt ISO/IEC 29110 profiles for small organizations.
- Assessment bodies and certification schemes designing VSE-appropriate conformity and capability assessments.
- Policymakers and procurement officers evaluating supplier capability in small-enterprise ecosystems.
Practical benefits:
- Enables VSEs to adopt standardized, scalable lifecycle practices that improve quality and market access.
- Provides a common taxonomy for selecting appropriate Entry/Basic/Intermediate/Advanced profiles or an Agile profile for constrained teams.
- Supports structured process improvement, assessment and conformity activities suitable for micro and small firms.
Related standards and resources
- ISO/IEC 29110 series (profile-specific documents, guidelines, assessment/certification guidance).
- Previous edition: ISO/IEC TR 29110-1:2016 (this edition cancels and replaces it).
Keywords: ISO/IEC 29110-1-1, ISO 29110, VSE lifecycle profiles, very small entities, systems and software engineering, process improvement, capability assessment, lifecycle models.
Open preview (PDF)Systems and software engineering — Lifecycle profiles for very small entities (VSEs) — Part 1-1: Overview
