Ottawa SPIN : What is a SPIN?

Ottawa SPIN : What is a SPIN?

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A Software Process Improvement Network (SPIN) is an organization of software professionals in a given geographic area in software process improvement. Each regional SPIN is slightly different, based on the vision of the founders and the needs of the community. Most organizations are operating on volunteered time and resources, therefore charging their members no fees. A SPIN provides a practical forum for the interchange of ideas, information, and mutual support.

What are the benefits of participating in a SPIN?

In two words: networking and leverage. Because software process improvement is such a new area, the opportunity to interact with other professionals with the same interest is invaluable. A SPIN brings together organizations who are improving their process with consultants and organizations who provide process-related services and products, academic researchers, and relevant government agencies. The leverage that SPINs provide is also important. For example, when Texas Instruments in Dallas apporached local universities about offering a Masters in Software Engineering (MSE) program, each and every university resisted. When the Dallas/Forth Worth SPIN approached those same universities, they got a much more positive response. Several universities in the Dallas area now either offer an MSE program or are planning ot offer one in the near future.

What types of people typically participate in a SPIN?

Most SPINs have members from industry, government, academia, professional organizations, and consultants.

SPIN Activities

Typically SPINs meet monthly to hear invited speakers or participate in small workshops. Some SPINs publish a regular newsletter. Many have committees dealing with education and training issues, metrics, and quality assurance. Some of the most popular topics for meetings at other SPINs have been:


Last updated : December 12, 1996
garnett.smith@sympatico.ca