posted 27 July 1998 02:13 AM               

ISO/IEC 12119 is applicable to software packages and it establishes:
- a set of requirements for software packages (quality requirements);
- instructions on how to test a software package against these requirements (instructions for testing, in particular for third party testing).

It deals only with software packages (e.g. software products for administrative functions, office automation, and utility programs) as offered and delivered. It does not deal with their production process (including activities and intermediate products, e.g. specifications). The quality system of a supplier (e.g. ISO 9001:1994) is outside the scope of ISO/IEC 12119.

On the other hand ISO 9000-3 provides guidance in applying the requirements of ISO 9001:1994 where computer software design, development, installation and maintenance are an element of the business of a supplier:
- as part of a commercial contract with an external organization;
- as a product available for a market sector;
- in support of the business processes of the supplier;
- as software embedded in a hardware product.