This International Standard identifies the activities and tasks that are necessary to successfully identify, define, select, apply, and improve software measurement within an overall project or organisational measurement structure. It also provides definitions for measurement terms commonly used within the software industry. This International Standard does not catalogue software measures, nor does it provide a recommended set of measures to apply on software projects. It does identify a process that supports defining a suitable set of measures that address specific information needs.

This International Standard is intended to be used by software suppliers and acquirers. Software suppliers include personnel performing management, technical, and quality management functions in software development, maintenance, integration, and product support organisations. Software acquirers include personnel performing management, technical, and quality management functions in software procurement and user organisations.