Suntech, leaders in communication intelligence solutions has achieved an important certification for its software development processes.

Awarded by the US-based Software Engineering Institute (SEI), CMMI (Capability Maturity Model Integration) is an industry benchmark for practices and procedures that is demanded by many IT and telecom companies when selecting software development partners.

Suntech has attained Maturity Level 2 in the process after a rigorous assessment program covering both internal processes and an investigation into how the company manages deployment projects. In-depth interviews are carried out with staff as part of the process by SEI trained assessors - and having reached this new milestone, the company is now focusing on achieving Level 3 maturity status.

Suntech's Project Manager Rodrigo Santana da Silva said: "Attaining maturity level 2 is an important step in our continuous improvement program and demonstrates our close adherence to industry-wide recognized processes and procedures.

"CMMI certification is also a clear sign to our customers that we have the global capability to work with them on challenging projects and deliver on time, on cost and within defined industry standards. We are now pushing for Maturity Level 3 to further demonstrate our commitment to quality".

The CMMI assessment process consist of twho phases. The first - the Readiness Review - involves a mapping of the company's CMMI process. The second is carried out on the company's premises, where a number of projects are examined and adherence to processes assessed.

About Suntech: Suntech is a global company delivering market leading communications intelligence and solutions for lawful interception, data retention and network performance management to major communication service providers and governments. With over 10 years experience, Suntech has built an excellent reputation for its trusted, customizable, cost-effective and scalable solutions which are used by major global telecom groups and networks equipment vendors worldwide. With strong foundations in the Brazil telecom market - the world's fifth largest  - where its technology is used by all major operators, Suntech has now expanded to offer its solutions into EMEA, Central and Latin America and the Caribbean markets.