IEEE 15288:2004

- Superseded.
Superseded by ISO/IEC/15288:2008(E) (IEEE Std 15288-2008). IEEE adoption of ISO/IEC Std 15288-2002. This standard establishes a common framework for describing the life cycle of systems created by humans. It defines a set of processes and associated terminology. These processes can be applied at any level in the hierarchy of a system’s structure. Selected sets of these processes can be applied throughout the life cycle for managing and performing the stages of a system's life cycle. This is accomplished through the involvement of all interested parties with the ultimate goal of achieving customer satisfaction. This standard is identical with ISO/IEC 15288: 2002 but contains an additional informative annex, Annex E, explaining the relationship of this standard to other IEEE standards.

This Standard provides a common process framework covering the life cycle of man-made systems. This life cycle spans the conception of ideas through to the retirement of a system. It provides the processes for acquiring and supplying systems. In addition, this framework provides for the assessment and improvement of the life cycle processes.
The IEEE Software Engineering Standards Committee has a set of reference processes for software engineering that is shared with ISO/IEC JTC1/SC7. Sharing this material permits both organizations to write compatible standards. Adoption of 15288 is the first step to expanding the set of reference processes to encompass systems engineering.