Johnson Controls Achieves SPICE Level 2

BURSCHEID, Germany, June 28 /PRNewswire/ --

- International Framework for Assessing Software Development

With the increasing trend towards in-vehicle electronics,
more and more demands are being placed on the software that goes with it.
Interface management between automaker and supplier is therefore particularly
important. The processes involved are measured against a six-level
international standard scale, SPICE (Software Process Improvement and
Capability dEtermination). Johnson Controls, one of the world's leading
suppliers of automotive interior systems, electronics and batteries has
already met for software engineering processes the capability criteria for
Level 2 of this framework. The aim of Automotive SPICE is to standardize the
development processes of new in-vehicle software in order to streamline
collaboration between automakers and suppliers.

Recognized Industry Standard

The SPICE framework is applied to all software engineering industrial 
sectors as the international standard ISO/IEC 15504. The main focus is on 
the interconnectivity of the different development departments, as this 
makes it easier to coordinate a series of complex structures. Assessment is 
made by recognized and certified process appraiser in accordance with 
specified requirements defined in the standard.

Based on this industry standard, the procedure was further developed in
2001 and derived for specific domains such as the automotive sector. Some
well-known European automakers are already working and developing products
with processes that comply with the specified criteria.

Automotive SPICE is not only a recognized standard worldwide, it is also
a model that is being used by automakers to determine and assess the
capability level of their suppliers. Experience has shown that the step up
from Level 1 to Level 2 is the most demanding, as fundamental engineering
activities and particularly management practices have to be developed that
form the basis of the whole model. "Interface management between automaker
and supplier is very important in modern software development," said Michael
Schmaul, Engineering Manager for Johnson Controls. "The complexity of
software development today is easier to manage when the right measures for
quality improvement are in place."

Since 2004, Johnson Controls has also been a member of the LIN Consortium
(Local Interconnection Network) and the development partnership AUTOSAR,
(AUTomotive Open System ARchitecture), working on an open industry standard
for in-vehicle electronic systems. Last year the company upgraded its status
to premium membership.

Johnson Controls is a global leader in interior experience, building
efficiency and power solutions with 136,000 employees in more than 1,000
locations serving customers in 125 countries. The company provides innovative
automotive interiors that help make driving more comfortable, safe and
enjoyable. For buildings, it offers products and services that optimize
energy use and improve comfort and security. Johnson Controls' automotive
product portfolio also includes seating systems, instrument panels/cockpits,
door and overhead systems, interior electronics and electrical energy
management. The company provides batteries for automobiles and hybrid
electric vehicles, along with systems engineering and service expertise.
Founded in 1885, Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) is headquartered in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin. The European headquarters is in Burscheid, Germany. Please visit
www.johnsoncontrols.com for additional information.

Further information is available from:
    
    Johnson Controls GmbH
    Automotive Experience
    Industriestr. 20-30
    51399 Burscheid
    Germany
    
    Ina Longwitz
    Tel: +49-2174-65-4343
    Fax: +49-2174-65-3219
    E-Mail: ina.longwitz@jci.com

BURSCHEID, Germany, June 28 /PRNewswire/ --