Testimonies

Akela

"As part of AKELA's commitment to CMMI implementation, we have been working closely with Alcyonix on improving quality in our software development processes. Richard's deep insight into CMMI and his focused approach helped us meet our objectives within a timeframe that exceeded our expectations. He acted like a true mentor to our team, and contributed to an excellent working environment."

Lucian BUTNARU - CEO Akela

ALSTOM

I would like to say that the CMMI training was very interesting and useful, and that it brougth a lot of opportunities for the convergence of the Transport signalling units. Note: the instructor was Denis St-Pierre.

Luiz Cruz, Alstom, Brazil (open translation)

ALSTOM

"Richard Basque has given software development process support services to CEGELEC since 1994 and Alstom since 1998. This support initially consisted of an important technology transfer project (training on CMM, CBA IPIs, training and support of lead appraisers) then by CMM and CMMI training of evaluators (CBA IPI, SCAMPI) and consulting. Today, by following its impulse to use the CMM and CMMI models, Alstom Transport is in the core of its software and systems process improvement program (10 software development centers). Alstom Transport now has four SEI accredited SCAMPI appraisers."

Yves Benoit, ALSTOM Transport

ATRION INTERNATIONAL

"Great experience with Alcyonix and its representative Denis St-Pierre, looking forward to pursuing our process improvement initiative and use the help of Alcyonix to better improve our processes."

Mohamed Younsi, Atrion International

CARRA

With the assistance Alcyonix our information technology managers were able to define two key process areas of the CMMI adapted to our organizational reality. In addition to their undeniable competence, Alcyonix' advisors showed openness with regard to our needs and respect towards our organizational culture. They also had the know how to guide us, with flexibility, in the adaptation of certain CMMI practices without sacrificing the spirit of it. The generosity of their council as well as their availability were also greatly appreciated. To us Alcyonix represents a partner of first choice in the implementation of our software process improvement program.

Guy Lafond, CARRA (open translation)

CGI

Following a contractual agreement with BNC and with the objective of continuous process improvement, CGI decided to integrate the practices of the SW-CMM level 2. In order to conclude this project, CGI retained Alcyonix' services. Thanks to the combined forces of the team, its competence and its passion for success, Alcyonix proved to be a key element in the attainment of our accreditation.

Lucy Lima, Quality department, CGI-BNC (open translation)

Desjardins General Insurance

Throughout the contract Alcyonix' resources adapted its training for coaches to our needs. Throughout the project they showed understading of our actual situation and of our objectives. Their rigorous follow-ups helped keep us informed of the progress of the mandate at all times.

Michel Bouchard (open translation)

L3 Communications-MHP Business Unit

"Working with Alcyonix' personnel was a rewarding experience. Their mandate was to guide us from point A to point B with a minimum of detours. They were effective, efficient and very professional. We are a satisfied customer willing to continue our business relation with Alcyonix and recommend them to whoever may need their services."

Alberto Collazo, L3 Communications-MHP Business Unit

MacDonald Dettwiler

"Alcyonix' senior consultant, Daniel Henry, led our process team through an ego-less, data-driven CMMI gap analysis with a high degree of professionalism, competence and openness. The resulting detailed PII will readily enable MDA to make process improvement decisions in the near future."

Richard Juren, MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.

Philips Semiconductors

During training on the Introduction to SW-CMM model in 1998, Richard Basque's knowledge of the CMM model and his teaching qualities were appreciated.
Two years later, we requested his services to lead an SW-CMM evaluation within our software development we department.
Whether during the training of the CBA IPI method or during the evaluation, the enthusiasm and knowledge of the model made it possible to make this experience a success which continues to motivate our teams in the continuation of our improvement plan

Christian Maout, Process & Quality Manager, Philips Semiconductors - Le Mans

Pocatec (Canada)

Following the activities accomplished with us, we found that Alcyonix experts were professional and competent, that they were able to explain complex aspects in a simple manner, and that they work cooperatively.

Anny Morin, Pocatec (open translation)

Thales Avioniques

The training sessions and the presentations given by the Alcyonix teams permitted us to understand and adapt the CMMI model to our operational needs. Thank you with the Alcyonix team for its availability and its professionalism!

François Dorval, Thales Avioniques

UCB, A Company of BNP Paribas

UCB chose Alcyonix to perform a SCAMPI A appraisal for its software development and maintenance activities.
I do not believe my enthusiasm is exaggerated when I speak of the appraisal results (surpassing our goal with level 4 attained) and  with my affirmation of the professionalism of the Alcyonix appraisal team, led by Daniel Henry.
As sponsor of this appraisal I appreciated the efficiency of the work, the pertinence of the discussions and the relevance of the results.
Thank you for this wonderful adventure that our improvement plan will help us to continue to progress towards our next appraisal in 2007.

Sophie Robert, UCB France (open translation)

UCB is an organization which has had a CMM culture since 1999. The Introduction to CMMI course enabled us to evaluate the differences between the two models in order to direct our future improvement actions within this new perimeter. I think that the generic practices, with the level of abstraction which result from this, are the most difficult elements to understand. We had the opportunity to have on site training with instructors who knew our site, which enabled us to have enriching exchanges on the applicability of the CMMI practices for UCB.

Sophie Robert, UCB France (open translation)

Verizon Business

Clearly, our business goal was quickly understood and the service needed to help us accomplish that goal was delivered as planned, on schedule and with the highest level of quality. The price for services rendered was reasonable and competitive with other vendors with seemingly lower level of experience and quality. Alcyonix' years of experience, attention to every success detail, and passion for the art and science of process improvement form a unmatched value for organizations entering or already on a business process maturity path. We are very satisfied with Alcyonix and look forward to continuing our business relationship as we travel our process improvement roadmap.

Catherine Garner, Verizon

xwave

Thank you for delivering the Intro to CMMI course and sharing your knowledge and experience with us! I enjoyed the course and found it very helpful - it confirmed the information and perspectives I had going into the course, put IPPD and SS in a new light, and delivered a lot of new information. The discussions we had during the course, and the interpretations you provided, were valuable for all of us.

Will Gough, xwave

Course Participants

Introduction to CMMI - Mai 2005 - Paris
In addition to the quality of the reception, the documents put at our disposal, and the teaching quality of the instructor, Richard Basque immersed his participants in the model (without drowning them) as well as the actualities of the CMMI. For example, Richard didn’t hesitate to show us the contents of two conferences he was to give in France for CIGREF and SYNTEC.
In addition to exhaustive explanations of the technical aspects of the model and of its implementation we also examined its position in the market. (e.g. The CMMI versus ISO or ITIL, CMMI for SSII…).
Even though it is possible to find this information via the internet nothing can replace the teachings of a real professional supported by examples, and recent and quantified evidence. I also noticed the enthusiasm of the participants, undoubtedly encouraged by the instructor’s anecdotes as well as the group exercises which encouraged the sharing of individual experiences.
In short, I do not regret my investment in this course and would like, once again, to thank Richard Basque and Alcyonix.

Gilles Huchot
Software Quality Consultant, Configuration Management Expert (open translation)

Introduction to CMMI - Mai 2005 - Paris
Although we have been applying the model for several years, this course was enlightening. The problems and questions were treated with objectivity and responses given with precision. The model was explained efficiently. In brief this was three days of reflection and interesting exchanges.
Thank you to Richard, Antoine and their team.

Eric BELLET, Spirula (open translation)

I very much appreciated the Introduction to CMMI course, along with the information put forth and the time management.
I have been practising the SCMM, SECMM and SPICE maturity models for more than eight years, and I appreciated being able to refine the vision that I had of these models, as the course progressed.
None of the participants' questions went unanswered. The environment was good throughout the two days I participated.
I thank the instructor, Denis St-Pierre, for spending additional time with me to explain the contents of the last day, on the IPPD and levels four and five.

Anne Coat-Rames, Quality and Security Consultant, Alliance Qualité Logiciel (open translation)

I took the Introduction to CMMI course in Paris.
The atmosphere was relaxed and lent very well to exchanges between the participants and the instructor. The course was very interesting because of the way people, from various industries each brought their own perspective. The course followed the format imposed by the SEI, but the instructor's willingness to answer all questions allwed for a better integration of the thick document (the model) which must be absorbed in three days. They were three wonderfully enriching days of learning.

Guy Gendreau, Montréal, Canada (open translation)

"I found the Introduction to CMMI course to be very useful. The course material was well designed and relatively easy to follow for Process improvement professionals. I appreciated the instructor's (Richard Basque) knowledge on the subject. He has a comfortable and confident style of teaching and he encourages participant discussions, which adds value to the learning experience. I would strongly recommend this course to any one who seeks to learn about CMMI."

Anonymous

"Richard Basque's years of teaching experience and sound understanding of the model added value to a well structured course. I strongly recommend this course to all those who seek to decrease rework and improve productivity of their organization."

Kaniska Rakhit, V.P. Quality Assurance & Process Improvement, Citibank Canada

"An excellent course which all professionals involved in process improvement should attend. Richard took the CMMI beyond the theoretical and made it a living, breathing model. His ability to relate the practices of the model to real life examples as well as to elicit the experiences of the course participants was invaluable in helping one to not only understand the model, but to address practical approaches to implementation as well. It was thought provoking, motivating: a good learning experience."

Gordon Clarry

"In a word, the course was excellent! It was a well rounded learning experience which not only explained the CMMI but provided the course participants with a forum to share ideas, challenges and views. The course material was well presented and the instructor easily adapted and customized the pace of the course to the rhythm of the class participants while providing additional value by sharing his experiences and stories".

Pina Zannini, CGI-CSB

"Introduction to CMMI, presented by Alcyonix's Richard Basque has been a rewarding experience. In the weeks following Richard's presentation, I was able to transfer the lessons learned to my associates effectively and efficiently. A sound return of investment.".

Heinz Kraus, VP Quality and Performance, L-3 communications - Wescam