What Is It About?
Maturity models are based on consistent, systematic, linear-scale assessments and representations of existing software delivery processes that are applied through standardized methods of evaluation. This enables maturity quantification of methods, ways of working, and applications of technology in the software delivery processes.
What Is It Good For?
Maturity models are arguably good for organizations that seek consistent, measurable improvement. In those organizations, different areas of software development can be assessed and rated (e.g., defect management process maturity, test data management process maturity, etc.), and subsequently benchmarked against a standard or industry average.