EASE is a model that quantifies the readiness of an organization to commit to a software process improvement initiative. EASE was developed as part of the ABB software process improvement initiative. Although EASE has been developed specifically for assessing the readiness of an organization to seriously engage in a software process improvement activity, EASE can also be utilized in any other organizational change situation, such as introduction of a new technology, change in organizational structure, change in customer base, introduction of a new product or service, etc. EASE considers four essential elements in the change situation (SPI implementation) and they include the sponsor readiness and commitment, change agent readiness and commitment, organizational readiness, and organizational level of expertise in SPI and the specific model utilized for SPI. The sponsor plays an essential role in exemplifying the new behaviour (walk-the-talk), providing necessary resources, aligning the SPI activity with business goals, providing incentives for the new behaviour, rewarding process improvement, and in general being a proactive supporter of the SPI initiative. The change agent is a multi-disciplinary person that needs to master both the technical and organizational aspects of the SPI initiative, must be highly respected in the organization, must have excellent communication skills, must communicate effectively with the sponsor, and in general needs to have the “fire” for the SPI initiative. The organization on the other hand needs to have a relatively low level of stress with other change initiatives, must have the required level of training and skills for the SPI initiative, needs to see tangible benefits originating from the SPI initiative, and needs to be proactively