The focus of this paper is to outline the experience of a European based software organization utilizing the IDEAL model, while implementing a tailored Capability Maturity Model (CMM) software process improvement program. The goal was to achieve process improvement rather than a specific CMM maturity level. In doing this, the IDEAL model was extensively researched and employed. The benefits and limitations of the IDEAL model are presented as experienced. Further details on this research are available in [1]. Research was carried out on a number of software process improvement paradigms prior to the selection of the CMM. A key element of this approach was to see the requirements of the organization as paramount and immediate. It was deemed important to achieve process improvement in specific Key Process Areas regardless of their position in the CMM. This provided the flexibility for future investment in SPI to capitalize on the current work.