The CNCF Cartografos Working Group is excited to announce the beta release of the Cloud Native Maturity Model 4.0. This version expands the framework to include AI, FinOps, and evolving cultural practices. We invite the community to review the model and help shape the final release.
The Cloud Native Maturity Model (CNMM) was created to support you, whether you’re just beginning your cloud native journey, leading a team, or already an expert. It helps identify where you may need to invest in tools, processes, people, or policies. Most importantly, it connects technical goals to business outcomes, giving you a framework to communicate the value of cloud native strategy to leadership.
Since its initial launch in 2021 (with updates in 2022 and 2023), the model has helped organizations navigate adoption and maturity. Now, the Cartografos Working Group is excited to share the beta release of Version 4.0—and we want your input.
What’s new in version 4.0
Key updates in CNMM 4.0 (Beta):
- Expanded focus on AI, emerging technologies, and FinOps
- Business-first maturity levels aligning outcomes with technical progress
- Shift-left approach to policy and governance
- Direct links to CNCF TAGs, working groups, and architectural references
Cloud native has evolved rapidly, and CNMM 4.0 reflects those changes. This release expands coverage of AI, emerging technologies, and the cultural shifts required for success. It continues to emphasize that cloud native maturity must serve the business – not just technology for technology’s sake.
Too often, conversations focus on Kubernetes or infrastructure in isolation. But businesses care about managing risk, meeting compliance requirements, ensuring customer trust, and achieving efficiency. That’s why Version 4.0 begins each maturity level with business focus areas and then explores how they influence the four pillars: People, Process, Policy, and Technology.
The model also introduces a shift-left approach to policy, process, and enforcement, encouraging organizations to align technical decisions with business goals earlier in the journey.
These updates aren’t just technical — they reflect how organizations are evolving culturally and financially as they scale cloud native adoption.
Why this matters
- Cloud native isn’t always about immediate cost savings. Many organizations face a financial maturity journey, balancing CAPEX and OPEX while supporting both legacy and new platforms.
- Practices like FinOps become essential to manage spend effectively, especially at enterprise scale.
- The CNMM is designed to complement the Platform Maturity Model, offering both a top-down and bottom-up perspective to help with strategic planning and tactical execution.
This version also includes links to CNCF architectural references, TAGs, and working group resources to make the model more practical and actionable.
What the community is saying
To ground this update in real-world adoption patterns, we surveyed CNCF community members across industries.:
- 39% are midway through their cloud native journey
- 19% are just starting
- 15% consider themselves fully mature
- 54% said they need more support to succeed
Yet 54% said they need more support to make adoption successful, and only 15% reported complete alignment between their cloud native and IT strategies.
When asked about business drivers, here’s what topped the list:
- Agility (85%)
- Scalability (77%)
- Cost savings (65%)
- Innovation (46%)
- Customer experience (27%)
These results confirm the need for continued resources and frameworks like the CNMM.
Join the conversation
The Cloud Native Maturity Model has always been shaped by the community — and your feedback is essential. We invite you to explore Version 4.0 (Beta), share your insights, and help refine this framework before its full release. Together, we can make CNMM 4.0 the most valuable guide yet for organizations advancing their cloud native strategy.
- Where does the model resonate with your experience?
- What’s missing?
- How can it better serve both technical and business leaders?
Your input will help refine this release before it becomes final.
👉 Get involved and share your feedback
Together, we can make the Cloud Native Maturity Model the most valuable framework yet for guiding organizations through their cloud native journey.