Which type of evaluation assesses software products against established standards and guidelines?

The correct answer pertains to auditing, which is a systematic evaluation process that involves reviewing and assessing software products to determine their compliance with established standards and guidelines. This process helps ensure that the software meets specific quality criteria and adheres to regulatory standards that may be applicable in various industries.

Auditing may involve checking documentation, examining the software's design and implementation, and verifying that all necessary processes are followed correctly. It plays a crucial role in risk management, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance, providing stakeholders with confidence in the software's reliability and integrity.

Other types of evaluations mentioned, such as compliance testing and certification, although related, focus on different aspects. Compliance testing verifies that the software behaves in accordance with external specifications and requirements rather than internal standards. Certification generally entails a formal recognition that a product meets specific criteria and might involve a more comprehensive evaluation process, potentially including auditing as part of the overall assessment. Inspections are typically focused on assessing work products like code or documentation rather than the broader compliance with established standards or guidelines.