The IEEE Computer Society has a rigorous peer review process in place to ensure the high quality of its technical material.
Consistent with the IEEE Computer Society’s policies and procedures, all scientific papers published in its journals and technical magazines are reviewed by at least two referees who are experienced in the paper’s subject area and independent of the periodical's Editorial Board. (Departments and columns are not subject to this peer review process.) Referees are formal reviewers whose comments and opinions form the basis upon which the Editor in Chief decides whether or not to publish the paper, and with what changes.
The IEEE Computer Society requires that referees treat the contents of papers under review as privileged information, not to be disclosed to others before publication. Everything within this review process must be done openly, except that the referees names are withheld. The Editor in Chief's decision is always based on all reviews received, but mixed reviews present the need for the exercise of editorial judgment. Thus, the final decision for acceptance or rejection lies with the Editor in Chief.
The review process ensures that all authors have equal opportunity for publication of their papers.
(Text adapted from the IEEE Operations Manual -- PDF)
