AP story on software disasters

Bill Schwab BSchwab at anest.ufl.edu
Tue Oct 5 18:43:34 UTC 2004


Alan,

I hope this does not reopen any wounds re problems at HP.   Either way, it might give you an opportunity to bring some favorable attention to dynamic languages, unit testing, etc., and how they allow one to escape the "waterfall model" of software development.  The latter strikes me as the real enemy described in the story below, though I doubt the author(s) and the experts they consulted have any sense that there might be another way.

Bill




http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/biztech/10/05/software.disasters.ap/index.html

Just in case the link goes bad, here are a few excerpts.


Often, however, the first step toward total disaster is taken before the first line of code is drawn up. Organizations must map out exactly how they do business, refining procedures along the way. All this must be clearly explained to a project's technical team.

"The risk associated with these projects is not around software but is around the actual business process redesign that takes place," said Bill Wohl, an SAP spokesman. "These projects require very strong executive leadership, very talented consulting resources and a very focused effort if the project is to be successful and not disruptive."

"Developers are least qualified to validate a business requirement. They're either nerds and don't get it, or they're people in another culture altogether," said Michelsen, referring to cases where development takes place offshore.










Wilhelm K. Schwab, Ph.D.
University of Florida
Department of Anesthesiology
PO Box 100254
Gainesville, FL 32610-0254

Email: bills at anest4.anest.ufl.edu
Tel: (352) 846-1285
FAX: (352) 392-7029





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