Working dangerously

Regardless of the risks, research shows a seeming disconnect between accepting the adage and acting on it. In fact, many software development organizations are failing to implement available tools for eradicating software problems and improving development processes, according to the 2001 Software Industry Survey conducted by Cleanscape Software International.

While 67% of software development professionals surveyed believe software tools are essential for developing quality software and 68% said they were aware of tools that could help speed development while increasing product quality, only 52% said their organizations had plans to buy such development tools. This disconnect is likely a strong factor influencing why 79% of the developers surveyed said they believe software development companies ship buggy software.

In other words, there seems to be too many software development organizations that are failing to adopt best practices and to implement available tools that can easily eradicate software problems before their associated risks and costs escalate. The end result is that the overwhelming majority of development organizations seem to be risking their existence by taking more time than necessary to ship buggy products.

Caption: While 67% of software development professionals surveyed believe software tools are essential for developing quality software and 68% said they were aware of tools that could help speed development while increasing product quality, only 52% said their organizations had plans to buy such development tools. This disconnect is likely a strong factor influencing why 79% of the developers surveyed said they believe software development companies ship buggy software.
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