Re: Hey, blame the private sector!

[dog.ee.lbl.gov!overload.lbl.gov!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!darwin.sura. net!source.asset.com!vand@ucbvax.Berkeley.EDU (Laurence VanDolsen)]

In article <EMERY.93May25191416@dr_no.mitre.org> emery@dr_no.mitre.org
(David Emery) writes:

>I am very concerned with the current emphasis in DoD on software
>process, as opposed to software product.  Sure, a good process can
>help you get a good product, but it is NOT a guarantee.  

Nothing is a guarantee.  There is a stong positive correlation between
disciplined process and on-time, on-budget, robust software.  The
correlation gets stronger as the size of the development effort and
staff gets larger.

> On the other
>hand, what do you suppose the SEI CMM rating would be for Richard
>Stallman, et.al. at the Free Software Foundation?

Intriguing question.  They would probably conclude that he follows his
proven process religiously.  A lot of the assessment methodology relies
on having the process documented and being able to audit tangible
artifacts which demonstrate adherence to the process.  I suspect that he
works with such a small group that they have, generally, found this
unnecessary.

>Process helps, and the government should take a contractor's process
>into account both during award and during subsequent development.  But
>the government also needs to keep in mind that it's buying PRODUCT,
>and process is only one means to that end.  

I could not agree with you more.  


Laurence L. Van Dolsen - Der fliegender Hollander
My opinions are my own, but you are welcome to them.
Paramax - (805) 987-9302 - vandolsen@cam.paramax.com