Software reliability and validation (Panel Session)

Minicomputers are the newest tool adopted by businesses to improve their efficiency and profitability. The typical small business which seeks such a system, however, lacks the technical skills which have characterized computer installations in the past. They also lack the financial resources to establish such a function. As a result, these businesses have turned to systems houses, consultants and the hardware vendors for a “turnkey” approach. “I just want to plug it in and run it” is the typical businessman's comment. Unfortunately, that approach is frought with problems. The turnkey vendor does not have the same understanding of the small business as its management has. The vendor may have a “package” which he wants to fit his customer into, rather than fitting the programs to the business. There may be contract problems - and most lawyers for small businesses do not understand the special status of a computer turnkey system. There may be problems in training operators or converting data. And on and on. These problems can be avoided. Proper planning and knowing when to get help and from where will go a long way. The purpose of this presentation will be to discuss these problems and solutions in the context of the small business.