The transition from software development to software engineering

Over the last five years MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates (MDA), a major Canadian systems integrator, has managed the transition from innovative high-tech systems development to the successful production of large software systems for the aerospace industry. It has received international recognition in meeting budget, schedule, and requirements for software systems in excess of one million lines of code. The author describes the management challenges in moving toward a structured approach with emphasis on quality, reliability, and predictability. He presents the introduction of standards, methodologies, and quality management without stifling individual creativity and innovation. Lessons learned at MDA are presented.<>