The Real Problem

Software is always late.

This is the common "wisdom" that all CEO's and other executives understand. But, has anyone asked why? And, why do we have no clue when it will actually be delivered?

The real problem is GREED!

Now, don't get me wrong! I'm as greedy as the next guy. Maybe more so. Heck, I'll drive across town to save two cents on gas (alright, that's miserly, not GREEDY - but, trust me... I'm GREEDY too!) So, why is GREED the problem?

It all boils down to this: Everyone wants high quality software, but no one wants to pay for it. Bridges! No one minds high quality bridges. In fact, if some ruthless politician saved a few scheckels on a bridge, and it collapsed (of course, killing a few people - how else do bridges collapse?) there would be public outcry, and investigations and even criminal charges. Maybe the politician didn't do the saving... maybe it was the bridge contractor - even more reason. (For some reason, politicians can invoke some sort of "I was doing it for the public good." that the "greedy" contractor - who works for a profit making entity - can't.) He pocketed a few bucks and people died! Hoist the bastard high on the yardarm and let him swing in the wind!!

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not shedding any tears as he dangles in the wind.

My problem is that we don't apply this standard uniformly.

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Previous Articles

Three Kinds of Engineers

Only Half Full

Taking a Sit

Making Decisions with Less Data

Temporal nature of success

Being overqualified

Defining what you're building

The real problem

Origins of the name