Engineer Toptec

12:02 AM

Prototyping Model in Software Engineering

The prototyping model is applied when detailed information related to input and output requirements of the system is not available. In this model, it is assumed that all the requirements may not be known at the start of the development of the system. It is usually used when a system does not exist or in case of a large and complex system where there is no manual process to determine the requirements. This model allows the users to interact and experiment with a working model of the system known as prototype. The prototype gives the user an actual feel of the system.

At any stage, if the user is not satisfied with the prototype, it can be discarded and an entirely new system can be developed. Generally, prototype can be prepared by the approaches listed below.

By creating main user interfaces without any substantial coding so that users can get a feel of how the actual system will appear.
By abbreviating a version of the system that will perform limited subsets of functions
By using system components to illustrate the functions that will be included in the system to be developed

Using the prototype, the client can get an actual feel of the system. So, this case of model is beneficial in the case when requirements cannot be freezed initially.

This prototype is developed based on the currently known requirements. Development of the prototype obviously undergoes design, coding, and testing, but each of these phases is not done very formally or thoroughly.

By using this prototype, the client can get an actual feel of the system, because the interactions with the prototype can enable the client to better understand the requirements of the desired system.

Prototyping is an attractive idea for complicated and large systems for which there is no manual process or existing system to help determine the requirements. Risks associated with the projects are being reduced through the use of prototyping. The development of the prototype typically starts when the preliminary version of the requirements specification document has been developed.

At this stage, there is a reasonable understanding of the system and its needs are unclear or likely to change. After the prototype has been developed, the end users and clients are given an opportunity to use the prototype.

They provide feedback to the developers regarding the prototype: what is correct, what needs to be modified, what is missing, what is not needed, etc. Based on the feedback, the prototype is modified to incorporate some of the suggested changes that can be done easily, and then the users and the clients are again allowed to use the system.

This cycle repeats until, in the judgment of the prototypes and analyst. Based on the feedback, the initial requirements are modified to produce that final requirements specification, which is then used to develop the production quality system.

Figure Illustrates the steps carried out in the prototyping model. These steps are listed below.

1. Requirements gathering and analysis: A prototyping model begins with requirements analysis and the requirements of the system are defined in detail. The user is interviewed in order to know the requirements of the system.

2. Quick design: When requirements are known, a preliminary design or quick design for the system is created. It is not a detailed design and includes only the important aspects of the system, which gives an idea of the system to the user. A quick design helps in developing the prototype.

3. Build prototype: Information gathered from quick design is modified to form the first prototype, which represents the working model of the required system.

4. User evaluation: Next, the proposed system is presented to the user for thorough evaluation of the prototype to recognize its strengths and weaknesses such as what is to be added or removed. Comments and suggestions are collected from the users and provided to the developer.

5. Refining prototype: Once the user evaluates the prototype and if he is not satisfied, the current prototype is refined according to the requirements. That is, a new prototype is developed with the additional information provided by the user. The new prototype is evaluated just like the previous prototype. This process continues until all the requirements specified by the user are met. Once the user is satisfied with the developed prototype, a final system is developed on the basis of the final prototype.

6. Engineer product: Once the requirements are completely met, the user accepts the final prototype. The final system is evaluated thoroughly followed by the routine maintenance on regular basis for preventing large-scale failures and minimizing downtime.

Various advantages and disadvantages associated with the prototyping model are listed in Table.

9:55 PM

The Challenges of a Software Engineer

9:54 PM

Engineering Positions in Software Engineering

The number of different types of engineering jobs posted on job websites can be mind-numbing to the layman. It can even befuddle experienced professionals who have spent a lifetime working in an engineering trade, because most of these job types did not exist until the rapid adoption of personal computing and intranet in the eighties and nineties.

The coming of the internet age has created endless engineering job opportunities for computer science students. In a large computer software and services company, each software programming team is a led by a dedicated engineering project manager. The manager draws work plans to meet specific objectives across the project lifecycle and allocates work to the software programmers.

In smaller companies, each project manager handles several software engineering projects. Although the engineering project manager is not expected to do programming himself, he should be aware of the challenges faced by his team members to ensure optimal resource and time allocation.

The project manager works in conjunction with a client-facing senior engineer called a software business analyst. The business analyst discusses the top-level project objectives and elicits specific system requirements through consultations with the client. Before the requirements document is handed over the engineering project manager, it must be signed off by the client. The requirements document is legally binding as the terms of the contract between the client and the software company with regards to the specific functionalities desired in the software.

After the client's approval, the requirements document is handed over to the project manager. The project manager reaches out to a software engineering architect to draw the high level game plan regarding technical architecture of the software. It includes information such number of modules, programming language, and coding platform to be used etc. The software architect's contribution becomes the blueprint for all other programmers. After the software architecture has been defined, the project manager makes project plans accordingly.

Next, the software programmers are handed over task-level requirements of each software module. The code written by the software programmers is neatly documented for future testing by qualified software quality engineers. Software quality engineers can use either manual testing for all modules of the software or create automated testing scripts. For large software engineering projects, manual testing is practically infeasible.

The software quality engineers provide their inputs back to the programmers regarding any errors in the programming. The software programmer then revised the code accordingly and sends it back for another round of testing. The process is repeated until the quality engineer has finally approved the code completely.

9:51 PM

The Challenges of a Software Engineer

Finding the right career can be a challenge, you want a job that you will find interesting but that also offers a bright future and a large salary. If you have an interest in computer programming then a good option can be a career as a software engineer. There are few jobs out there that can compete with it in terms of pay and job security.

The biggest reason that you may want to become a software engineer, besides enjoying the work, is that it is a career field that has excellent prospects. There is a huge demand for new software and that means that there is a huge demand for people who are able to create it. The result is that you should have no trouble finding a job if you have the required skills. In fact there are few careers anywhere that can offer the same kind of job security as software engineering currently does.

The other big reason that people go into the software engineering field is that it can be a very high paying job. This is particularly true for people who are first starting out. Every year when the list of highest paying jobs for new college graduates comes out computer science degrees are right near the top of the list. That is the good news, the bad news is that the pay does not increase by as much as in other fields. That being said virtually all software engineers are very well compensated.

One of the reasons that engineers don't usually see their pay increase by a lot as they progress is that few of them move into management. Often this is because they have no interest in doing so but it is also often because they do not have the required skills. A software engineer who makes the effort to develop management skills will be huge demand to lead teams and can earn a very large salary.

There are a lot of ways that you can become a software engineer, it is actually one of the few career fields where high school dropouts and PhD's can be working at the same job. A skill for programming can often get you a job with no formal education in the field, however you will find that it is a lot easier to find a job if you have at least a bachelor's degree in computer science or software engineering.

There is computer software [http://itsatechlife.net] for a huge variety of needs. This particularly true when it comes to Mac computer software [http://itsatechlife.net], they are always leaders in developing new products.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7005907

9:50 PM

Software Engineer Resume

Software Engineering is a highly complex and technical industry that is constantly evolving due to technological advances. The work of this involves the application of computer science and mathematics in the design and implementation in a variety of solutions. Even though the position is open to all graduates with technical competency and knowledge of various computer programming languages and applications, a degree in a computer related or business discipline like computer science, electrical or electronic engineering, mathematics and physics may be advantageous for the applicant. It is also important to enumerate a detailed job description as it will highlight your capabilities and experience to gain an edge with the numerous software engineers applying for the same position. Remember that you need to put yourself high on the market to get the attention of your future employer.

A software engineer is responsible for the development of a full life cycle application. The process starts by evaluating user requirements that will be included in the development of application. This involves researching, designing, evaluating, testing, fault finding and debugging of a new program. It can be a computer game, a business application, an operating system or advanced software to control a highly technical hardware and equipment. Alternatively, an engineer must also have the ability to integrate an existing software product to an old system by making incompatible platforms to work together. This is usually done by analyzing existing programs and identifying areas for modification. He is also in charge in maintaining systems by monitoring and correcting software defects. An engineer also teams up with technical authors in writing operational documentation, technical specifications and test plans.

Getting hired does not mean that a software engineer's pursuit for job is over. He must continually update his technical knowledge and skills by attending in house or external training and courses, reading manuals, investigating new technologies and accessing application.

9:48 PM

When is a Software Engineer Not a Software Engineer?

The title of "software engineer" has got to be among the most highly abused in the corporate high-tech world. It's also one of the most popular.

And why not? It sounds a lot better than "computer programmer," and it looks much better on one's business card. Unfortunately, it's often inaccurate. Engineering is, after all, the application of sound technical principles to develop systems that are robust, efficient and elegant. I've found that a great many software engineers can develop working programs, but do little or no real engineering design.

Does this sound harsh? Perhaps, but I've also found it hard to deny. I've encountered very few software engineers, for example, who have clean, crisp and readable coding styles--an essential element of elegant software design. I've also encountered a preponderance of cryptically written functions, clumsy software abstractions and bizarre spaghetti code. To my dismay, I've discovered that even among computer science graduates, many reduce object-oriented programming to the mere use of private data, public functions and object instantiations. It's enough to break a teacher's heart.

Now, I won't go so far as to say that most programmers write spaghetti code. That would not be fair. However, I do think that relatively few programmers have a deep appreciation for the artistry of software development. That's not to say that they're ignorant of such things; not at all. Rather, it's more that the engineering aspects of elegant code design are all too often neglected.

I think this happens because modern programming tools have made proper code design seem like a nuisance. In the early years of computing, people were forced to write out their software designs, pondering many fine details before they ever sat down in front of the computer. Nowadays, with our fast compilers and interactive debugging systems, programmers often find it more convenient to simply sit down and start coding, with just a modicum of software design. Mind you, I do understand that this is sometimes more efficient--when the programming task is fairly routine, for example. However, when such design-as-you-go software development becomes standard practice, then you have the makings of utter chaos.

In part, this problem is also rooted in the malleable nature of computer software. No self-respecting civil engineer would design a bridge by slapping girders together until he has something that works; after all, if the bridge collapses, it could take months to rebuild it. Similarly, no sensible architect would want to build a house without blueprints and floor plans. Yet it is commonplace for programmers to develop software using poorly chosen functions and only the sketchiest of designs. After all, if the software doesn't work, they can always find the bug and fix it--at least, in theory. In practice, these bugs are often difficult to detect, and fixing them can require extensive surgery. The consequences of an ill-designed software program can be disastrous indeed.

For this reason, I believe that high-tech companies need to give software engineering the respect that it deserves. They need to develop a true culture of systematic software design, instead of merely settling for "whatever works." A company that's looking toward the future must pay proper devotion to the principles of software maintainability, proper documentation and elegant, robust design. It must also inculcate a culture of true software engineering among its employees. The failure to do so may work in the short-term, but it is a recipe for long-term disaster.

9:47 PM

Understanding Software Engineering

It is a systematization of the process of software development to ensure the best solution most economically. Its goal is to produce high quality software at low rate.

Software Engineering is the application of a systematic, disciplined, quantifiable approach to the development, operation and maintenance of software. A typical software development project will need to go through the phase of Analysis, Design, Programming, Testing and Implementation. Software Project Management (SPM), Software Quality Assurance (SQA) and the use of Computer aided Software Engineering (CASE) would run parallel with the other phases and finally comes the maintenance phase. It is always said that more than 80% of the costs go towards maintenance of the software.

Software Methodology

It is a step by step plan for implementing a method using certain tools and procedures. It often describes the entry criteria, exit criteria and checkpoint for each of the activities or components in software engineering. Some of the popular methodologies today are based on structure techniques or information engineering or object-oriented techniques. Methodology selection depends on the nature of the project, the type of application, the tools proposed to be used and the kind of controls and documentation that would be required.

Waterfall, Prototyping, Spiral, Rapid Application, Stepwise Refinement, Industrial and military standards, Assembly by reuse, Application generation, Continuous transformation and Knowledge based software automation are some of the popular methodologies.

What factors would influence the choice of model for software development?

It depends on the nature and size of application, whether it is an in-house development or development through an external agency, the availability of various tools and resources, time frame and budget, etc.

Who is Software Engineer?

A software engineer is someone who applied engineering principles in the co-operative development of software. A good software engineer should not only generate computer programs but also learn the skills to produce good documentation, database and operational procedures for the computer system. He should be well defined about the components or modules of software engineering.

Cinoy M.R is a Computing Engineer, specializing in solution/ concept selling in Information Technology, Wealth Management, as well as Stress Management.

9:45 PM

Software Engineers Are in High Demand

Imagine a futuristic world powered by the science of software engineering. With the touch of a button, a pet dog can be fed when its owner is out of town. One day, the television screen will not only be in HD, but will pop out entirely making a 3-D image. These amenities and more can be accomplished by the sweat and blood of a software engineer. A major in software engineering is the strongest path a young person can take, whether the individual wants to make a difference in the world or just wants a handsome paycheck.

As technology advances, so does human civilization. By becoming a software engineer, one can take part of this ongoing project. The use of software can be seen everywhere from our cell phones to our microwave ovens. Almost all aspects of our daily lives are affected by technology. The televisions we view, the iPods we listen to, and even the water dispensers on our refrigerators are all using some sort of software. Not only does the software make life easier, but the use of software can save lives. The software for the modern day Doppler radar has helped rescue thousands of lives by detecting tornadoes in advance. Working in this field of engineering will allow one to make a difference in lives now and in the future. As long as electronics exist, there will always be a place for a software engineer.

A major in software engineering not only leads to a meaningful profession, but a job that is in high demand and might offer a grand paycheck. According to Student Scholarships, it will be the second fastest growing profession in the years 2006 to 2015. There were over 337,600 jobs available in 2007, making software engineering the largest branch in any type of engineering. As other companies become more technological, the need for software engineers will continue to grow. Also, according to PayScale, the median starting salary is a whopping $63,979 with the median national salary being $68,080. When it comes to getting a job with a four-year degree, there is no better pay than that of a software engineer.

Living life to the fullest can definitely be fulfilled by being a software engineer. Whether it's by impacting the world or by living a materially satisfying life, there is no doubt that software engineering is useful to both the society and to the individual who majors in such a field.

Sally is a dedicated writer for StudentScholarships.org. She is an expert in Software Engineering Scholarships, Financial Aid, Career Advice, and most other things college related.

9:44 PM

Dagstuhl Seminar End - User Software Engineering

I have been reading this abstracts paper from the Dagstuhl Seminar End-User Software Engineering and it has lots of interesting points to make.

In the Dagstuhl Seminar report (Burnett et al) it is stated that "The number of end users creating software is far larger than the number of professional programmers. These end users are using various languages and programming systems to create software in forms such as spreadsheets, dynamic web applications, and scientific simulations. This software needs to be sufficiently dependable, but substantial evidence suggests that it is not." This point relates to that of (Ko) (Carnegie Mellon University) who explains that the goals of end-users may be unrelated to production of code, but instead they are interested in their domain problem, this means they perceive programming barriers as distractions. Ko explains that end-user programmers must be allowed to focus on their goals, and an important part of the solution is to visualise the whole program execution not just the output. A further problem outlined by Ko is that of programs which were intended to be temporary and owned by a particular person becoming central to a company, this often happens with spreadsheets.

(Henry Lieberman) of MIT Media Laboratory asks "Why is it so much harder to program a computer than simply to use a computer application? I can't think of any good reason why this is so; we just happen to have a tradition of arcane programming languages and mystically complex software development techniques. We can do much better." He argues that researchers should use program transformation, and visualisation to make the end-user programming process as automatic as possible. In order that people can become End-User Software Engineers without their even realizing it. This needs to involve interdisciplinary research to combine different research approaches. (Blackwell) also argues the need for interdisciplinary research on the end-user programming problem to identify techniques within software engineering that can assist with this problem.

(Coutaz) explains how Model Driven Engineering and Service Oriented Architecture can be combined. Coutaz also explains that "An interactive system is a graph of models related by mappings and transformations." This would fit in well with the structure of RDF (Resource Description Framework) a Semantic Web standard, which is also a graph structure. Alexander Repenning of University of Lugano explains the need for enhancements to UML (Unified Modeling Language) to aid end-user programming. (Engels) of University of Paderborn also explains that UML should be extended to allow development of user interfaces in order to assist end-users to program. (Repenning) also argues that "Visual programming languages using drag and drop mechanisms as programming approach make it virtually impossible to create syntactic errors." So "With the syntactic challenge being - more or less - out of the way we can focus on the semantic level of end-user programming." (Rosson) of Pennsylvania State University also explains about creation of a web based drag and drop interface. Abraham and (Erwig) of Oregon State University integrate spreadsheet modelling into the UML modelling process. (Gerhard Fischer) of University of Colorado explains the concept of meta-design as aimed at creating infrastructures for collaborative design assuming future uses and problems cannot be completely anticipated during development of a system. (Dittrich) of University of Copenhagen argues that more research is needed into the software lifecycle and methods and tools needed for end-user developers, especially when they are collaborating. These end-users often need to adjust old software for new purposes. (Costabile and Piccinno) also explain that new methodologies and environments are required for supporting end-user collaborative development

(De Souza) argues that the goal of human-computer interaction (HCI) will evolve from making systems easy to use to making systems that are easy to develop. Lieberman also argues that HCI experts have concentrated on ease of use and should examine ease of programming. (Begel) of Microsoft Research explains that if programming is left only to programmers rather than allowing domain experts to be involved the program becomes a black box and the domain expert cannot trust or verify the results. He explains that text based computer languages are often too obscure for end-user programmers. Begel also explains that end-users may lack an engineering mindset to form mental models of how to make the computer do what they want. Segal of the Open University argues that professional engineers have a history of programming so can be distinguished from other end-user programmers as having less problems with coding. (Fischer) explains that it is the mismatches between end-users needs and software support that enables new understandings. Fischer also argues that software development can never be completely delegated to software professionals because domain experts are the only people that fully understand the domain specific tasks that must be performed. He also argues for an approach to enabling end-user programming that makes it interesting to end-users. He explains that often the problem is that end-users find programming boring rather than that they find it hard. (Spahn et al) explains that end-users of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems are domain experts not IT professionals, and this is forcing them to communicate their needs to IT developers. Spahn et al argue for the empowerment of users to customise software by providing an abstraction layer to hide technical details and allow for concentrating on business needs.

(Clarke) of Microsoft examines the characteristics of end-user developers in order to assist with meeting their needs. (Fischer) hypothesises that this emphasis on end-user development also changes the emphasis on testing "Software testing is conducted differently. Because domain expert developers themselves are the primary users, complete testing is not as important as in the case when the developers are not the users."

References

End-User Software Engineering - Dagstuhl Seminar - Summary - http://www.dagstuhl.de/en/program/calendar/semhp/?semnr=2007081 - PDF Abstracts and links to papers - http://eusesconsortium.org/docs/dagstuhl_2007.pdf - Margaret M. Burnett, Gregor Engels, Brad A. Myers and Gregg Rothermel - From 18.01.07 to 23.02.07, the Dagstuhl Seminar 07081 End-User Software Engineering was held in the International Conference and Research Center (IBFI), Schloss Dagstuhl. During the seminar, several participants presented their current research, and ongoing work and open problems were discussed.

Abraham, R., Erwig, M., 2007. Exploiting Domain-Specific Structures For End-User Programming Support Tools. In: End-User Software Engineering Dagstuhl Seminar.

Begel, A., 2007. End User Programming for Scientists: Modeling Complex Systems. In: End-User Software Engineering Dagstuhl Seminar.

Blackwell, A., 2007. Interdisciplinary Design Research for End-User Software Engineering. In: End-User Software Engineering Dagstuhl Seminar.

Burnett, M. M., Engels, G, Myers, B. A., Rothermel, G., 2007. End-User Software Engineering Dagstuhl Seminar.

Clarke, S., 2007. What is an End User Software Engineer?. In: End-User Software Engineering Dagstuhl Seminar.

Costabile, M. F., Piccinno, A., 2007. Software environments for supporting End-User Development. In: End-User Software Engineering Dagstuhl Seminar.

Coutaz, J., 2007. Meta-User Interfaces for Ambient Spaces: Can Model-Driven-Engineering Help?. In: End-User Software Engineering Dagstuhl Seminar.

De Souza, C., 2007. Designers Need End-User Software Engineering. In: End-User Software Engineering Dagstuhl Seminar.

Dittrich, Y., 2007. Rethinking the Software Life Cycle: About the Interlace of Different Design and Development Activities. In: End-User Software Engineering Dagstuhl Seminar.

Engels, G., 2007. Model-Driven Development for End-Users, too!? In: End-User Software Engineering Dagstuhl Seminar.

Fischer, G., 2007. Meta-Design: A Conceptual Framework for End-User Software Engineering. In: End-User Software Engineering Dagstuhl Seminar.

Gross, M. D., 2007. Designers Need End-User Software Engineering. In: End-User Software Engineering Dagstuhl Seminar.

Ko, A. J., 2007. Barriers to Successful End-User Programming. In: End-User Software Engineering Dagstuhl Seminar.

Lieberman, H., 2007. End-User Software Engineering Position Paper. In: End-User Software Engineering Dagstuhl Seminar.

Repenning, A., 2007. End-User Design. In: End-User Software Engineering Dagstuhl Seminar.

Rosson, M. B., 2007. Position paper for EUSE 2007 at Dagstuhl. In: End-User Software Engineering Dagstuhl Seminar.

Segal, J., 2007. End-User Software Engineering and Professional End-User Developers. In: End-User Software Engineering Dagstuhl Seminar.

Spahn, M., Scheidl, S., Stoitsev, T., 2007. End-User Development Techniques for Enterprise Resource Planning Software Systems. In: End-User Software Engineering Dagstuhl Seminar.

I am a Researcher in the final year of my PhD. I specialise in applying Semantic Web techniques. My current research is on a technique of 'User Driven Modelling/Programming'. My intention is to enable non-programmers to create software from a user interface that allows them to model a particular problem or scenario. This involves a user entering information visually as a tree diagram. I am attempting to develop ways of automatically translating this information into program code in a variety of computer languages. This is very useful for many employees that have insufficient time to learn programming languages.

9:42 PM

Computer Software Engineers - The Brain Behind the Software

Computer software engineers are people who are qualified professionals working behind the scene to bring us the latest in the software technology. The technology being almost a part and parcel of our daily routine we look forward for their latest development unknowingly. Their developments can more often than not be used beneficially in our lives. The computer software being a fast developing field it has become almost impossible to keep up with the daily developments. So in the present day the job of computer software engineers do require specialization in a particular field to keep abreast of changing technology.

This means if we want to know what is the latest technology to be had in a certain area, then instead of asking any software engineers we will get the right information only if we ask specialized engineers in that particular area. Even though the other engineers might be able to give you an abstract idea of the developments they may be way off the hook in providing you with the best information. Not many people are aware of such difference in software developments so they choose the wrong engineers and end up getting mediocre results from the service they bought. This might be one of the reasons why they do not find the same deliverance for the same issue of a next door neighbor.

There is no uniform software package to be followed, different industry have different needs so the software engineers should learn skill sets of each industry and develop packages for their need. This is not a simple process one has to spend days and months of experimenting and testing to bring out top notch products in the definite area they concentrate. Actual what we get as a simple final product are the result of months of hard toil. Never do we think on this aspect when we discard some of these developments as outdated. There are hundreds of companies employing software engineers to come up with top quality software deliverance to reap the profits when it is really hot. Good computer software engineers are actually experts in their area of system deployment. The operational software system is actually the end result of the engineers transforming mechanical, electrical or computer system into a package easily usable by us.

It is the software engineers who perform all the activities behind the functional system available for use. So if we can seek out good software engineers we can use their deployment for quality products. Once we choose an experienced software engineer to build us a software system to suit our particular need we can be assured of systems quality because they might have tried and tested the system package many times over. They know the basics of what we require and they can also customize it for us to the way we find it easy to use. The situation being so they may also be able to smell a new idea when you take them to it for your needs.

So where is the catch - simply in finding efficient computer software engineers...?

You may try this computer software engineers for assurance in quality, of course only if they provide what you are looking for.

9:41 PM

Software Engineering and the Intelligence Community - Setting Real Time Standards

Software engineering is an essential discipline when designing and implementing high performance data enterprises. Although software engineers are not certified or sanctioned by any standards body, use of software engineers with experience in the Intelligence Community increases chances of success.

Software Engineering Defined

Software engineering is the application of a systematic, disciplined, quantifiable approach to the development, operation, and maintenance of software, and the study of these approaches; that is, the application of engineering to software. (Source Wikipedia)

Knowledge of programming is the main pre-requisite to becoming a software engineer, but it is not sufficient. Many software engineers have degrees in Computer Science or mathematics and physics due to the lack of software engineering programs in higher education. An organized mind and an interest in problem solving are also prerequisites.

However, as data networks become more complex and indispensable in large organizations higher education has started to change with the introduction of new software engineering degrees, especially in post-graduate education.

Software Engineering as a Discipline

Software engineering contains a number of separate yet interrelated disciplines.

* Software requirements

* Software design

* Software development

* Software testing

* Software maintenance

* Software configuration management

* Software engineering management, see also project management

* Software development process

* Software engineering tools and Computer Aided Software Engineering

* Software quality

* Social Software Engineering

Each sub discipline has its own performance requirements and processes for success.

Jobs in Software Engineering - A Strong Market

Because the field of software engineering is broad and growing more complex because of the introduction of new technologies and applications, the potential for job growth is significant even in a down economy.

According to the Federal Government studies, the demand for qualified software engineers is significant and will continue to grow,

Computer software engineers are one of the occupations projected to grow the fastest and add the most new jobs over the 2006-16 decade.
Excellent job prospects are expected for applicants with at least bachelor's degree in computer engineering or computer science and with practical work experience.
Computer software engineers must continually strive to acquire new skills in conjunction with the rapid changes that occur in computer technology.

Because computer networks and computing hardware and software are growing in power and complexity, the demand for qualified Software engineers is high. As the United States continues to be an information driven society new, high paying jobs with quality benefit packages are available in the economy.

This is particularly true as the economy emerges from its depressed state.

Employment of computer software engineers is projected to increase by 38 percent over the 2006 to 2016 period, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This occupation will generate about 324,000 new jobs, over the projections decade, one of the largest employment increases of any occupation.

Significant drivers of growth in the demand for software engineers include adoption of new technologies for information efficiency in a competitive environment. This is particularly true as information networks grow in sophistication and interconnect.

In addition, information security concerns and cyber threats have given rise to new software requirements.

Concerns over "cyber security" will result in businesses and government continuing to invest heavily in software that protects their networks and vital electronic infrastructure from attack. Cyber Security has become a major area of concern for the U,S, Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community.

Very few organizations are willing to trust the security of their networks to low cost, offshore software engineering firms.

Finally, in economic and competitive terms low cost offshore outsourcing is not a real threat because software engineering requires innovation and intense research and development expenditures. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)

One area with a tremendous appetite for software engineers is the Federal Government. The Federal Government continues to grow and, with the present trend in Government spending, greater demand for IT and Cyber Security engineering specialists will also generate job demand..

Ensuring Quality Standards - A Problem

While there is tremendous demand for engineering professionals, the systems and networks designed and implemented by software engineers are often the heart of any large business of government enterprise. Quality and efficiency cannot be sacrificed by substandard performance.

Many who call themselves "Software Engineer" are not fully qualified and often produce low quality work output.

Many professions enforce quality standards through professional certification boards but professional certification of software engineers is confusing and, while many view it as a tool to improve professional practice, others consider it as an unnecessary encumbrance.

In the United States, most certification programs in the IT industry are oriented toward specific technologies, and are managed by the vendors of these technologies.

No matter which way the debate goes, full accreditation will not serve as a quality standard backstop for software engineers in the foreseeable future so other, on the job standards, must be used to ensure engineering quality.

Documented past performance that is favorable or a history of software development in a demanding industry has now become a major factor to determine future success.

Software Engineering and the Intelligence Community - Real Time Certification

With the absence of any standard certification programs, employers and government service contractors must exercise great care when utilizing software engineers.to design or restore critical network or enterprise software.

Because networks and the software that run them are becoming more critical to business operations and more complex, the chances of an inexperienced or unqualified software engineer irrevocably damaging all or part of the network has increased.

One major error by an unqualified engineer could ruin an entire networking enterprise and bring down an organization. This is particularly true for large government.agencies tasked with the collection and processing of sensitive data.

Of all Federal Government agencies, a case can be made that the Intelligence Community [http://www.intelligence.gov/1-members.shtml] is the most demanding and discriminating when it comes to software engineering. This level of excellence requirement is because of the size of the data networks involved and the mission requirements to ensure national security.

In addition to the mission critical demands of each agency and its clients for real time data, continuous, massive amounts of sensitive data are collected on a 24x7 basis.

This data must be processed, analyzed, protected and disseminated in an efficient way that protects national security interests. Data protection and cyber security are new challenges to the software engineer and place additional performance demands..

A design flaw in the architecture of a network could be fatal for the entire collection system and and the introduction of a virus or other cyber breach could crash the entire system.

Because of the classified/sensitive nature of the data collected in the Intelligence Community high level security clearances are also required and this places further burdens on the integrity of the individual.

Servicing the needs of the Intelligence Community is a demanding task but the experience will test the skills, work ethic and judgment of even the most seasoned software engineer. Thus engineers with IC experience command a premium wage and benefits based upon proving themselves capable,

When a formal certification is not available, broad and extensive software engineering experience in the Intelligence Community on a job candidate's resume is often a valuable real time substitute.

Jon M. Stout is Chief Executive Officer of Aspiration Software LLC. Aspiration Software LLC is an Information Technology/Cyber Security services provider focused on the Intelligence Community (IC). For more information about Software Engineering [http://www.aspirationsoftware.com/capabilites.html] and Cyber Security and Information Technology in the Intelligence Community go to.