Software Barrier or Frontier?

The full potential for advance of the frontiers of communication technology is inhibited by the problems of complexity of computer programs and software; that these problems are increasing; and that they threaten to build up an impenetrable barrier to the full exploitation of hardware improvements, preventing or seriously delaying their penetration into the market place. I suggest that this barrier can be shifted only by wider appreciation and application of current understanding in software engineering; and that this understanding needs development by continuing research, and propagation by continuing education in the necessary skills for successful application. I shall describe some of the goals and ideals of software engineering, and explain why I think that the telecommunications industries will be among the first to achieve these ideals and realise the benefits of doing so.