John D. Musa on software: Productivity, quality, and human factors

As the software area continues to evolve rapidly, one thing is clear: computer programs are not what they used to be. Initially software was designed for standard repetitive problems such as the processing and issuing of insurance policies. Now, however, software increasingly deals with adaptive problem solving through interaction with a professional or other specialist. This interactive handling of functions has sparked growing interest in artificial intelligence and knowledge-based systems. These systems have some problem-solving capability tied to an organized base of knowledge.