Changes in the Software Development Profession to Meet the Need for Innovation from Businesses and Government

Around the world there is spectacular growth in the deployment of intelligent devices that communicate via intelligent management systems. Solutions that fit this pattern are driving accelerated change across a broad range of industries including energy distribution, health care, traffic management, telecommunications and consumer electronics. This presentation will briefly describe some projects that IBM has implemented in various industries with a focus on projects that have social impact as well as business impact. With the huge potential that these systems promise, the processes and difficulties of creating them have become a more urgent business and governmental concern. It is clearer than ever that the capability to innovate in technology, especially software, is key to creating wealth and enabling organisational and social progress. The presentation will also explore the implications for the technology industry, and in particular for the software industry, of meeting the increased demand for innovation, and suggest some directions to look in for solutions to the challenges.