Engineering of computer based systems (ECBS), panel introduction

Computer-based systems (CBS) are those for which behavior is, to a substantial degree, determined or controlled by computers. Computer-based systems affect virtually everything we do. The author argues in support of research, education, and standards that improve our system engineering capability. She maintains we need to address the wide variety of technological and nontechnological issues involved in acquiring, supplying, designing, developing, producing, utilizing, and maintaining systems in which significant portions of system behavior is computer controlled. In recognition of this need, the IEEE Computer Society established the Technical Committee on the Engineering of Computer- Based Systems (www.computer.org/tab/tclist/tcecbs.htm). In November 2001, the Computer Society published a special theme issue of IEEE Computer on ECBS.