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Software Approvals For Consumer Markets?

Posted by Cliff on from the improving-software-or-hindering-development dept.

Odkin asks: "Some friends and I are struggling with a hardware project which is stalled due to costly consumer market approvals (which is alright I guess). But it struck me, why are there only market approvals for hardware and not software? The hardware approvals include functionality tests that ensure that the product works as intended in any way the user would handle it (even unsuitable use). Would such approvals for commercial software improve the quality of the products, including minimizing the risk of data loss and heightening the security? In other words, would it facilitate or inhibit the creation of good software?"

9 of 227 comments (clear)

  1. usability testing? by ljyang · · Score: 3, Funny

    actually making a software product that functions, even when stressed? now that's just crazy talk.

    but in reality this is somethign that every product (hardware or software) should go through. It'll just make a better product.

  2. An Open Letter by tds67 · · Score: 4, Funny
    But it struck me, why are there only market approvals for hardware and not software?

    Dear Sir,

    Because no one trusts a hardware engineer.

    Sincerely,
    A Software Engineer

    1. Re:An Open Letter by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

      Dear Sir,

      You're not really an engineer.

      Sincerely,
      A Hardware Engineer

    2. Re:An Open Letter by Dr+Caleb · · Score: 4, Funny
      Because no one trusts a hardware engineer.

      Dear Softwhere Enjineer,

      If it's not on fire, it's a Software problem. :P

      Sincerely,
      A. Hardware Engineer.

      --
      "History doesn't repeat itself, but it does rhyme." Mark Twain
  3. Good idea... by SuperMo0 · · Score: 3, Funny

    This should probably just be added to the beta testing that most programs go through. Rather than doing it inhouse, simply give it to a bunch of average Joe Computerusers and see what they do with it. A few of them are bound to do something stupid with it, and that's when you fix the bugs there. There's your consumer approval. If an average consumer can use it without breaking it, then it's fit for the market.

  4. better "market" software by bsDaemon · · Score: 5, Funny

    the only way to ensure the creation of better software is to destroy capitalism, thus taking away the profit motive for the speedy creation of software. once there is no money in it, only smart, skilled, and creative people like Dennis Richie or RMS will actually bother to make software. Only the creation of a Socialist Republic a la Seamus Costello and Malachy McAllister, James Connolly, or Karl Marx will create better software, true freedom, and a peaceful world.

  5. What? Fit for Purpose? by human+bean · · Score: 2, Funny

    {software manufacturer holds fingers in ears}

    La La La...I can't hear you...La La La...

    --

    *whup* "Get along, little electrons. Heeyah!"

  6. Re:FP! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Not only do we need Software Approval, We also need Posting to Slash Dot approval. Be the first one to form a committee and pass Software Laws.

  7. Four words by AKAImBatman · · Score: 2, Funny

    Nintendo Seal of Quality

    Same thing could be applied to software.

    --
    Javascript + Nintendo DSi = DSiCade