Which way, SQA? [software quality assurance]

What is software quality assurance, and where is it headed? Has it become passe as firms embrace rapid application development techniques, modern tools, and spiral development models? These are interesting questions to ask in light of SQA's history, quality models and technological developments. The author considers the effect that technology has on the practice of SQA. He considers electronic commerce SQA, CMM and ISO models. He looks at the future of SQA.