Software Systems Viewed as an Analogy to Industrial Organizations

Orchard-Hays, W. (1975). Software Systems Viewed as an Analogy to Industrial Organizations. IIASA Research Memorandum. IIASA, Laxenburg, Austria: RM-75-050

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Abstract

This paper is not "scientific" in any usual sense. Rather, software systems are described by means of analogies with large industrial and other organizations. The curious nature of software is first pointed out, and then its major dimensions are listed. Typical attributes of a large organization and its functions are briefly set forth and then these abstractions are related to systems of programs. The dual nature of an organization and its technology is suggested and then applied to systems of programs and the data structures on which they operate. The role of the user is discussed, several aspects being shown. Finally, a few maxims for building, maintaining, and using software systems are given.

"An idea, like a ghost, ..., must be spoken to a little before it will explain itself." (Dickens)

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