The move to modular software: an effort to simplify programming tasks

Article Abstract:

A revolution has begun, changing the way computer programs are designed. Software is being written in prefabricated pieces that can be used in different combinations. Programs will be produced more quickly and computers will be easier to use. Such an approach will even allow computer users who are not programmers to create software. A revolution is needed, say experts, because programs take too long to produce, so that computers are not being used to full advantage. Some corporations have two-year or three-year backlogs of programs they need to write. The computer industry is rapidly adapting to this technique, which is known as object-oriented programming (OOP). Using OOP, data and instructions are combined in a module of software, otherwise known as an 'object.' As an example, a credit card customer object would contain both data on purchases and techniques for calculating a balance.

Methods, Computer programming, Object-oriented programming, Object oriented programming, Programming, Modules

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From an art to a science

Article Abstract:

The development of new computerized technologies will put pressure on the computer software industry to begin creating software as if doing so was a science instead of an art. Computer software writing is a labor-intensive process and is commanding a higher share of computing costs. The development of massive parallel processing, distributed computing and multimedia computing technologies places greater responsibility on software publishers to accelerate rates of growth. Industry observers note that software development programs go a long way in increasing productivity but a fundamental change in thinking is required: software writing should be more of an engineering discipline and less of an art form.

Research, Technological forecasting, Trends, Future of Computing, Foreign Competition, Software packages

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Go Corp. and I.B.M. in pen software pact

Article Abstract:

The Go Corp, which is developing computers that use pen-like devices instead of keyboards, licenses software to IBM, which will use the programs in its own pen-based computers. This agreement is seen as a move toward Go's goal to establish its operating system software as a standard. The company, based in Foster City, CA, hopes to license its software to other computer companies as well. Pen-based computers, which are starting to reach the market, would allow people who cannot type to use computers. Using a pen-like device called a stylus and writing onto a computer's screen, a person would select printed characters from a palette or by such gestures as crossing out or circling symbols.

Electronic computers, Hand-held computers, Handheld computers, Computer industry, International Business Machines Corp., IBM, Contracts, Licensing agreements, Product development, Scanning devices, GO Corp., Input devices (Computers), Licensing, Input Device

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