We need to develop and validate methologies for software development and evolution that span the entire lifecycle and provide well-defined interfaces between formal and informal aspects of software development. Emphasis should be on integration of multiple software qualities, such as reliability, safety, security, timing, and evolvability, by using common models, defining interfaces, ensuring compatibility, and defining processes and methodologies that include all aspects of software development.
Industry and government are currently struggling with building complex, computer-controlled systems, often unsuccessfully as witnessed by failures of major projects. We need to encourage and support research and other activities in the use of computers embedded in and controlling complex engineered systems if U.S. progress in many vital aspects of industry and science are to remain preeminent.