With greater complexity from technology, software sourcing, compliance, security, and other areas, addressing software defects has never been more challenging. Keeping up with this level of complexity to retain software agility and profitability demands consistent, reenergized, and targeted approaches to quality.

IDC conducted a survey in 2Q08 to explore current practices in, costs of, and attitudes toward software quality. A new white paper "Improving Software Quality to Drove Business Agility," by Melinda-Carol Ballou, IDC Program Director, Application Life-Cycle Management, offers a comprehensive and insightful summary of the survey results.