From: saradhi@frigg.iti.gov.sg (Motamarri Saradhi (KSL))
Subject: Software, Architecture, Engineering, Technology - ????
Keywords: same as subject...
Organization: Information Technology Institute, National Computer Board, Singapore
Date: Thu, 8 Oct 1992 04:43:18 GMT

Dear colleagues,

The postings on the topic "Do Software Engineers Actually Do So Bad", have
motivated me to put before you some interesting points.

I wonder whether the software community has realised or not, the words
architecture, engineering, technology have sometimes misinterpreted.

Some won't distinguish between architecture and engineering, leading to
a confusion between the terms architect and engineer.

An architect is primarily concerned with 'aesthetic considerations' of
a product - may be a building, bridge, car etc. He need not be an engineer.

Whereas, the engineer has to deal with the architect's vision and the real
world. He has to see geometric or functional arrangement of structural
elements. There going to be a challenge for the engineer as he has to face
practical limitations etc., ('restraints' of various types) in maintaining
the architect's vision. So, engineering is an art which attempts to 
exploit the essence of mathematics, science, of all, practice towards the
goals of problem solving.

In a crude sense technology is engineering of engineering. It is concerned
with the prodcution of engineered ideas. Techology is only a facilitator of
engineered ideas. Most of often, technology aims at automating the mundane
process from the hands of the human being - but not the creative process.
If it attempts to do the inappropriate there is the beginning for its
failure.

Is not true we embrace with buzz words - without understanding their
significance, relevance, suitability and the fundamental interpretaions
and foundational ideas underneath!

Engineering is a creative process - can anyone deny the thrill one 
experiences when he looks at the 'The Golden Gade Bridge', 'The Road
cum Train Bridge' on the river Godavari in India, the 'Eiffel Tower'!

The strongest lesson we fail to realise, but has been well envisioned
by Albert Einstein (I fear to qualify him with adjectives, degrees etc.)

   "Why this magnificient applied science which saves time and effort
    bring us so little happiness? The simple answer runs: Because we
    have not at learned a sensible use of it?"

I welcome any comments and criticisms on these views...   Saradhi.


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