Software is mostly intentional, though there are a number of artifacts in software which are at least partially accidental. Again, more on this topic later. Finally, software has a great capability to affect the outside world. With the correct interfaces, software can control machines, guide ships, produce drugs, communicate over long distances, fly aeroplanes, balance your checkbook, and detonate an enormous bomb. These advantages explain why we are so busy transcribing the knowledge of mankind into this form.
Software is the ultimate knowledge medium to date.
In software, knowledge has been made persistent, transportable, intentional, changeable, but mostly it has been made active. But is it not a product, it is a medium. About the Author Phil Armour is a principal of Monmouth Associates, Systems Consultants and a Vice President of Corvus International Inc., a Software and Human Resource Consulting Company. He has spent over 27 years developing computer systems on all types of platforms. In addition, he has nearly 15 years in the development, use, and implement ation of systems develop ment method ologies and ten years of experience in professional computer systems development education.