New processes, and the underlying discipline that enables them - software engineering - are required, however, if we are to actually make the most of the technology we already have. They also lie on the critical path for all the 'new new things' we want to build. 3G mobile telephones are a good example of this. We have the devices and are rolling out the network, but the benefits will only be realised by consumer and provider from the deployment of a wide range of attractive services. These services must be cheap, delivered in a timely fashion, reliable and scaleable to cope with growth in usage. Building such services is beyond the existing state-of-the-art.

Progress is being made: new analytical techniques; improved design tools; new methods that speed up the feedback loops between user and developer; a better understanding of how software can be architected and software component technologies that support this understanding. There is however a lot more to do. The research community working on these issues is growing but the challenges are very significant. Software engineering may not be gee-whiz but it will be the critical enabler of the software future.