Korson and Vaishnavi note that software managers are often faced with two extremes--information explosion or a near-total lack of information--when attempting to minimize adoption risks. This paper proposes a four-step framework for addressing this problem--comprehensive scope, knowledge engineering, basic research, and the use of an advanced knowledge delivery vehicle to build an automated managed support system (MSS).

The paper discusses each of these steps in some detail and then describes the authors’ experience with a prototype application. It also notes that there is often a major gap between research results and the needs of corporations. The authors indicate that “one striking feature of most US software technology transfer activities is that they are almost all funded by and for the military.” These efforts usually do not meet the needs of industry. The authors close by identifying some efforts of the new Consortium for the Management of Emerging Software Technologies as indicative of what is needed in this area.

This information is detailed, pointed, and thorough. It warrants reading by interested persons and by persons who should be interested.