🚀 go-pugleaf

	> Lots of discussion already...

	how do we know these computers are being programmed in a competent manner?	
	How about the recent X-ray machine, programmed by an individual with a
	2-year degree, that killed 3 or so people?  And what about companies in
	financial trouble trying to get a product out the door as cheaply as	
	possible?  There are no minimal standards that these companies nor
-----

There are standards, but no mandatory standards. ISO certification is one,
UL approval as well, and is the IEEE still selling those manuals??. 

I think standards in quality are useful and should be
adopted for critical systems like the one mentioned. But the standard should
apply to a product or a process not an individual.

The argument that licensing will establish a 'minimal' level of competency
may backfire when such 'minimal' individuals get licensed. Why put a stamp
of approval on such 'minimum' ability?

I think more can be accomplished by educating the consumer.

Incidently, I wonder if New Jersey's financial problems may have anything to do
with the sudden interest in licensing. This sounds like a typical non-issue
politicians like to dig up around election time; especially when times ain't
so good. 

-Jim.

--
 == James Tsillas                    Bull HN Information Systems Inc. ==
 == (508) 294-2937                   300 Concord Road   826A          ==
 == jtsillas@bubba.ma30.bull.com     Billerica, MA 01821              ==
 ==                                                                   ==
 == The opinions expressed above are solely my own and do not reflect ==
 == those of my employer.                                             ==
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