Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!dali.cs.montana.edu!caen!sdd.hp.com!spool.mu.edu!uunet!mcsun!ukc!strath-cs!ex-dcs!exua!CDHWilli From: CDHWilli@exua.exeter.ac.uk (Charles Williams) Newsgroups: comp.lang.misc Subject: Re: Software "Engineers" Message-ID: Date: 1 May 91 19:32:10 GMT References: <3844@ssc-bee.ssc-vax.UUCP> <3379@charon.cwi.nl> <1991Apr25.234953.20537@dbase.A-T.COM> <52183@nigel.ee.udel.edu> Sender: CDHWilli@exua.exeter.ac.uk Organization: Computer Unit. - University of Exeter. UK Lines: 15 In-reply-to: new@ee.udel.edu's message of 29 Apr 91 22:48:56 GMT In this country loads of people call themselves engineers: train-drivers, machine-shop technicians, TV repairpersons et al. and there is no law that stops anyone from *calling* themself a software engineer. However the mark of professional "Chartered" engineers is that they take responsibility for the performance of their designs and that includes not only the direct, but also in many cases any *consequential* loss or damage. So that would mean that true "Chartered Software Engineer" could be recognised by the fact that their software license starts along these lines: "Joe Bloggs C. Soft. Eng. warrants that this software functions correctly and accepts full and perpetual liability for loss or damage, direct or consequential which arises as a result of its use." ========= My regular signature and I have separated for a trial period =======