2008 is drawing to a close
2008 is drawing to a close. The year just ending has been an extremely exciting one here at the JCSE. The year ahead promises to be even better. As the world around us slumps into the gloom of a global recession, how can I possibly be so optimistic?
10 December 2008
Let me explain my optimism by first looking back. When we launched the JCSE at Wits in 2005 we set ourselves some ambitious goals. We hoped to make a difference in the South African software development sector by tackling a number of issues. These included skills development, process improvement, promotion of exports and carrying out research into the state of the sector. All of these goals have been achieved or exceeded in the past year. We really are beginning to make a difference. Early next year we will produce our annual report covering 2008, and you will have a chance to review in detail what we have achieved.
Looking forward at 2009 there are a number of really exciting developments in the pipeline. We will be launching a national "Team Software Process" pilot programme in partnership with the Software Engineering Institute (SEI). We will also be closely involved in helping to organize the South African National Pavilion at the CeBIT trade show in Germany. These are only two of the exciting programmes of activities that we will be involved in next year. Once again, watch out early next year for some detailed announcements.
In the meantime I want to take this opportunity to wish all of the JCSE Partners and friends a happy holiday and a wonderful 2009.
Prof. Barry Dwolatsky
Director: JCSE at Wits University