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SEC Assignment 1

The document discusses major software failures in history and their causes. It outlines 10 significant software failures, including failures of the Ariane 5 rocket, Knight Capital Group trading software, and Windows 10 October 2018 update. It also discusses common reasons for software project failures according to the Standish Group, such as lack of user involvement, poor requirements gathering, and unrealistic expectations.

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Abdul Momin
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15 views4 pages

SEC Assignment 1

The document discusses major software failures in history and their causes. It outlines 10 significant software failures, including failures of the Ariane 5 rocket, Knight Capital Group trading software, and Windows 10 October 2018 update. It also discusses common reasons for software project failures according to the Standish Group, such as lack of user involvement, poor requirements gathering, and unrealistic expectations.

Uploaded by

Abdul Momin
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ASSIGNMENT 1

Major Software
Failures

ABDUL MOMIN | FA22-BSE-006


Software Engineering
Concepts
MAM HIFZA ALI

Submission Due Date

March 05, 2023


COMSATS UNIVERSITY ISLAMABAD

 Software Failures or Errors:


Software failures are not uncommon, and they can cause significant damage to businesses
and individuals alike. From minor glitches to complete system crashes, software failures can
result in financial losses, damaged reputations, and even safety hazards. In this report, we will be
discussing the top 10 major software failures in history.

 Top 10 Software Failures:

1. Ariane 5 Rocket:
In 1996, the European Space Agency launched an Ariane 5 rocket, which was carrying a
$500 million satellite. However, just 37 seconds into the flight, the rocket veered off course and
exploded. It was later discovered that the cause of the failure was a software error in the
guidance system.

2. Knight Capital Group:


In 2012, Knight Capital Group lost $440 million in just 45 minutes due to a software
error. The problem arose from a faulty software update, which caused the company's trading
software to buy and sell stocks at the wrong prices.

3. IRS Software Failure:


The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) software failure refers to the technical glitch that
occurred in 2018, which affected the processing of tax returns filed by millions of Americans.
The problem was caused by a software update that did not work as intended, leading to delays in
the processing of refunds and payments.

4. Y2K or Millennium Bug:


One of the most infamous software failures was the Y2K bug. This issue arose from the
fact that many software programs used only two digits to represent years. When the year 2000
arrived, it was unclear whether computers would interpret it as "00" or "1900." This bug caused
widespread concern, but fortunately, most organizations were able to patch their systems in time.

5. Therac-25 Radiation Machine:


In the 1980s, the Therac-25 radiation machine was designed to deliver precise doses of
radiation to cancer patients. However, a software error caused the machine to deliver massive
overdoses of radiation, leading to the deaths of several patients.

6. Mars Climate Orbiter:


In 1999, the Mars Climate Orbiter was lost due to a software error. The spacecraft was
supposed to enter into orbit around Mars, but instead, it crashed into the planet's atmosphere and
burned up. The cause of the failure was a miscommunication between the spacecraft's navigation
software and ground control.

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COMSATS UNIVERSITY ISLAMABAD

7. Windows 10 October 2018 Update:


In 2018, Microsoft released a major update to its Windows 10 operating system, which
caused serious problems for some users. The update caused files to be deleted and forced some
users to reinstall their operating systems.

8. Toyota Acceleration:
In 2009, Toyota recalled millions of vehicles due to reports of unintended acceleration.
The cause of the issue was a software error in the vehicles' electronic control system, which
caused the cars to accelerate uncontrollably.

9. Heartbleed Bug:
In 2014, a major security flaw was discovered in OpenSSL, a popular software library
used to secure online communications. The bug, known as Heartbleed, allowed hackers to access
sensitive information, including passwords and credit card numbers.

10.Bitcoin Hack:
The Mt. Gox hack was a major event in Bitcoin history that occurred in February 2014.
The hack was the result of a software vulnerability that allowed hackers to steal over 850,000
bitcoins, worth around $450 million at the time, from Mt. Gox's hot wallets. The exchange's lack
of proper security measures and failure to implement industry standards contributed to the
vulnerability.

 The Standish Group Report:


The Standish Group, a research advisory firm, has been conducting research on software project
success and failure rates since 1994. Their reports have identified several reasons for software
project failure.

 Major Reasons for Software Failure (Standish report):

1) Lack of user involvement:


Projects that do not involve end-users in the development process are more likely to fail.
User involvement helps ensure that the software meets their needs and addresses their pain
points.
2) Poor requirements gathering:
Clear and comprehensive requirements are essential for successful software development.
If requirements are unclear or not well-defined, it can lead to significant delays and rework.
3) Scope creep:
Scope creep occurs when the scope of the project expands beyond its original boundaries.
This can happen when new features or requirements are added without proper planning, resulting
in project delays and cost overruns.

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COMSATS UNIVERSITY ISLAMABAD

4) Project management:
Effective project management is essential for successful software development. Without
proper project management, teams may not have clear objectives, timelines, or budgets, leading
to project failure.
5) Communication breakdown:
Communication breakdowns between team members or stakeholders can cause
significant issues during software development. Misunderstandings or lack of communication
can lead to incorrect assumptions, rework, or delays.
6) Unrealistic expectations:
Unrealistic expectations regarding project timelines, budgets, or features can lead to
project failure. If expectations are not aligned with reality, it can lead to project delays, cost
overruns, or dissatisfaction among stakeholders.
7) Technology changes:
Technology is constantly evolving, and software projects may be impacted by changes in
technology or infrastructure. Failure to adapt to changes can lead to project delays or failure.
8) Resource constraints:
Limited resources, such as budget or staffing, can make it challenging to deliver software
projects on time and on budget. If resources are not allocated effectively, it can lead to project
failure.
9) Lack of testing:
Testing is critical for ensuring that software meets its requirements and is free from
defects. If testing is not conducted thoroughly or is skipped altogether, it can lead to significant
issues during deployment.

 Conclusion:
Software failures can have significant consequences, ranging from financial losses to
safety hazards. It is important for organizations to take steps to prevent these failures, such as
thorough testing and quality control measures. Additionally, it is essential for developers to be
transparent about issues when they arise and to work quickly to address them.

THANK YOU

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