Embedded computing designers use requirements management tools less frequently than their IT colleagues

NATICK, Mass., 16 March 2011.Embedded computing systems engineers use formal requirements management tools far less frequently than their colleagues involved in enterprise and information technology (IT) applications, report market analysts at VDC Research Group in Natick, Mass.Embedded computing engineers lag behind those in enterprise/IT in their use of these kinds of software engineering tools because of the traditional, siloed nature of embedded systems development, VDC analysts say. Embedded computing engineers typically focus on discrete roles and specific tasks that require point products, rather than formal requirements management tools.More than 40 percent of surveyed embedded engineers do not use formal tools for various requirements engineering tasks, VDC reports in a recently published report on requirements management and definition tools. Enterprise/IT software engineers, use these kinds of tools more frequently, VDC research indicates.

"Despite the high level of complexity in today's embedded systems, embedded engineers have fallen behind enterprise/IT software developers in the use of requirements management and definition tools," says Chris Rommel, senior analyst of VDC Research's Embedded Software and Tools practice.

"We are already seeing this dynamic change as more embedded engineering organizations look for ways to address the growth in device software complexity and maintain and improve engineering efficiency and product quality," Rommel says.

Details of VDC's research is spelled out in the 2010 Software & System Life cycle Management Tools Market Intelligence Service, Volume 3: Requirements Management & Definition Tools report, which is for sale. Those interested can register for a free executive brief with high-level findings for download.

For more information contact VDC online at www.vdcresearch.com.