A discourse on software safety and software reliability

Software safety and software reliability are allies in the realization of their mutual goal of developing safe and reliable software. This paper focuses on the differences in hopes of taking advantage of each discipline´s respective strengths while realizing their weaknesses in the attainment of our mutual goal. We achieve our mutual goal differently, possess different objectives, and differ at times as to methodology and results; however our impacts in the software development communities are irrefutable with both disciplines being essential to the development of safe and stable software, however there exist differences and misunderstandings that must be resolved. Resolution requires the two disciplines to collaborate to enhance our software development effectiveness. Each discipline has a key role to play. By working together, we can develop elite, safe systems that successfully meet customer requirements and holistically demonstrate prior to release that the system´s mission will be accomplished without incident.