Computers in safety-critical applications

With the increasing use of computer systems in safety-critical applications, there is an imperative need for their developers to be more aware of their responsibilities, to employ improved methods of development, to acquire new technologies more rapidly, and to introduce standards into their industries. In response to these needs, there have been numerous initiatives taken by government departments, standards bodies, and professional institutions; one of these has been the inception of a club for the safety-critical community. The author reviews the safety-critical software scene, briefly discusses the technology and the recent initiatives, and introduces the Safety-Critical Systems Club