Liability for System and Data Quality

Abstract

Accompanying the proliferation of computers in almost every facet of life is an underlying risk to financial well-being related to computer system and data quality. The viability of a business often depends upon the continual and reliable operation of its computer system. The consequences of low-quality computer hardware and software are not infrequent or insubstantial. A recent report from the U.S. Department of Commerce states that total U.S. software sales in 2000 were approximately $180 billion (RTI, 2002). The report estimated that the lack of an adequate software testing infrastructure costs U.S. software users over $38 billion per year, principally through error avoidance and mitigation activities.