Software is becoming such an essential part of modern life that a radical improvement in quality is needed. For example, the doomsayers tell us that we'll wake up the morning after our Y2000 celebrations with overflowing coffee makers, phone bills for century-long calls, unable to get money from ATMs, no TV or radio service, financial market meltdowns, grounded planes and stalled trains, and dozens of other problems. It's enough to make you want to stay in bed.