Software Quality

Don't assume that your notion of "quality" lines up perfectly with the ideas of your prospects and customers.

This advice comes from Robert A. Lutz, the former President and Vice Chairman of Chrysler Corporation, and the author of "Guts - The seven laws of business that made Chrysler the world's hottest car company."

Lutz believes that prospects and customers define quality as the addition of new things, and not as the removal of flaws from your product or service. He also points out that people can believe that your product has quality, even if they see it as neither useful nor practical.

Lutz believes that people will usually choose a delightful product or service, even if it has some flaws. Such a product or service will be a better seller than a flawless one that doesn't delight prospects and customers. I'd guess that Lutz would urge software developers to weave innovative features and benefits into their applications, and release them into the marketplace as soon as possible.

Lutz says that our definition of quality should include such things as charm, fun, and romance. That sounds like good software marketing advice.

- by Al Harberg, the press release guy