Editorial Pointers

Organizations eager to compete on a global scale surely feel the pressure to improve the efficiency of their software development efforts with methods that enhance quality, customer satisfaction, and the time-to-market factor. The software product line (SPL) has surfaced as one of the most promising software development paradigms for dramatically increasing productivity and one of the key elements in the quest to discover new ways to use existing architectures and components.

This month’s special section examines the latest SPL research, particularly the technical and managerial aspects that organizations should consider before adopting such initiatives. Guest editors Vijayan Sugumaran, Sooyong Park, and Kyo C. Kang called on some of the world’s leading SPL researchers to report on the new reuse methodologies, verification and testing, cost estimation, and more. I don’t recall a special section ever generating as much interest among potential authors as this one has over the last year. We received an unprecedented number of inquiries and submissions for consideration; our gratitude to all who expressed interest in participating, and to the guest editors who reviewed every request.

Also this month, Ian Angell and Jan Kietzmann offer an impassioned warning about a future where the world’s currency is embedded with RFID tags. Maamar et al. examine the benefits of context-aware Web services. Martin Bichler and Jayant Kalagnanam explore the potential for some up-and-coming auction formats. Ali Reza Montazemi presents the findings of a study that reflects the marked differences in how IT is managed in small- and medium-size enterprises throughout the U.S. and Canada. And please check page 20 for the announcement of the 49 recipients of a newly created ACM recognition program—ACM Distinguished Members.

In the spirit of the season, let me also take this opportunity to offer sincere thanks and best wishes to all those whose efforts helped make this year a memorable one—our authors and guest editors, Editorial Advisory Board, and ever-growing network of reviewers—who help create, evaluate, and strengthen the quality of material presented in each issue.

We’re looking forward to an exciting 2007; topics will include new computing paradigms, experimental computer science, emergency response systems, anti-spam technologies, smart business networks, and the science of games. In addition, we’re planning to offer even greater diversity among the topics and technologies covered.

As always, we are grateful for the personal feedback. We’ll continue to take our cues from your comments and, hopefully, deliver an even stronger publication in return.

Wishing you health and happiness in the new year.

Diane Crawford
Editor