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8
NATO SOFTWARE ENGINEERING CONFERENCE 1968
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1. BACKGROUND OF CONFERENCE
Discussions were held in early 1967 by the NATO Science Committee, comprised of scientists representing the various member nations, on possible international actions in the field of computer science. Among the possible actions considered were the organising of a conference, and perhaps, at a later date, the setting up of an International Institute of Computer Science.
In the Autumn of 1967 the Science Committee established a Study Group on Computer Science. The Study Group was given the task of assessing the entire field of computer science, and in particular, elaborating the suggestions of the Science Committee.
The Study Group concentrated on possible actions which would merit an international, rather than a national effort. In particular it focussed its attentions on the problems of software. In late 1967 the Study Group recommended the holding of a working conference on Software Engineering. The phrase ‘software engineering’ was deliberately chosen as being provocative, in implying the need for software manufacture to be based on the types of theoretical foundations and practical disciplines, that are traditional in the established branches of engineering.
It was suggested that about 50 experts from all areas concerned with software problems — computer manufacturers, universities, software houses, computer users, etc. — be invited to attend the conference. It was further suggested that every effort should be made to make the conference truly a working conference, whose discussions should be organised under the three main headings: Design of Software, Production of Software, and Service of Software.
Prominent leaders in the field were appointed as group leaders to direct the work within each of the three working groups. Dr. Arnth-Jensen, of the Scientific Affairs Division of NATO, was put  in charge of conference arrangements. At a meeting held in Brussels in March 1968 the group leaders and the Study Group met and agreed on the final details of the conference.
The Conference was to shed further light on the many current problems in software engineering, and also to discuss possible techniques, methods and developments which might lead to their solution. It was hoped that the Conference would be able to identify present necessities, shortcomings and trends and that the findings could serve as a signpost to manufacturers of computers as well as their users.
With this hope in mind the present report is made widely available.