A Reuse Parable

The complexity of computer applications and systems continues to grow at an exponential rate. In a very short period of time, we have evolved from single applications addressing a specific functionality or set of requirements on a dedicated mainframe to an integrated set of applications representing an enterprise e-business that are able to sense and respond to fluctuating market conditions and provide products and services to customers on demand (http://www-106.ibm.com/developerworks/ondemand/.) Companies can quickly increase or decrease their requirements as their markets change (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,9023-856626,00.html), and will be able to acquire additional functions or infrastructure as they need them.