Microsoft Visual Studio - new release is packed with defects

Microsoft has received a lot of criticsim over the release of Visual Studio 2005 dvelpment suite. Many blogs and news sites reported that the software, which was actually shipped early, should have been delayed. You can see fuller versions of the story at VNU IT Week or CNET or even go straight to a blog which lists some of defects. Industry analysts are responding by saying that it was tested enough and its unrealistic to expect a major release without a lot of defects.

This story highlights a core issue in the software testing world: speed to market against fitness for purpose. Its a complex issue and is oftten trivialised by the type of "I do believe you didn't mean to do that" type of response that Harry Enfield's character made famous.

It would be great to get your views in the comments. The only problem is that when you look at the blog comments on the link above it is mainly links to poker and the like. Still you can see what others are saying by trawling the blogs and news sites and then make up your own mind.