Our lives would be very different without the software that often does its work invisibly. Imagine what could happen if a software error left bridges open, prevented you from sharing information with your friends via Facebook, or caused the electricity to go out. But why do automation projects fail so often? Why are large software systems so complicated to design? Why does it take so much time and money to maintain existing software? Why are some apps an instant success while others fail? And what is needed for new web services to emerge?