75% of Developers Admit Deadline Urgency Often Compromises Functional Safety, Highlighting the Tension Between Rapid Innovation and Maintaining Certified, Robust Systems
WATERLOO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / October 8, 2024 / BlackBerry Limited (NYSE:BB)(TSX:BB) has unveiled new research that draws attention to the mounting pressures faced by software engineers and developers as they strive to balance rapid innovation with safety and security. A comprehensive survey conducted among 1,000 embedded software developers and engineers worldwide has revealed an increasing tension between adhering to tight project deadlines and upholding functional safety, with 75% of respondents admitting that urgency frequently forces them to make compromises on essential safety requirements.
Widespread Frustration Leads 74% of Developers to Consider Switching Operating Systems
Developers point to security (54%), cost control (52%), and safety certifications (48%) as their primary considerations when choosing an operating system. However, the survey also underscores significant downstream challenges across these areas, with a vast majority (74%) of respondents expressing openness to changing their current OS. Notably, 61% of those required to meet international safety standards report facing extreme or significant challenges in doing so with their current OS. Security concerns (36%) and performance issues (28%) are cited as the primary reasons for considering OS changes.
” alt=”Software Development Image” />
Open-Source Platforms Preferred Yet Fall Short on Safety Standards
Open-Source operating systems emerge as the preferred foundational platform for nearly half (44%) of developers, with an additional 25% expressing no preference between Open-Source or proprietary offerings. Although Open-Source platforms are widely adopted in development environments due to their accessibility and familiar technology, they critically lack the rigorous safety certifications of many proprietary options that undergo extensive verification and testing to meet stringent international safety requirements.
“As we enter the era of ‘Software-Defined Everything,’ where software increasingly anchors devices and infrastructure for operations, introducing new features and innovations, the importance of functional safety (FuSa) and security is paramount,” stated John Wall, SVP and Head of BlackBerry QNX. “While 90% of organizations surveyed acknowledge this priority, developers face escalating pressure to meet deadlines and budgets, making pre-certified software crucial for achieving their goals without compromise.”
Safety Certification Gaps Cause Costly Delays and Compliance Issues
The survey alarmingly notes that nearly a third (31%) of all respondents admitted their OS either lacked necessary safety certifications, or only covered some. This gap has contributed to considerable delays for two-thirds of organizations as they wrestle with the complexities, time, and costs averaged at $591,000 and 154 hours of company resources, required to adhere to evolving safety standards.
Security Vulnerabilities and Breaches Lead to Project Delays
Security continues to be a critical pain point for developers, especially for those utilizing Open-Source operating systems, which are more prone to breaches (46% vs. 40% for proprietary systems). Of those who experienced a security breach or vulnerability in their OS, 72% reported project delays directly attributed to security vulnerabilities, further intensifying the challenges of maintaining robust and secure systems during innovation.
“To flourish in a software-driven world, developers require an OS that prioritizes safety and security,” added Wall. “Pre-certified, secure-by-design solutions enable teams to concentrate on innovation rather than troubleshooting. Selecting the right OS can significantly transform businesses by minimizing problems and boosting efficiency.”
Additional Key Findings
- While 73% of organizations prioritize operating system security, application of security patches occurs on average every 5 weeks.
- Operating system issues significantly impact project timelines, with 34% of organizations reporting missed deadlines due to OS-related problems, averaging a one-month delay globally.
For more insight into how BlackBerry QNX’s portfolio of embedded software solutions can accelerate safety certification, ensure reliability, and reduce development time, visit BlackBerry QNX.
Methodology
The research was conducted from July to September by Coleman Parkes and commissioned by BlackBerry QNX, surveying 1,000 embedded software developers and engineers across North America (USA and Canada), Europe (UK, France, and Germany), and APAC (Japan, South Korea).
About BlackBerry
BlackBerry (NYSE:BB)(TSX:BB) provides intelligent security software and services to enterprises and governments worldwide. The company’s software powers over 235 million vehicles. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, BlackBerry leverages AI and machine learning to deliver innovative solutions in cybersecurity, safety, and data privacy, and is a leader in endpoint management, endpoint security, encryption, and embedded systems. BlackBerry’s vision is clear – to secure a connected future you can trust.
Trademarks, including but not limited to BLACKBERRY and EMBLEM Design, are the trademarks or registered trademarks of BlackBerry Limited, and all rights to such trademarks are expressly reserved. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. BlackBerry is not responsible for any third-party products or services.
Media Contacts:
BlackBerry Media Relations
+1 (519) 597-7273
SOURCE: BlackBerry QNX
View the original press release on accesswire.com
