Law of Unintended Consequences

I am sure every software engineer must have browsed through Pressman's software engineering bible at least once.I know it is too detailed and can get boring at times but it's worth a read for all the inspiring software engineers/managers.
Pressman starts the book(the 6th edition) by mentioning the "Law of Unintended Consequences". This law as it relates to software(it is applicable to economics and politics too) is the phenomenon where the invention of one technology can have profound and unexpected effects on other seemingly unrelated technologies, people or even cultures.

Today computer software is the single most important technology in the world. One cannot imagine a life without it.The development of software has made life easier and comfortable for the average individual.It is an essential ingredient of all of his day to day activities.
Starting from mainframes to embedded devices, software is found everywhere but it has hampered some other industries unknowingly.


I will take an example of the cell/mobile phone here.Cellular phones have taken the landline's position.The concept of being "Connected everywhere" or "Seamless Mobility" has made cell phones very popular.Besides this, a modern cell phone incorporates a calculator, watch, calendar, alarm, mp3 player, games etc. One would obviously prefer a cell phone to spending money on the individual items. As the Nokia N95 ad goes ..."There is a thing in my pocket, but it is not one thing, its many..."
The software industry is filled with many such examples like online newspapers, faster emails, chat sessions with data sharing, free mp3 and video downloads.......the list goes on....each affecting a traditional industry in some way...


It's strange and thought provoking how an innocent innovation can have such an unpredictable impact on the unrelated fields.I am sure we will soon have a technology that will make the software look useless and futile!!!