What are the keys to a successful embedded system development?
As with all product development the principal key is knowing your customer, what they need, and how the product fits in the value chain. That said, in embedded system development there are some technical process isues that really do need to be taken care of. These are using a version control system, ensuring the code is walked though, reviewed and tested appropriately. Along with that, implementing and enforcing some form of code standard and using suitably qualified people will generally give good embedded systems development.
