When I first read "The Zero Defect Vision," by Bob Schatz, I told Bob, "You have two articles. You have to break this into two parts."

Bob said, "But people need to read both pieces, they are so important."

So, I said we would run them together. You, our readers, are extra lucky this month. You get to read Bob’s management and technical vision of how to create zero defect software. In part one, read how Bob sees the personal piece of zero defect software and how to develop strategies to eliminate errors and prevent defects in your products.

In part two, Bob examines common sources of errors and reminds us of tools that some of us learned about way back when, in more traditional quality training days. The lessons are just as useful now.

I like seeing the ecosystem of how companies have applied agile to their organization. In "An Agile Software Shop" by Rafael Alvarez, you have a chance to see how they have adapted Scrum in his organization. I particularly like the way Rafael talks about the sales team working with
the BA.

When was the last time you thought of traditional process quality in relationship to your agile software development? Maybe you haven’t. Well, if not, you’re missing something.

And, I always have something to say about agile. Jonathan Vanian, our wonderful editor, picture selector, and webmaster, interviewed me. The result is included in this issue.

I hope you enjoy the January 2012 Agile Journal.

Johanna Rothman
Technical Editor
Agile Journal