Warp wrote:

>   Well, programs are usually developed to solve problems (such as, for
> example, make some tasks easier), so they really are solutions to those
> problems. (One could argue from a specific program if it's a *good*
> solution to the problem, but it can still be *a* solution nevertheless.)

Well, that depends...

Some programs are, in fact, designed to solve a specific problem.

Other programs are instead designed to make money. If anything, the 
salesman has to invent a problem and make potential customers believe 
they have this problem so that your program can "solve" it for them.

So while some programs really *are* solutions, others are actually 
non-solutions to non-problems that probably end up making everybody's 
job harder, rather than easier.

So I guess it just depends on how cynical you are. ;-)

Note that the term applies to other technologies too. "Hey, we have a 
new traction solution!" What, you mean you've got some new tires?

-- 
http://blog.orphi.me.uk/
http://www.zazzle.com/MathematicalOrchid*

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