Is Fixed-Price Software Development Unethical?

This is the question posed by Scott Ambler in his article on software development.

Here's the problem.  Everybody knows:

• Cost estimates are frequently wrong
• Client requirements usually change during development

...and as a result fixed-price projects are often late, over budget and/or don't really do what the clients want when the product is delivered.  How does this happen, Scott lays it down here.

Here at OpenSourcery we strive to use the Agile software development methodology to deliver better service to our clients at less risk of the project going horribly, horribly wrong.  

Watch this space for more information on Agile software development, why we use it and why it makes so many of our customers happy.

- Steve Peters