Tom Gilb
Tom Gilb | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1940 Pasadena, California, United States |
| Occupation(s) | Systems engineer, consultant, author |
| Years active | 1958–present |
| Known for | Software metrics, software inspection, evolutionary development methodologies, Planguage |
Tom Gilb (born 1940) is a notable American systems engineer, consultant, and author, acclaimed for his foundational contributions to software metrics, software inspection, and evolutionary development methodologies.
Biography
Originally from Pasadena, California, Gilb relocated to the United Kingdom in 1956 and subsequently moved to Norway in 1958. His professional journey commenced at IBM in 1958, transitioning to independent consultancy by 1960.
Between 1968 and 1981, Gilb formulated some of the earliest evolutionary software development techniques, which later shaped contemporary agile practices.
As of 2018, he continues to provide consultancy, education, and authorship in collaboration with his son Kai Gilb. He supports global enterprises in enhancing organizational frameworks through "evolutionary systems delivery" (Evo), a methodology centered on maximizing stakeholder benefits while integrating engineering concepts with scientific precision. Central to his method is a specialized engineering language he designed known as "Planguage." Gilb has delivered lectures internationally at universities and industry conferences across Europe, Asia, and the United States.
He remains an engaged participant within INCOSE, especially its Norwegian division NORSEC, which recognized him in 2003. Gilb regularly contributes presentations at INCOSE chapters and global conferences.
In recognition of his achievements, the British Computer Society awarded him Honorary Fellowship status in 2012.
Publications
Gilb's bibliography includes nine books alongside numerous articles, notable works being:
- Software Inspection (1993), co-authored with Dorothy Graham
- Principles of Software Engineering Management (1988), currently in its 19th printing
- Software Metrics (Winthrop computer systems series) (1977)
- Competitive Engineering: A Handbook for Systems & Software Engineering Management using Planguage (2005), where Planguage refers to the formal specification notation Gilb invented to improve the rigor of requirements documentation