What's the role of software in T&M?

Virtual instruments?  Yes, its here today led by NI, but for it to replace stand alone instruments is entirely cost driven.  Network instruments rule in production line tests, R&D and any situation where continous data needs to be gathered, analyzed, and documented.  Stand alone instruments are used mostly for field tests, design prototype and troubleshooting, where measurements need not be collated.  Data is integral to automated QA, reliability testing and many large scale device manufacturing needs.   A reason  virtual hasn't taken the market is the cost of modules are >= to that of stand alone instruments that can also be networked.  Iif the type of PC and bus support changes, one's old instruments are fully obsolete and nearly valueless in the secondary market.  Startup tooling can be more costly versus stand alone instruments.

For all networked or virtual instruments, software is sine qua non, its what holds it together.   However, the T&M industry should study the needs of the entire market and design a basic suite that works for 90% if not 100% of needs from large design firms to the single user, just like the GUI exists for nearly all PCs, from Apple, Windows to Linux.  It should have the ease of use of consumer grade plug and play.  Its should be cheaper than was NI charges or it will continue to segment the market.

Virtual instruments?  Yes, its here today led by NI, but for it to replace stand alone instruments is entirely cost driven.  Network instruments rule in production line tests, R&D and any situation where continous data needs to be gathered, analyzed, and documented.  Stand alone instruments are used mostly for field tests, design prototype and troubleshooting, where measurements need not be collated.  Data is integral to automated QA, reliability testing and many large scale device manufacturing needs.   A reason  virtual hasn't taken the market is the cost of modules are >= to that of stand alone instruments that can also be networked.  Iif the type of PC and bus support changes, one's old instruments are fully obsolete and nearly valueless in the secondary market.  Startup tooling can be more costly versus stand alone instruments.

For all networked or virtual instruments, software is sine qua non, its what holds it together.   However, the T&M industry should study the needs of the entire market and design a basic suite that works for 90% if not 100% of needs from large design firms to the single user, just like the GUI exists for nearly all PCs, from Apple, Windows to Linux.  It should have the ease of use of consumer grade plug and play.  Its should be cheaper than was NI charges or it will continue to segment the market.