Quandary Peak Research’s computer scientist, Brad Ulrich, was recently engaged as a software expert to provide analysis and expert opinion for Montgomery County, Maryland, in the ongoing litigation of Yasmin Reyazuddin v. Montgomery County, Maryland. The case centers around the accessibility of enterprise software in the County’s 311 Call Center under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which mandates equal access to technology for individuals with disabilities in federally funded programs.
The enterprise software at the heart of this case is a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) implementation of Oracle’s Siebel system. This software solution, like many COTS products, was not inherently designed with comprehensive accessibility features, raising questions about its compatibility with Section 503 requirements. Proposed modifications to improve accessibility have included a custom add-on layer developed with .NET business objects and Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) software, which could potentially bridge some accessibility gaps while allowing for integration with the existing Siebel infrastructure.
In-Depth Software Cost Modeling with COCOMO
To assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of proposed solutions, Mr. Ulrich utilized the Constructive Cost Model (COCOMO), a well-established software cost estimation method. COCOMO allows for the quantitative evaluation of various software development efforts, estimating resources, costs, and timelines associated with complex software modifications. Using this model, Mr. Ulrich provided detailed level-of-effort and cost analyses for the proposed .NET and EAI add-on approach. This assessment was crucial in determining whether the County’s proposed modifications were financially viable and whether the required resources aligned with the project’s accessibility objectives.
Mr. Ulrich’s expertise with COCOMO modeling provided the court with a more grounded perspective on the financial and labor-intensive aspects of adapting enterprise-level COTS software to meet accessibility standards. His analysis also highlighted potential risk factors, including the challenges of integrating custom modifications within a COTS framework and the potential for increased maintenance costs over time. This level of risk assessment is essential in large-scale projects where software adaptations might result in unforeseen technical debt and complex dependency management.
Balancing Accessibility and Cost in Enterprise Environments
The case presents an important tension between accessibility mandates and the practical constraints of adapting pre-existing COTS software. Enterprise environments often rely on COTS products to streamline operations, but accessibility compliance can require significant customization—an undertaking that adds cost and complexity, and which might involve trade-offs in terms of user experience and operational stability.
Mr. Ulrich’s testimony highlights the technical and financial challenges of achieving compliance without compromising performance. His expert opinion offers a strategic view into the complexity of making accessibility retrofits in legacy systems, an issue that is increasingly relevant in public sector technology infrastructure. His analysis also considers the broader implications of using proprietary software for essential public services and the necessity of robust compliance frameworks that support all users, including those with disabilities.
The Role of an Expert Witness in Technical Compliance Cases
As part of the legal proceedings, Mr. Ulrich was deposed by opposing counsel in February. His expert testimony provided insights not only into the technical feasibility of the proposed modifications but also into the broader, often hidden, costs of custom software adjustments for compliance. The ongoing nature of the case underscores the dynamic role of an expert witness in technology-related litigation, where new evidence and legal arguments may emerge as technical analysis progresses.
Quandary Peak Research’s Expertise in Navigating Complex Software and Compliance Challenges
Brad Ulrich’s involvement in this case exemplifies Quandary Peak Research’s expertise in the nuanced field of software compliance and enterprise architecture. With a deep understanding of software cost modeling, COTS implementation challenges, and accessibility requirements, Quandary Peak is well-positioned to provide insightful and objective analysis in cases where technology and regulatory standards intersect.
As organizations face increasing scrutiny over accessibility in their digital environments, the need for informed technical analysis will only grow. Quandary Peak’s experts continue to support clients in navigating these complex challenges, offering rigorous, data-driven insights that guide strategic decision-making in high-stakes legal and regulatory environments.
