The traditional concept that experience data for valid reliability estimates is not now available is challenged. Major problems are discussed, both technical and administrative, which are associated with marshalling and exploiting a company's past experience to produce knowledge which will lead to more reliable designs, and several solutions are presented. The importance of mutual understanding by designer and reliability specialist coupled with objective attention to details in a simple approach is stressed.
In conclusion, a proposal is made to develop a contractually negotiable communication channel within industry based on a technical “Right-to-Know” to counter existing disabling restrictions of the security “Need-to-Know.”
