Software & Computer Science Consulting

How We Help Clients

• Design & Development Support  

  When developing software-based products and systems, the need to innovate can lead to unprecedented technical challenges. Exponent can provide specialized expertise across computer science, electrical engineering, materials science, and other disciplines to help you achieve bold solutions. 

  We look across all aspects of the computing functionality, including user application, libraries, device drivers, firmware, and the hardware/software interface. We have specialized experience with the unique challenges of embedded systems, control systems, and safety-critical applications, including: 

  • Algorithm and software development 
  • Computer architecture and operating systems  
  • Component testing and analysis  
  • Static and dynamic analyses of both compiled software and source code
  • In-depth source code review 
  • Additional software artifact review, such as specification, design, and test plan documentation review   
  • Other relevant types of third-party review, such as targeted regulatory compliance  

   

  

• Failure Analysis 

  When existing systems fail, it's crucial to quickly understand and correct the issues. This is especially important when customers are already relying on the system to run their operations. 

  Exponent has the capability to perform complex technological reviews, studying the interaction of hardware and software layers to evaluate functionality and find precise points of failure. We perform both dynamic and static analysis of the code.

• Financial Due Diligence  

  When large sums are on the line, investors need to understand exactly what they're getting. Does the software do what it promises? Does it do it well? Is it unique intellectual property? Whether it's a capital investment, acquisition negotiation, or licensing deal, our experts can provide clarity on product claims. 

• Cybersecurity  

  Modern digital information systems are complex and highly networked. Each component of an information system may have vulnerabilities that can be exploited — and understanding your attack surface and cybersecurity risks is crucial to your business.   

  Exponent approaches cybersecurity analysis by studying the system as a whole, identifying assets, vulnerabilities, and threats. Once risks have been identified and ranked, we have the technical expertise to help implement reasonable security controls for your organization. 

  Exponent has helped clients with cybersecurity matters, including: 

  • Embedded device security 

  • Disposable component authentication  

  • Identity/access management  

  • Network security and application security analysis

  • Smart phone and digital forensics

  • Source code security review 

  Case study

  Helping the Department of Defense Improve Smart Cards

  The Department of Defense needed to make upgrades to its employee ID cards and turned to Exponent to help identify more secure technology and better laminates.

  

• Human-Computer Interaction 

  A well-designed system considers the abilities and limitations of humans in using it. Exponent has helped organizations design interfaces that reduce the likelihood of operator error and improve the overall performance of the system.  

  Exponent scientists have helped design, develop, test, and analyze user interfaces for such complex systems as:  

  • Automotive systems 

  • Biometric consumer electronics  

  • Enterprise applications 

  • Health information systems  

  • Medical devices  

  • Military systems  

  • Power systems 

  Our professionals have extensive software development and user experience expertise to assist in the development of efficient user interfaces, applying the latest technologies, programming languages, and programming platforms. 

• Data Intelligence 

  In today's information economy, the ability to gain insights from data is a competitive advantage. Exponent has helped organizations ranging from startups to government agencies generate and implement data-based insights that empower end users and create product loyalty. 

• Disputes 

  Software intellectual property disputes can be among the hardest to litigate. Not least because the technical details can reach beyond the understanding of judges, juries, and arbitrators.

  Exponent scientists and engineers represent the science at dispute proceedings by bringing clarity, precision, and a knack for explaining complicated topics in understandable ways. 

  When patents, copyrights, and trade secrets are on the line, we can assist clients across all phases of disputes, including pre-litigation, fact-finding, litigation expert testimony, and arbitration.  

  We are also experienced in taking a lead role as experts in unfair importation investigations conducted by the U.S. International Trade Commission (Section 337). We provide expert advice to administrative law judges on complex technical matters to assist them in their investigations of alleged patent and trademark infringement by imported goods. 

  Case study

  How Do You Recover Lost Data from Digital Devices?

  Applying forensic expertise to retrieving hidden or deleted data from computer hardware and software