&gt; The sad part is the authors example is easily avoidable and does not cost more to avoid.<p>Except for all the costs of maintenance. It always costs more, generally in the way of time.<p>&gt; With virtualization and continuous integration the cost of doing it correctly is marginal<p>Until you have to debug while the integration fails.<p>&gt; This is a solved problem.<p>Even with unlimited funds, you get a cost of time and communication. There are tickets and tickets and a queue and a release schedule. The optimal path is not as simplistic as you would fantasize.