Interim

Interim is an interesting word.  When people look at the word and use it, they might actually have a different opinion as to what the word means.  For instance, they may say that something is "an interim solution".  Based upon how most people in the IT world use the word they would assume that the solution is a short-term solution and that something is coming to replace it.  They would be wrong, in more ways that one.

Strictly speaking, the definition of interim is something like this:

... the period of time between one event and another ...

Not very specific is it?  According to the definition, an interim solution would be a solution that is in place prior to the final solution being installed.  IT people, however, haven't really been using the word in quite this manner, or rather, they have been hoping the word is not used in this manner.  They honestly believe that the phrase "short term" is in the definition.  Sorry, but it isn't there.

What this means is that if you specify an "interim solution", you had better be comfortable with that solution because there is no time limit on how long that solution will be in place.  If you are not comfortable with the solution as a long-term solution, do not promote it because many interim solutions have become long term solutions, regardless of how much we dream and pray.