Verification and validation are critical in the software development process. If you can't verify or validate a set of activities to ensure that the software is not implemented correctly, hasn't been built to specification, or is functioning properly, you will surely have problems with your production environment. Microsoft interviewers know how important this is and will ask questions about it to ensure that you practice doing your due diligence to ensure the highest quality software development. When questions come up about verification and validation, it might score you an extra point in the interview if you give the Microsoft interviewer a history of how V&V was formed. It is an application of Six Sigma and its principles. It was used to design products in the manufacturing and support process areas. It's important to remember, if asked, that there are two important aspects of software quality management. Verification answers the question of whether the software is being developed correctly, and validation provides the answer to whether the right software is being produced.