because the various computer technology fields are new new developments in computer technology occur so quickly, formal credentials are less important in computer-related crime cases than direct prior experience with the victim company's computer operations, the brands of hardware or software the victim used, and the software applications involved. in addition, prior experience in investigating computer-related crimes, providing computer security, or com-related crime research can be the critical element that renders a particular party an expert advisor. identifying trustworthy and objective advisors who have such direct experience can be the most important factor in selecting an expert, despite traditional criteria, such as formal credentials, by which a proffered expert's qualifications to testify as formal credentials, by which a assessed, the trial judge has broad discretion to base a decision that an individual is an expert qualified to testify on a given subject primarily-or even solely-on that person's prior relevant experience.