How do I word these?

[NuclearNed]

We have a home-grown software app that allows users to report problems with anything IT-related (software, hardware, network, etc.). When a problem is reported, the reporter has to select one of four priority levels. Here is the wordage currently used in the software:

4 ? EMERGENCY ? Immediate correction needed (Directly affects deadlines/$)
3 ? CRITICAL ? Somewhat immediate response needed (No work around for the problem)
2 ? URGENT ? Quick response needed if possible (Difficult to continue, but surviving)
1 ? IMPORTANT ? Respond as time permits (Just don?t forget about it)

I've been tasked with coming up with phrases that aren't as vague. For example - "somewhat immediate response needed" could mean a lot of different things to different people, so I need to come up with something a little more precise.

I'm sure other software people out there have a system like this. Does anyone have any good suggestions?

 

[Crono]

Go with this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H...curity_Advisory_System

Or:
1. ATTENTION REQ.
2. IMPORTANT
3. CRITICAL
4. MELTDOWN

 

[kranky]

First thing I'd do is cut it back to 3 levels. That's all that's needed.

Emergency - I cannot perform essential work duties
Urgent - I am able to continue working but at greatly reduced efficiency
Routine - I can continue to work normally but please address as time permits

I think people intuitively understand a 3-level system. No matter how you describe it, the difference between your two middle levels is always going to be vague.