Final answer:
The statement is true; technical risks can substantially affect the quality and timeliness of software being produced by causing delays, increasing costs, or leading to compromised quality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that technical risks threaten the quality and timeliness of the software to be produced is true. Technical risks can include an extensive range of issues, from security breaches to natural disasters affecting technological infrastructure. These risks may cause delays, increase costs, or even lead to subpar quality in the final software product. For example, if a software project relies on certain technology which is compromised due to a security flaw, then the project might get delayed, or might be released with vulnerabilities if not appropriately addressed. Moreover, in critical systems, such as those managing nuclear power plants, technical malfunctions can have catastrophic repercussions.
Poor design decisions made early in the development process can also contribute to technical risks, potentially leading to a failure to meet customer expectations. This demonstrates the importance of thorough planning and risk assessment throughout the software development lifecycle to mitigate such risks.