There are two types of cost factors involved in software maintenance.
These are
Non-Technical Factors
Technical Factors
Non-Technical Factors
1. Application Domain
If the application of the program is defined and well understood, the system requirements may be definitive and maintenance due to changing needs minimized.
If the form is entirely new, it is likely that the initial conditions will be modified frequently, as user gain experience with the system.
2. Staff Stability
It is simple for the original writer of a program to understand and change an application rather than some other person who must understand the program by the study of the reports and code listing.
If the implementation of a system also maintains that systems, maintenance costs will reduce.
In practice, the feature of the programming profession is such that persons change jobs regularly. It is unusual for one user to develop and maintain an application throughout its useful life.
3. Program Lifetime
Programs become obsolete when the program becomes obsolete, or their original hardware is replaced, and conversion costs exceed rewriting costs.
4. Dependence on External Environment
If an application is dependent on its external environment, it must be modified as the climate changes.
For example:
Changes in a taxation system might need payroll, accounting, and stock control programs to be modified.
Taxation changes are nearly frequent, and maintenance costs for these programs are associated with the frequency of these changes.
A program used in mathematical applications does not typically depend on humans changing the assumptions on which the program is based.
5. Hardware Stability
If an application is designed to operate on a specific hardware configuration and that configuration does not changes during the program’s lifetime, no maintenance costs due to hardware changes will be incurred.
Hardware developments are so increased that this situation is rare.
The application must be changed to use new hardware that replaces obsolete equipment.
Technical Factors
Technical Factors include the following:
Module Independence
It should be possible to change one program unit of a system without affecting any other unit.
Programming Language
Programs written in a high-level programming language are generally easier to understand than programs written in a low-level language.
Programming Style
The method in which a program is written contributes to its understandability and hence, the ease with which it can be modified.
Program Validation and Testing
Generally, more the time and effort are spent on design validation and program testing, the fewer bugs in the program and, consequently, maintenance costs resulting from bugs correction are lower.
Maintenance costs due to bug’s correction are governed by the type of fault to be repaired.
Coding errors are generally relatively cheap to correct, design errors are more expensive as they may include the rewriting of one or more program units.
Bugs in the software requirements are usually the most expensive to correct because of the drastic design which is generally involved.
Documentation
If a program is supported by clear, complete yet concise documentation, the functions of understanding the application can be associatively straight-forward.
Program maintenance costs tends to be less for well-reported systems than for the system supplied with inadequate or incomplete documentation.
Configuration Management Techniques
One of the essential costs of maintenance is keeping track of all system documents and ensuring that these are kept consistent.
Effective configuration management can help control these costs.
Codes are rarely traceable to the requirements and design specifications.
It makes it very difficult for a programmer to detect and correct a critical defect affecting customer operations.
Like a detective, the programmer pores over the program looking for clues.
Life Cycle documents are not always produced even as part of a development project.
Lack of Code Comments
Most of the software system codes lack adequate comments. Lesser comments may not be helpful in certain situations.
Obsolete Legacy Systems
In most of the countries worldwide, the legacy system that provides the backbone of the nation’s critical industries, e.g., telecommunications, medical, transportation utility services, were not designed with maintenance in mind.
They were not expected to last for a quarter of a century or more!
As a consequence, the code supporting these systems is devoid of traceability to the requirements, compliance to design and programming standards and often includes dead, extra and uncommented code, which all make the maintenance task next to the impossible.
Software Maintenance Process
Program Understanding
The first step consists of analyzing the program to understand.
Generating a Particular maintenance problem
The second phase consists of creating a particular maintenance proposal to accomplish the implementation of the maintenance goals.
Ripple Effect
The third step consists of accounting for all of the ripple effects as a consequence of program modifications.
Modified Program Testing
The fourth step consists of testing the modified program to ensure that the revised application has at least the same reliability level as prior.
Maintainability
Each of these four steps and their associated software quality attributes is critical to the maintenance process. All of these methods must be combined to form maintainability.
Software maintenance is a part of the Software Development Life Cycle. Its primary goal is to modify and update software application after delivery to correct errors and to improve performance. Software is a model of the real world. When the real world changes, the software require alteration wherever possible.
Software Maintenance is an inclusive activity that includes error corrections, enhancement of capabilities, deletion of obsolete capabilities, and optimization.
Numerous Important Elements of Software Maintenance:
Bug fixing is the process of locating and resolving software flaws.
The process of introducing new features or making improvements to current ones in order to satisfy users changing needs is known as
Performance optimization is the process of making software faster, more reliable, and more efficient.
The process of modifying software to run on new hardware or software platforms is known as porting and migration.
Enhancing the software architecture and design to make it more scalable and maintainable is known as re-engineering.
The process of producing, revising, and keeping up with the software documentation which includes design documents, technical specifications, and user manuals.
Need for Maintenance
Software Maintenance is needed for:-
Correct errors
Change in user requirement with time
Changing hardware/software requirements
To improve system efficiency
To optimize the code to run faster
To modify the components
To reduce any unwanted side effects.
Thus the maintenance is required to ensure that the system continues to satisfy user requirements.
Types of Software Maintenance
1. Corrective Maintenance
Corrective maintenance aims to correct any remaining errors regardless of where they may cause specifications, design, coding, testing, and documentation, etc.
2. Adaptive Maintenance
It contains modifying the software to match changes in the ever-changing environment.
3. Preventive Maintenance
It is the process by which we prevent our system from being obsolete. It involves the concept of reengineering & reverse engineering in which an old system with old technology is re-engineered using new technology. This maintenance prevents the system from dying out.
4. Perfective Maintenance
It defines improving processing efficiency or performance or restricting the software to enhance changeability. This may contain enhancement of existing system functionality, improvement in computational efficiency, etc.
Difficulties with software Maintenance:
The following lists are the different difficulties in software maintenance.
Any software programs popular age is considered for a maximum of 10-15 years. Software program renovation is highly costly, because it is an open-ended process that may be maintained for decades.
More beneficial new software programs on modern hardware can outperform older software programs that were designed to paint on slow computers with less memory and garage capacity. It is common for changes to go unrecorded which can lead to more conflicts down the road.
The expense of maintaining out-of-date software rises with time. A software program can be frequently destroyed by changes. Follow-up modifications are challenging due to the original structure.
It can be challenging to find and address problems with systems that lack documentation.
It is challenging to recognize and address issues in large complex systems because they are hard to comprehend and alter. It may be necessary to modify software systems in order to meet developed user requirements which can be challenging and time-consuming.
A system that must communicate with other software or systems is challenging to maintain because modifications made to one system may have an impact on other systems.
Maintaining a tested system is challenging since it is hard to find and address issues without understanding how the system functions in different scenarios.
Without workers with the requisite training and expertise, it is challenging to maintain current and accurate systems.
Upkeep can be costly particularly for large intricate budgeting and management systems.
A well-defined maintenance procedure that regulates communication tests and validation versions, among other elements, is necessary to overcome these difficulties. Standard maintenance practices like security, testing, and error loans are also included in a precisely and clearly defined maintenance plan. Additionally, crucial are staff members who possess the knowledge and abilities to maintain their systems current.
Advantages of software maintenance:
Better software quality: Frequent software maintenance guarantees that the application functions accurately, effectively and in accordance with user requirements.
Improved Security: As part of routine maintenance safety patches and updates can be applied to make sure your program is safe from potential threats and attacks.
Proper Maintenance: Maintaining the most recent software on a regular basis encourages user acceptance and satisfaction and keeps it operating. The software can be used for longer periods of time and costly replacements can be avoided with proper maintenance.
Cost savings: By preventing more costly issues before they arise daily software maintenance can lower software owner’s overall expenses.
Increased focus on business objectives: Maintaining your software on a regular basis will help you keep up with your company’s evolving needs. Increased productivity and overall business efficiency may result from this.
Common Benefits: By enhancing functionality and user experience routine software maintenance gives the program a competitive edge.
Regulatory Compliance: By updating your software you can make sure that your application complies with all applicable laws. This is particularly crucial in sectors like national healthcare and finance where strict guidelines must be followed.
Improved Teamwork: Regular software maintenance can encourage improved collaboration between various teams including users and developers. This can help you become a better communicator and solve problems.
Reduction in downtime: Updates to software can lessen mistakes and system malfunctions. By doing this you will enhance your company’s operations and lessen the possibility of losing clients or sales.
Increased scalability: Applications that receive routine maintenance are more adaptable and can accommodate expanding user needs. This is particularly crucial for software with a big user base or expanding business.
Disadvantages of software maintenance:
Software maintenance is a part of the Software Development Life Cycle. Its primary goal is to modify and update software application after delivery to correct errors and to improve performance. Software is a model of the real world. When the real world changes, the software require alteration wherever possible.
Software Maintenance is an inclusive activity that includes error corrections, enhancement of capabilities, deletion of obsolete capabilities, and optimization.
Numerous Important Elements of Software Maintenance:
Bug fixing is the process of locating and resolving software flaws.
The process of introducing new features or making improvements to current ones in order to satisfy users changing needs is known as
Performance optimization is the process of making software faster, more reliable, and more efficient.
The process of modifying software to run on new hardware or software platforms is known as porting and migration.
Enhancing the software architecture and design to make it more scalable and maintainable is known as re-engineering.
The process of producing, revising, and keeping up with the software documentation which includes design documents, technical specifications, and user manuals.
Need for Maintenance
Software Maintenance is needed for:-
Correct errors
Change in user requirement with time
Changing hardware/software requirements
To improve system efficiency
To optimize the code to run faster
To modify the components
To reduce any unwanted side effects.
Thus the maintenance is required to ensure that the system continues to satisfy user requirements.
Types of Software Maintenance
1. Corrective Maintenance
Corrective maintenance aims to correct any remaining errors regardless of where they may cause specifications, design, coding, testing, and documentation, etc.
2. Adaptive Maintenance
It contains modifying the software to match changes in the ever-changing environment.
3. Preventive Maintenance
It is the process by which we prevent our system from being obsolete. It involves the concept of reengineering & reverse engineering in which an old system with old technology is re-engineered using new technology. This maintenance prevents the system from dying out.
4. Perfective Maintenance
It defines improving processing efficiency or performance or restricting the software to enhance changeability. This may contain enhancement of existing system functionality, improvement in computational efficiency, etc.
Difficulties with software Maintenance:
The following lists are the different difficulties in software maintenance.
Any software programs popular age is considered for a maximum of 10-15 years. Software program renovation is highly costly, because it is an open-ended process that may be maintained for decades.
More beneficial new software programs on modern hardware can outperform older software programs that were designed to paint on slow computers with less memory and garage capacity. It is common for changes to go unrecorded which can lead to more conflicts down the road.
The expense of maintaining out-of-date software rises with time. A software program can be frequently destroyed by changes. Follow-up modifications are challenging due to the original structure.
It can be challenging to find and address problems with systems that lack documentation.
It is challenging to recognize and address issues in large complex systems because they are hard to comprehend and alter. It may be necessary to modify software systems in order to meet developed user requirements which can be challenging and time-consuming.
A system that must communicate with other software or systems is challenging to maintain because modifications made to one system may have an impact on other systems.
Maintaining a tested system is challenging since it is hard to find and address issues without understanding how the system functions in different scenarios.
Without workers with the requisite training and expertise, it is challenging to maintain current and accurate systems.
Upkeep can be costly particularly for large intricate budgeting and management systems.
A well-defined maintenance procedure that regulates communication tests and validation versions, among other elements, is necessary to overcome these difficulties. Standard maintenance practices like security, testing, and error loans are also included in a precisely and clearly defined maintenance plan. Additionally, crucial are staff members who possess the knowledge and abilities to maintain their systems current.
Advantages of software maintenance:
Better software quality: Frequent software maintenance guarantees that the application functions accurately, effectively and in accordance with user requirements.
Improved Security: As part of routine maintenance safety patches and updates can be applied to make sure your program is safe from potential threats and attacks.
Proper Maintenance: Maintaining the most recent software on a regular basis encourages user acceptance and satisfaction and keeps it operating. The software can be used for longer periods of time and costly replacements can be avoided with proper maintenance.
Cost savings: By preventing more costly issues before they arise daily software maintenance can lower software owner’s overall expenses.
Increased focus on business objectives: Maintaining your software on a regular basis will help you keep up with your company’s evolving needs. Increased productivity and overall business efficiency may result from this.
Common Benefits: By enhancing functionality and user experience routine software maintenance gives the program a competitive edge.
Regulatory Compliance: By updating your software you can make sure that your application complies with all applicable laws. This is particularly crucial in sectors like national healthcare and finance where strict guidelines must be followed.
Improved Teamwork: Regular software maintenance can encourage improved collaboration between various teams including users and developers. This can help you become a better communicator and solve problems.
Reduction in downtime: Updates to software can lessen mistakes and system malfunctions. By doing this you will enhance your company’s operations and lessen the possibility of losing clients or sales.
Increased scalability: Applications that receive routine maintenance are more adaptable and can accommodate expanding user needs. This is particularly crucial for software with a big user base or expanding business.
Disadvantages of software maintenance:
Cost: Maintaining software requires a significant amount of time and resources which can be costly.
Scheduling failure: It can cause availability issues and inconvenience if maintenance interferes with regular software and business hours.
Complexity: Complex software systems can be difficult to maintain, update and call for specialized knowledge abilities.
Potential for making new errors: Its critical to fully test your program because new features may be introduced as a result of adding new features or fixing issues after maintenance.
User Resistance: User satisfaction and acceptance may be jeopardized if a user objects to a software update or modification.
Compatibility Problems: Hardware or software incompatibilities brought on by maintenance may cause problems with integration.
Absence of Documents: Software maintenance can be made more difficult and time-consuming by inadequate or nonexistent documentation which can result in mistakes or delays. If the cost of updating and maintaining software surpasses the cost of starting from scratch then technical debt can be ascribed to software maintenance over time.
Gap Skills: If maintaining a software system calls for a lack of specific knowledge or abilities the business may have to outsource or pay more.
Inadequate testing: Errors and possible security flaws may result from partial or nonexistent testing following maintenance. In the end software systems can be developed up to this point so waiting or updating is neither affordable nor practical. A costly and time-consuming system replacement may result from this.
