In software engineering, maintenance is often overlooked and undervalued. However, it is the most critical lifecycle phase of software. Why? Because maintenance typically consumes 60 percent of software costs. That’s right - 60 percent. Therefore, it’s not an exaggeration to say that maintenance is the backbone of software.

When software is first released into production, there are usually many bugs and enhancements needed. It’s like filling up a bathtub with water. Initially, the water level rises quickly as bugs are fixed and features are added. However, over time, the water level drops as the software becomes more stable and requires less maintenance. This period of stability is essential to the longevity of the software. But it’s not permanent.

Eventually, the software will be pushed to the edge of its design envelope. When this happens, changes become more expensive. Enhancements are responsible for 60 percent of software maintenance costs, while error correction is roughly 17 percent. Therefore, software maintenance is largely about adding new capability to old software, not fixing it.

This is why maintenance is so crucial. Without it, software will become outdated, unable to keep up with the ever-changing demands of users. Software maintenance is the key to keeping software relevant, up-to-date, and useful. It’s a long-term investment that pays off in the form of a sustainable, functional software product.

Software maintenance is not just an afterthought, it’s the most critical phase of software. It consumes the majority of software costs and is responsible for adding new capabilities to old software. By investing in maintenance, we ensure that software remains functional, relevant, and useful for years to come.