Software maintenance services are now a widespread part of the software development lifecycle. It denotes all modifications and updates made after the delivery of the software product. High-quality technical support is just as important as competent product implementation. The client does not always have his own IT department. And even if the company has such a division, it is often necessary to additionally train employees on the product. Still, most customers prefer the software to be maintained by the developer in the future.
What are the main types of software for their intended purpose?
The software installed on a PC is divided into 3 types:
- Applied;
- Systemic;
- Instrumental.
Types of computer software
Systemic
It is the part of the system that helps monitor and control the hardware side of the PC. This includes programs that control the operation of RAM, central processor, video card, input and output devices, network routines.
Such software is considered:
- Drivers are small utilities, the functioning of which is to ensure the correct operation of the rest of the equipment;
- OS;
- Add-ons – language packs or screen extension settings.
The main difference between the system type is that it is not designed to perform a specific task. It is necessary to ensure the smooth operation of the rest of the computer. It can be called an intermediary between hardware and software code.
Applied
The most extensive part of the classification. This includes graphics and text editors, browsers, databases and everything that people use in their usual work at the computer. It also contains anti-virus packages, accounting and various archives.
The meaning of this variety is in fulfilling a clearly defined task: to draw, consider, open web pages, and type text. If a utility is needed for a specific execution of an action, then it is an application software.
Instrumental
Specific support for any computer equipment. It could be classified as applied, but due to the specifics of its application, it was singled out in a separate form. The main function is debugging, tuning, rewriting program code.
This includes compilers, debuggers, high-level translators, editors, interpreters, and other tools. They are necessary because technology does not understand human words. To “explain” to her what needs to be done, a special machine language is required.
It is rather difficult for basic users to constantly use this code, so systems have been developed that allow translating ordinary speech into binary, familiar to a PC.
The difference between commonly used compilers and interpreters is that the former generates a ready-made file that can be run. And the second creates an archive that functions only with the help of the service.
The common types of software maintenance
There are a number of reasons why a software development company makes product changes. The escort process involves the actions and tasks performed by the escorting organization (escort service). This process is activated in case of changes (modifications) of the software product and the corresponding documentation caused by the problems that have arisen or the need for modernization or adaptation of the software.
Changes to the existing software must not compromise its integrity. The maintenance process includes transferring software to another environment (migration) and ends with software retirement.
The maintenance process covers the following activities:
1) preparatory work;
2) analysis of problems and requests for software modification;
3) software modification;
4) inspection and acceptance;
5) software transfer to another environment;
6) software removal from service.
Brief summary
As a conclusion, we can conclude that no software product can exist without software maintenance. Since exhaustive testing is impossible, errors and inaccuracies occur immediately after launch and appear throughout the entire software life cycle. To eliminate or minimize risks, a business owner will need a technical team anyway.
