How to Write a Software Maintenance Plan
Software developers work hard to ensure the programs they create are free of errors and provide all the necessary features. However, every scenario cannot be anticipated and there are often errors or missing features that can be corrected later with updates to the software. Having a written software maintenance plan can ensure your programs are working correctly. Here are some helpful guidelines.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Determine what software needs to be included in the plan. Not every piece of software needs to or can be updated. Make sure that you have the important ones--operating systems, security, virus protection and production software.
-
2
Determine how the software titles are updated. Most software updates can be downloaded from the Internet. A small number may need to have a CD shipped for updates to be applied. Make sure you know which you have.
-
-
3
Determine update frequency. Some software have annual updates, some update daily. For the software maintenance plan to be effective, you need to update as soon as the updates are available.
-
4
Write the plan out. Never leave anything to chance with a software maintenance plan. Write it down so anyone can follow the directions.
-
5
Select a test machine. Never install updates across a large number of computers until you have tested the updates on a single PC. Updates can cause unexpected results, and you want to make sure that your software maintenance plan improves performance, not hinders it.
-
6
Implement the software maintenance plan. Once you have everything ready and you have tested the plan, implement it and keep your software up-to-date.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Try to pick a time when a small number of users are on to run updates. This will cause the least amount of disruption.
