Software Maintenance Success Recipes

Dispelling much of the folklore surrounding software maintenance, Software Maintenance Success Recipes identifies actionable formulas for success based on in-depth analysis of more than 200 real-world maintenance projects. It details the set of factors that are usually present when effective software maintenance teams do their work and instructs on the methods required to achieve success.

Donald J. Reifer—an award winner for his contributions to the field of software engineering and whose experience includes managing the DoD Software Initiatives Office—provides step-by-step guidance on how to structure the job to complete the work related to the task. Covering all phases of maintenance up to software retirement, he identifies the resources required to ready support system operation during transition and turnover, details best practices for establishing a maintenance infrastructure, and spells out a wealth of best practices aimed at maintaining and sustaining the product once it is deployed.

This book tells you how to manage today’s ever-evolving maintenance environment so you can build the foundation for sound maintenance work. It explains how to create a robust management infrastructure, ensure proper resources are available, establish a user support structure, and conduct a meaningful measurement program. Filled with real-world examples and a detailed case study that is threaded across chapters, it provides you with the understanding and tools to plan for a major upgrade and determine the best time to retire your current software systems.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Maintenance Is Everybody’s Primary Business
Chapter 2: Software Mainte.nance Overview
Chapter 3: The Maintenance Pie—What Work Needs to Be Done
Chapter 4: Ten Success Recipes for Surviving the Maintenance Battles
Chapter 5: Adequate Transition and Turnover Planning
Chapter 6: Establishing a Solid Management Infrastructure
Chapter 7: Best-in-Class Facilities
Chapter 8: Responsive User Support Structure
Chapter 9: A Focus on Regression Testing
Chapter 10: Content-Based Annual Releases
Chapter 11: Proper Resourcing (Staff and Equipment)
Chapter 12: Effective Measurement Data Utilization
Chapter 13: Being Ready for the Next Major Upgrade
Chapter 14: Knowing When to Retire the System
Chapter 15: Future Shock—An Action Plan
Chapter 16: Winning the Battles for Prestige, Resources, and Recognition
Appendix A: Acronyms
Appendix B: Glossary
Appendix C: Recommended Readings, References, and Resources