The Systems Development Life Cycle: Maintenance

The Maintenance Phase:

1. Monitor the new system to ensure it is working as expected
2. Fix any errors (or "bugs") which may be found
3. Modify the system to accommodate any new needs which arise

Once the new system is in place, the work does not stop. The maintenance phase continues until the system is no longer in place. During this phase, the system is monitored to ensure that it is working properly and is meeting the goals established during the analysis phase. If any errors, or bugs, are found, they are fixed in the maintenance phase. In addition, the system may be modified to accommodate new needs that arise. If the new need cannot be met by the original system, the cycle starts over to design a significant modification to the system or to implement a new system. It continues until a new system is in place that meets the needs of its users.