When assessing a software project, most attention goes to what the first version will do and what it will cost. Yet most of a software product’s life happens after it goes live. Two qualities then determine its cost and usefulness: maintainability and integration.
Maintainability is the ability to change
Maintainable software is software you can understand, fix and modify without breaking everything. That means readable code, a clear architecture, automated tests and up-to-date documentation. These cost something upfront, but they significantly reduce the cost of every future change.
Signs that software is hard to maintain
- Every change causes unexpected regressions.
- Only one person really understands how the system works.
- Security updates are postponed for fear of breaking something.
- Estimates for changes keep getting longer.
Integration is the ability to work with everything else
Isolated software forces your teams to re-enter information, export files and check consistency across systems. Well-integrated software exchanges data automatically with your CRM, accounting or business tools — reliably and traceably.
Design integration in from the start
Integrations bolted on later tend to be fragile. It is better to identify upfront which systems the software must talk to, what data is exchanged and how it stays in sync. Well-designed APIs also make it easier to add new tools later.
Questions to ask your supplier
- How is the code structured and documented?
- Which automated tests are planned?
- How will security updates be handled?
- Which integrations are planned, and how will they be monitored?
- Could another team take over the project if needed?
Investing in maintainability and integration is investing in the lifespan of your software. It is often the difference between a tool that supports your growth and one you have to replace too soon.
This article offers general guidance and does not replace an analysis of your specific situation. All articles