You wouldn't drive 50,000 miles without changing your oil.
Yet I see companies launch software and never touch it again until something breaks.
Software needs preventive maintenance just like your car.
Here's what that actually means:
→ Dependency updates — Security patches for frameworks and libraries → Database optimization — Query tuning and index maintenance → SSL certificate renewals — Before they expire and break everything → Backup verification — Testing restores, not just running backups → Monitoring review — Updating alerts as usage patterns change
Skip these and something breaks. Usually at the worst time. Usually right before a big launch or during peak season.
The maintenance nobody budgets for.
Most companies budget for the build. Few budget for the care and feeding after launch.
Rule of thumb: 15-20% of your initial build cost, annually.
A $100K build needs $15-20K/year in maintenance. A $500K platform needs $75-100K.
That sounds like a lot until you price out an emergency fix on a Saturday night.
What happens when you skip it.
I've seen the pattern dozens of times:
→ Year 1: Everything works great → Year 2: Small issues start appearing → Year 3: Performance degrades noticeably → Year 4: Security vulnerability or major outage → Year 5: Complete rebuild required
The companies that maintain their software? Still running strong on Year 8.
The choice is simple.
Pay a little now or pay a lot later.
Preventive maintenance or emergency repairs.
Your software. Your call.
What's your maintenance strategy? Drop a comment below.
#SoftwareMaintenance #TechDebt #EngineeringLeadership #SoftwareDevelopment #ProductManagement
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Philip Rehberger Founder, ScopeForged scopeforged.com
