Life Cycle

Successful information systems evolve over time. They are constantly being improved, modified, and expanded as the work in the organization changes, data and technology change, external pressures and opportunities cause the organization to change, and users become more and more computer savvy. No longer are systems simple and single purpose. They [Page 258]are complex, and they grow more complex over time as their “lives” go on. This “life” of a system consists of many stages, beginning with an idea and ending with implementation and eventual use. This process is known as the system development life cycle.

The typical life cycle of a system begins with a seed: an idea. Someone in the organization, some “champion” perhaps, initiates the idea that a new technology or computer application can improve the efficiency or the effectiveness of the organization. He or she then attempts to enlighten others in the organization about the benefits of the new idea. If that happens, then the idea transforms into an analysis of the situation. This analysis studies the feasibility of the new system as well as the problems associated with the way things are currently being done. Eventually, usually through a formal cost-benefit study, a needs analysis study, and other structured systems design methodologies, the “system” goes through a design process and, with proper approvals and funding, is developed (or purchased) and implemented. After testing of the hardware, software, and applications to ensure that they meet specifications and evaluating the system to determine whether it does, indeed, perform as anticipated, the system then enters an operational phase, where data, hardware, and software undergo periodic maintenance activities. Once the system becomes operational and enters this maintenance phase, the project is declared a success. This life cycle of a system is often depicted graphically, as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 System Development Life Cycle