Change management and configuration management are key to which phase of the SDLC?
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is “Maintenance Phase.”
Explanation:
Change management and configuration management play a crucial role during the maintenance phase of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). This phase begins after the system is deployed and involves ongoing updates and modifications to the software.
Change Management involves identifying, documenting, and controlling changes to the software or its environment. It ensures that any changes made to the system (whether in response to bug fixes, user feedback, or environmental shifts) are properly approved, tested, and implemented without disrupting the system’s functionality. Effective change management is critical in the maintenance phase, as it helps to keep track of modifications and ensure that new changes do not interfere with the existing system components.
Configuration Management refers to managing the system’s components, software, and hardware configurations. It involves ensuring that the system’s configurations are consistent, properly documented, and controlled throughout its lifecycle. In the maintenance phase, configuration management ensures that the system is consistently updated and that all configurations are tracked so any change to the system can be traced back to its origin. This prevents issues related to version control, especially when different team members or stakeholders are working on the system.
Both these management processes help ensure that the system remains stable, efficient, and aligned with business requirements after deployment. Without proper change and configuration management, the software could face performance issues, security vulnerabilities, and increased difficulty in maintaining or scaling the system.
Therefore, the maintenance phase is key for ensuring that software continues to function optimally as it evolves over time.