Custom Software Lifespan: Myths vs. Reality Explained

The lifespan of software depends on numerous factors. Some may question why software developed five years ago already needs to be modernized, while others have kept the same software for 10, 15, or even 20 years without updating it. This situation can lead to major blockages when the software is no longer able to meet the current needs of the company.

Several elements influence the lifespan of custom software. Among these factors are:

• Technological Choices: Technologies evolve rapidly, and programming languages as well as frameworks can become obsolete, making the software difficult to maintain.
• Company Needs: Rapid growth or a strategic shift may require software adaptations to keep it relevant.
• Technical Debt: Every suboptimal technical decision accumulates debt, which can slow down development and make the software more expensive to maintain. The longer this debt is ignored, the heavier and more difficult it becomes to repay.
• Continuous Maintenance: Well-maintained software can last much longer, as regular maintenance, including security updates and performance optimizations, is essential to extend its lifespan.

Technical debt is a concept often overlooked, but it is crucial to understand why some software requires rewriting or modernization sooner than expected. It refers to the compromises made during initial development to accelerate delivery or reduce costs. These compromises may include suboptimal technological choices, shortcuts in the code, or unoptimized features.

While these decisions may be justified in the short term, they accumulate a “debt” that must be “repaid” in the form of additional maintenance or rewriting.

Failing to invest adequately in maintenance can lead to serious problems. Without regular maintenance, software can become slow and unreliable, impacting user satisfaction. Additionally, poorly maintained software is more vulnerable to security breaches, which can compromise the company’s data. Operating system or server updates can also render software obsolete if it isn’t updated accordingly. Finally, the costs of updating or modernizing increase over time, making software maintenance increasingly expensive.

A progressive modernization strategy is often the best approach to extend the lifespan of software. This strategy offers several advantages:

• Long-term Cost Reduction: Regular investment in modernization helps avoid costly rewrites and keeps the software in good condition.
• Performance Maintenance: Continuous modernization ensures that the software remains efficient and secure, even as technologies evolve rapidly.
• Preparation for Future Developments: By staying up-to-date, it becomes easier to add new features and integrate emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence.

It is recommended to allocate between 15% and 30% of the total software project budget to continuous maintenance and modernization. This percentage may vary depending on the complexity of the software and the company’s needs, but it is crucial to ensure that the software remains efficient and relevant over the years. At the same time, it is important to monitor and manage technical debt to prevent it from becoming a major obstacle to the software’s longevity.

The lifespan of custom software is strongly influenced by how it is maintained, modernized, and how accumulated technical debt is managed. By regularly investing in maintenance and modernization, companies can maximize the value of their software over the long term and avoid costly rewrites.

To learn more about how to effectively work with a partner for your software modernization needs, check out our guide on Working With a Software Modernization Partner: Best Practices & Key Questions.