Introduction
As a founder, one of your primary concerns is ensuring that your software or app remains functional and up-to-date without incurring high maintenance costs. Ongoing maintenance is crucial for the longevity and success of any digital product, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. This blog post will explore the best practices for minimizing maintenance costs while keeping your software or app running smoothly.
Include Maintenance in Your Contract:
When partnering with an agency to develop your software or app, it’s essential to include a maintenance clause in your contract. Ensure that 6-12 months of maintenance is part of the agreement. This proactive step guarantees that any immediate post-launch issues are addressed without additional costs, providing you with a safety net as your product gains traction.
Use Tools for Error Detection:
To manage maintenance costs effectively, it’s important to identify and prioritize critical issues. Tools like Honeybadger can detect errors that your customers might be experiencing without your knowledge. By focusing on fixing only these critical issues, you can avoid spending resources on less significant problems, thereby controlling costs.
Start with an Hourly Model:
If you’re uncertain about the maintenance expenses with your current agency, consider starting with an hourly model. This approach allows you to gauge how much time is being spent on maintenance activities. Request audited timesheets from your agency to track the number of hours allocated to different tasks. Over a period of 5-6 months, you’ll gain insights into the average maintenance hours required, helping you budget more accurately.
Plan for Future Updates:
If you’re developing an app, it’s essential to plan for future updates. Ensure that your contract with the agency includes provisions for at least one future Android and iOS version release. This inclusion ensures that your app remains compatible with the latest operating systems, reducing the risk of incurring unexpected costs due to compatibility issues.
Conclusion
Maintaining your software or app doesn’t have to be a financial burden. By incorporating maintenance into your contract, using error detection tools, starting with an hourly model, and planning for future updates, you can keep your maintenance costs under control. Regular monitoring and proactive management of your maintenance needs will further ensure that your product remains functional and cost-effective.
