Don’t settle for maintaining software – sustain and evolve it

Introduction

Building a new application is just the start of a multi-year journey to not only keep it running smoothly, but also ensure it keeps up with technology developments and customer demands.

As internal resources come under strain and tech debt rises, more organizations are exploring managed services to reduce the burden of software upkeep. 

In this issue of Perspectives, Thoughtworks experts explain how these partnerships can be structured to elevate the business from a reactive approach to maintenance and support, to one where applications are consistently refreshed and enhanced, contributing to resilience and reducing total cost of ownership.

Maintenance and tech debt drain developers’ time

Developers spend ~1 day a week dealing with technical debt

Source: Stepsize

i. Change your mindset, and forget the software ‘m’-word

A tough combination of rising vulnerabilities and waning tolerance for software failures means any missteps in maintaining an application’s integrity could spell serious financial and reputational consequences. Traditional break/fix and patch-driven methods are no longer sufficient to keep software safe, stable and up to performance expectations. 

These realities require a mindset shift where the care, focus and ingenuity that characterize the build phase of the software lifecycle carry through to the run phase. 

Surge in software vulnerabilities leaves enterprises struggling to keep up

Vulnerabilities have more than tripled over the past ten years

Source: Skybox

ii. Talent’s role in the self-healing enterprise

As companies stake more on software, the perception of maintenance as a low-value service also must go. A digital application with a high-quality codebase requires the skills and insights of qualified developers and engineers to manage. Only people with initiative can identify the improvements and automation opportunities needed to reduce the costs associated with an application, and put it on the road to outperformance. 

This kind of talent is still in short supply, but businesses that see technology as a differentiator can turn to next-level managed services, such as Thoughtworks’ DAMO™ managed services,  to help raise the internal bar.

Focuses and benefits of next-level managed services

DAMO™ Managed Services revolutionizes the way to manage digital assets

iii. Features of productive partnerships 

Turning software responsibilities over to a partner can help the business bridge critical resource and technology gaps. But not all partnerships are created equal. There are a host of factors to evaluate, from the people a provider hires and deploys on a project, to the strength of the processes and governance they have in place. 

Above all, enterprises should seek out providers who are willing to move at the organization’s speed, act as an extension of the team, and share a relentless focus on the end-customer.

Attributes of a strategic partner, versus a standard service provider

Conclusion: From savings to value, and supporting strategic ambitions 

Success in a managed services relationship can be measured in various ways. Lower costs, while an  important benefit, shouldn’t be seen as the key benchmark. What really distinguishes a partner from a provider is a willingness to embark on and invest in their client’s change journey, and consistent shared trust. 

Mutual understanding can provide a foundation for the provider to proactively identify potential improvements and push for meaningful change, delivering savings but also strategic value over the long term.