Application Maintenance Services: why are they important?

With the advancement of increasingly personalized business services and the demands of an increasingly fast-paced market, software applications have become the backbone of many companies: they can be used for ordering, customer relations, or even internal management. However, simple implementation is not enough. It is essential to ensure that they are constantly updated and optimized, and above all, functioning to meet the changing needs of the business. This is where the importance of Application Maintenance Services (AMS) comes in.

Why is maintenance necessary?

Often, especially with regard to software, there is a belief on the part of companies that as long as an application works, it needs nothing. In reality, there are many activities that need to be done, which we might call routine maintenance, the need for which stems from both external and internal factors. We want to mention here some of the most important ones.

Security Updates

One of the most critical aspects of application maintenance is security. With the increase in cyber threats, such as viruses, malware and DDoS attacks, it is imperative to keep applications up-to-date with the latest security patches. A task that, in most cases, cannot be done automatically, but requires expert management that can intervene promptly when problems arise.

Optimal Performance

The performance of an application can deteriorate over time due to various factors, such as increased user load, code obsolescence, or an increase in the amount of data to be handled. Regular maintenance ensures that the application is running at maximum capacity, avoiding slowdowns or service interruptions. Again, a team of experts can intervene, for example, by using the latest versions of external libraries and instructions, optimizing workloads, and so on. It should be emphasized that, in today’s indispensable continuous performance improvement, the approach must be proactive: in short, it is not enough for the system to be kept in order, but it is essential for the service provider to suggest solutions and strategies aimed at optimizing performance and, consequently, containing costs.

Regulatory Compliance and Compliance

Laws and regulations regarding data security and privacy are constantly changing. Application Maintenance Services helps companies stay compliant with current laws through software updates and changes. Examples include regulations such as NIS2, DORA and CSRD.

These are some of the main reasons why applications need to be managed under continuous maintenance, but there are numerous others that should at least be mentioned, such as Disaster recovery or activities to ensure system resilience. For this reason, when maintaining applications, it is essential to rely on experienced partners who have a deep knowledge of the infrastructure and target markets, but also of the main innovations in the field of development, management and security. We at Regesta count more than 200 people to our credit who specialize in the various issues related to systems management, SAP in particular, and can offer the right support in effective application maintenance.

Application Maintenance Services Templates

We have seen the main reasons why it is essential to have a method for application maintenance. Let us now see what are the main reference models for implementing it.

Managed Model

In this model, Application Maintenance Services are outsourced to a third-party organization. This allows the company to focus on its business strategies while maintenance is handled by outside professionals. This model is currently the most popular, with about 60 percent of companies opting for third-party services.

Cloud Model

The Cloud model offers advantages in terms of infrastructure and cost savings. Cloud-based maintenance can be accessed from anywhere via the Web, and its main advantage is improved machine uptime. Generally, however, this model has a number of limitations, stemming from the strong standardization required by host infrastructures.

On-Premise Model

In this model, infrastructure and servers are physically managed by a company’s onsite resources. This model is slowly losing popularity with the advent of managed and cloud-based maintenance, mainly because it requires a heavy investment on internal equipment and the skills required to manage it.

Costs and ROI: a data-driven perspective.

App maintenance represents a significant investment. Experts suggest that app maintenance can cost 15 to 20 percent of the total app development cost (see, for example, this article). During the first year after launch, maintenance costs can be as much as 50% of the initial app development cost. Choosing to use a managed service can help optimize these costs, due to the scaling logic normally applied by the vendor, and achieve a better level of maintenance.

Benefits of Application Maintenance Services

But what are the benefits of an application maintenance service? Let’s analyze the most interesting ones, especially from a cost-return perspective, as we mentioned just above.

Fostering business growth

Proper maintenance can accelerate business growth, opening up new opportunities for business expansion. A well-maintained product is more likely to meet market requirements, thus contributing to business growth.

Software Re-engineering

Re-engineering can improve the performance and overall appearance of the application, as well as improve its long-term maintainability. This activity, if undertaken periodically, will reduce system failures and any previously existing bugs.

Security Patches

Security patch management is the process of applying updates that will ensure that thereare no errors or vulnerabilities in the application code. This is critical to maintaining a safe and secure environment.

Managed App Maintenance: the ideal solution

Application Maintenance Services are not an option or a refinement, but a necessity in today’s technology landscape. They provide a means to ensure that applications are secure, efficient and in line with business objectives. Ignoring application maintenance can lead to serious consequences, such as security breaches, data loss and high operational costs.

Want to know how to implement the appropriate AMS model for your enterprise’s flows? Contact us, we are ready to answer your questions.