Page 163 -

P
W
134 P a r t I I I : a r t I I I : W h a t Y o u C a n D oh a t Y o u C a n D o
134
Establishing a system’s life cycle gives Information Resource managers a tool to control
budgets and respond to management with a business case for the new machines, their
operation, and how you will ultimately phase them out of the organization.

From Cradle to Grave
Let’s take a closer look at what is involved in the product life cycle, from the very beginning
to the very end.
A product life cycle takes all parts of the computer’s life into consideration. Figure 7-4
shows the phases of a product’s life cycle.

Terms
At the outset of a life cycle, you must determine what your overall objective will be through
the development of a new system. That is, what capabilities and objectives will be served by
the new system? For example, if you are going to be replacing your organization’s
computers with new ones, identify why they need to be replaced. Are they not performing
up to your standards? Are they failing?
Feasibility Study
The next step is a feasibility study, which asks whether the concept for a new system is
achievable and realistic in terms of money, time, and the end result. As an outcome of the
study, you may find that all you need to do is update components of your existing system
rather than completely replace it. This saves you money, and it also prevents a computer
from having to be recycled.

1. Terms 2. Feasibility study

9. Close 3. Fact finding

4. Analysis

8. Use
5. Design

7. Implementation
and review 6. System specification

The Systems Development Life Cycle
FIGURE 7-4 A product’s life cycle takes all phases of a product’s existence into consideration.