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Why Operational Software Must Change

publish date2026/06/22 22:19:47.737712 UTC

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Which of the following are valid reasons why an operational software system has to change over its lifetime to remain useful? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer

(1) Business changes generate new requirements for the software
(2) Errors found during operation need to be corrected
(3) The software must adapt to changes in its hardware and software platform
(4) Competitors introduce new features that create pressure to keep pace
(5) Non-functional characteristics such as performance may need improvement

Explanation

Operational software changes for several reasons: new business requirements, correcting operational errors, adapting to platform changes, keeping pace with competitor features, and improving performance or other non-functional characteristics. Software systems adapt and evolve throughout their lifetime from deployment to retirement.

Reference

Software Engineering, Ian Sommerville, 10th edition


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