Software Engineering

19.5 
 Post-development process tasks (software 
implementation stage)
1. 
Define and implement the software replication process
. The software replica-
tion process should define the equipment and software applications needed to 
produce electronic copies of software executables on the desired distribution 
media. The process and procedures for software replication should be identified 

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CHAPTER 19 
Software Implementation
and verified to ensure that the replication process is ready to support software 
deployment. This should include the packaging of the distribution media, manu-
als, warranty information, etc., so that it may be distributed to customers or 
retail/resale outlets, as appropriate.
2. 
Define and implement the software distribution process
. The software distribu-
tion process and the equipment and software applications needed to package, 
distribute, or deploy the software product should be defined. Software distribu-
tion may involve: (1) establishing an Internet-based distribution approach, (2) 
employing a dedicated sales team, or (3) establishing distribution and sales 
channels for packaged merchandise. This may include methods for single-item 
distribution, mass quantity conveyance to retail or resale outlets, and Internet 
file download mechanisms. International distribution should be explored and 
compliance with country-unique regulations concerning the distribution of soft-
ware products must be investigated. If the software product is being developed 
for a single customer, then distribution involves delivery, setup, and check-out 
of the software product.
3. 
Define and implement the software training process
. The software training 
material and mechanisms must be defined and prepared. Training may be in the 
form of Internet-based instruction, software-based tutorials, or classroom hands-
on training. Training materials should be prepared based on the established soft-
ware configuration and authorized engineering change proposals.
4. 
Define and implement the software sustainment processes
. The software and cus-
tomer support processes should be defined and the equipment and software appli-
cations needed to provide product and customer support must be identified. The 
customer support process may involve phone or online-based help desks or other 
mechanisms to provide assistance to customers and to record and track software 
problem reports. Software sustainment processes involve the software develop-
ment equipment and applications that enable the resolution of software defects 
within source code files, and the issuance of software patches or service packs.
Note:
 The software sustainment process does not involve the effort to provide 
preplanned product improvement or the advancement of software versions in 
an iterative or spiral manner. Spiral or incremental efforts involve an intentional 
software development effort that warrants an organizational commitment and 
project instantiation.
5. 
Support ECR evaluations
. The post-development process representatives to the 
SWE-IPT should participate in evaluating ECRs and determining the appropri-
ate architectural resolution.