If new features are added, what methodology should the IT staff use to add functions and enhancements?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

If the inventory control system is complex, or subject to periodic upgrades and changes, the best answer would be a maintenance release approach. If this strategy is used, all noncritical changes are held until they can be implemented at the same time. Each change is documented and installed as a new version of the system, called a maintenance release. Paperback Press can use a numbering pattern to distinguish the different releases, where the initial version is 1.0, and the release that includes the first set of maintenance changes is version 1.1. A whole number change, such as from version 1.0 to 2.0, or from version 3.4 to 4.0, would indicate a significant upgrade.
The release methodology would offer several advantages to Paperback Press, especially if two teams perform maintenance work on the same system. When a release methodology is used, all changes are tested together before a new system version is released. The release methodology also reduces costs because only one set of system tests is needed for all maintenance changes. This approach results in fewer versions, less expense, and less interruption for users.