Software Lifecycle Management (SLM) Key Terms

Learn more about Software Lifecycle Management

By Terri Deno

Software Lifecycle Management (SLM) applications provide an organized way to create, test and release a software title. SLM applications can perform a variety of functions, including scheduling of each stage of production and organizing information that shows all of the possible risks in releasing the software. A standard SLM application will also see a software title through the initial release and subsequent releases for updates and additions to the original program.

Software development

The main purpose of SLM applications is to monitor software development. SLM software ensures that creation, promotion and release happen within a specified amount of time and with all the proper components to meet regulatory compliance.
Try: IBM offers requirements and requirement solutions for software development.

Deployment time

Deployment is the process in which the software moves from the development stage to the release stage. Once a program is ready for deployment, it is inspected again to see if it meets all requirements, then released.
Try: MKS offers information on getting the most from software deployment time-and-release management for a variety of titles.

Post implementation, performance audit

A post implementation review (also know as a performance audit) takes place once the software has been released. This review can be completed by the company that released the software, or it can be completed by a third-party auditing service.
Try: Macadamian provides an overview of the post implementation review process for software titles.

Future analysis

Many SLM applications provide information for software developers to determine what may happen to the software in the future. Future analysis takes place during the testing and analysis phase of SLM.
Try: Borland Software provides information on SLM solutions in testing and analysis for considering possible outcomes for the software title.

Auditability, traceability

Auditability refers to how transparent the auditing process is during the development and release of software products. Similarly, traceability is the ability to trace a specific element in the software throughout the development and implementation processes.
Try: CM Crossroads offers detailed information on the concepts of traceability and auditability in the SLM process.

Multi-platform, cross-platform

Multi-platform software is software that can be used on a variety of operating systems. These systems include Windows, Mac, Unix, Linux and other smaller operating systems.
Try: Many SLM application solutions, such as the ones from Enterprise Desktop Alliance, offer cross platform options to make software available to a wider audience.