生命周期（Life Cycle）

我之前遇到一个客户，他要一个可以让远程员工递交工作报告的系统，在和他详谈后，我介绍他用：《谷歌企业应用套件》，因为他其实只是要一个简单的、可以交换咨询的系统。我说，这个软件是免费的，你可以自己网上注册使用。他听了有点不可思议的。有生意上门，不做？理由其实有几个，当今天要说的是这个：生命周期（Life Cycle）。软件是有生命周期的，就好象汽车一样，软件开始使用后，至少有三个东西是需要定时维护的。

1. 软件本身。
   
2. 软件使用的资料。
   
3. 软件运行的环境，包括硬件、作业系统、软件配件等。
   

软件不是做了，交货，收工。我说，我虽然是做软件的，但其实我不很同意随随便便就制造软件。为什么介绍他用谷歌的软件呢？因为，谷歌的服务里，包含里以上三件东西。如果他要新的软件，100%符合他的要求的，那么除了软件制作成本，他也要有心理准备，至少要承担以上三个维修费，这可是独立承担哦！
I met a client previously, he needs a system that he can monitor his subordinates progress who work in different locations. After discuss with him in detail, I recommended him with Google Apps, because he only need a simple, document/information exchange system. I said, the software/website is free, you can register online. He sounds unbelievable! I am rejecting business, am I? There are a few reasons, and what I would like to share today is: Life Cycle. Software has a life cycle, just like car, once started, you have at least, 3 items that need to be maintain from time to time.

1. The software itself.
   
2. The data.
   
3. The software execution environment, such as hardware, operating system, external third party software components that the software is using, etc.
   

Software is not a 3 steps job: Create, Deploy, and Done. I said, althought I am producing software, but I don't recommend people to simply create new software. 
Why I recommend him Google Apps? Because, in Google's service, all 3 items are included. If the client wants a new software, a 100% fit to his requirement software, he will not only need to bear the cost of software development, he has to prepare to bear the above 3 maintenance fee, alone!