Question

You have developed a throw-away prototype system for a client who is very happy with it. However, she suggests that there is no need to develop another system but that you should deliver the prototype, and she offers you an excellent price for the system. You know that there may be future problems with maintaining the system. Discuss how you might respond to this customer.

Short answer

Discuss risks, propose a support plan, and weigh the offer against potential maintenance issues.

Step-by-step solution

Evaluate Prototype Viability

First, assess the current prototype to determine if it is stable and robust enough for long-term use. Consider whether it can handle expected loads and if there are any critical deficiencies that could lead to future problems.

Consider Maintenance Challenges

Reflect on the challenges that maintaining a prototype might entail, such as lack of documentation, scalability issues, or complex future feature integrations. Think about how these could affect the system's longevity and reliability.

Communicate Risks to Client

Discuss potential risks and maintenance challenges with the client. Make sure she understands the limitations of using a prototype as a permanent system and the possible need for frequent updates or bug fixes.

Propose a Support Plan

Suggest a support or maintenance plan that could accompany the prototype delivery. This plan might include scheduled updates, bug fixes, and perhaps training sessions to help the client manage the system effectively.

Evaluate Long-term Relationship

Consider how delivering the prototype might impact your long-term relationship with the client. If future problems arise, will this affect your reputation or opportunities for collaboration?

Decide on Delivery

Weigh the client's excellent offer against the potential risks and maintenance challenges. If a mutual understanding and plan for support are established, decide whether to proceed with delivering the prototype.

Key concepts

Prototype Viability

When dealing with a prototype, it's vital to determine whether it can function effectively as a long-term solution. A prototype is often designed quickly to demonstrate key features and is not always built for durability or extensive use. Therefore, evaluating its viability involves considering several factors:

• Whether the prototype is robust enough to handle everyday operations.
• If it can manage the anticipated workload without degrading performance.
• Any detectable critical deficiencies that could lead to system failures.

Ensure that the prototype meets core functional requirements and has a strong foundation to support future demands. This assessment highlights the need for careful scrutiny to make informed decisions about the client's request.

Maintenance Challenges

Maintaining a prototype as a permanent system might come with several challenges. Unlike fully developed systems, prototypes may lack good documentation, making future modifications harder. Here are some specific challenges you might encounter:

• Insufficient documentation that could complicate troubleshooting or new feature additions.
• Scalability issues if the prototype was never designed for large-scale deployment.
• The complexity of integrating future features, which might not be straightforward due to the prototype's temporary nature.

Considering these aspects can provide insights into potential future obstacles. Addressing these maintenance challenges early can help solidify the system's reliability and ease its transition into regular use.

Client Communication

Effective communication with the client is crucial when discussing the transition of a prototype to a fully operational system. This involves having frank discussions about the limitations and challenges associated with a prototype:

• Clarify the risks involved with using a prototype as a complete solution.
• Explain the potential need for frequent updates or fixes to keep the system functional.
• Ensure that the client comprehends all the ramifications of opting for a prototype over a more developed system.

This open dialogue helps build trust and aligns expectations, ensuring that the client is aware of what the prototype can realistically achieve and what it might struggle with over time.

Support Plan

A well-thought-out support plan is essential when transitioning a prototype system to use. This plan should aim to mitigate identified risks and provide a stable operational framework moving forward:

• Incorporate regular scheduled updates to address bugs and enhance functionality.
• Offer training sessions to impart basic system management skills to the client.
• Ensure there's a clear protocol for addressing unexpected issues or changes.

The support plan acts as a safety net, providing the client with reassurance and demonstrating your commitment to maintaining a functional system. This strategy also plays a role in fostering a strong, ongoing client relationship post-delivery.