After the project ends.
WHAT MAINTENANCE INVOLVES
Applying updates Monitoring the site Backups Fixing things that break Security
WHO DOES IT
You, the developer, or someone else.
It must be explicit.
THE COMMON FAILURE
Nobody, because nobody agreed it was theirs.
The site runs unupdated until it is compromised.
WHAT A MAINTENANCE ARRANGEMENT SHOULD COVER
What is included How often updates are applied Response time for problems What is charged extra What backups are taken
WHAT TO ASK
What happens if the site breaks on a Sunday?
The answer tells you what you are buying.
WHAT IT SHOULD COST
Proportionate to the site.
A simple site needs little.
IF YOU DO IT YOURSELF
Set a routine and follow it.
WHAT TO AVOID
Assuming the developer maintains it because they built it.
WHAT TO PUT IN WRITING
Who does what, and what it costs.
