Learn in the textbookPromoting and Evaluating System Utilization
DefinitionMaintenance cost (メンテナンスコスト) is the cost that keeps arising every year for maintenance so that a system can stay in use after go-live.
ExplanationHandling failures, modifications for law revisions or business changes, software updates, and maintenance contract fees all fall under it. The longer a system is used, the larger the cumulative amount grows, so cost-effectiveness is judged with this cost included, not only the initial cost.
AnalogyA car keeps running only if you keep paying for inspections, servicing and new tires after you buy it.
Memory hookMaintenance comes from a word meaning to keep something going.