"Maintenance" - A cliche

To my software fraternity, SDLC is an old concept that each one of us is aware of. My question for you is - Which phase of SDLC do you think is the most important ? As a die- hard coder and developer my first instinct goes with Design phase. But after deep retrospection my answer would be "Maintenance and Upgradation" phase.
An application or a product in the software world would have dire repercussion if we don’t provide support to the customer in the form of defect fixes, adding new functionality as per the need. In fact one of the major revenue context is associated with the maintenance phase.

I would like to extend this for each product life cycle (use and throw can be an exception here). A product can hit a market with all the fanfare but after initial euphoria dies, it boils down as to how much the product can sustain itself with the consumer to be a success. Most Car dealers are now offering a free maintenance checkup tag to attract customers. Cola companies have to keep creating new advertisement to keep the interest of the consumers alive in its product. Imagine an Air plane after all it’s near flawless production is not maintained.

Now interestingly the extension of my theory can also be applied to life. I consider that a person’s growth can be measured by seeing how one has nurtured (in other words maintained and upgraded) one’s assets, liabilities, relationship, confidence and knowledge. I bought a new set of wheels and I now feel the hardest part is the maintenance aspect. I get the accolades if it is all washed up and propped up but get a look of disdain if it is all muddy and scratched up. Same thing applies with relationship. It is almost easy to start a new relation but it only survives if you are able to maintain it. A boy or girl is elated if they make friendship with their crushes. But the majority never works into serious relationship because they are not able to maintain it when faced with adversity and expectation. How many of you are able to keep in touch with your old friends and relatives? So the next time you buy a product or enter into a relationship, sincerely answer yourself a question – “Are you ready and able to maintain it ? ”.

To many of us the word “Maintenance” sure looks easy, boring but I feel it is one of the most difficult noun/aspect of life. I started writing blogs two days back, seeking and getting the laurels that I expected from my friends. Would I be able to maintain it??? Touché