Software Maintenance and Support Services

Keep existing software stable, secure, compatible, and easier to operate as technical requirements change. Unisam supports web applications, SaaS platforms, mobile apps, business systems, APIs, integrations, and legacy applications through ongoing maintenance, issue resolution, updates, monitoring, and technical support.

We can work with software developed by our team or assess an existing application created by another provider before taking over its ongoing maintenance.

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Our Services

Software Maintenance and Support Services We Provide

Our software maintenance and support services cover the technical work required to keep existing applications functioning reliably after launch. The scope can include resolving defects, maintaining compatibility, improving performance, applying security updates, and responding to production issues as they arise.

Bug Fixing and Issue Resolution

Software defects can affect individual features, integrations, workflows, or an entire application. Maintenance may involve investigating the source of an issue, correcting the affected code, validating the fix, and checking related functionality for regressions.

Support can include:

Frontend and backend bug fixes
Production error investigation
Failed workflow resolution
API and integration troubleshooting
Database-related issues
Recurring defect analysis
Regression fixes after changes or updates

The goal is not only to resolve the visible problem, but also to understand whether the issue is isolated or connected to a broader technical dependency.

Application Monitoring and Performance Optimization

Applications can become slower or less reliable as data volumes grow, integrations change, usage patterns evolve, or infrastructure reaches new limits.

Ongoing maintenance can include monitoring application health and investigating performance problems such as:

Slow page or application response times
Database query bottlenecks
High resource consumption
Integration delays
Background process failures
Recurring application errors
Infrastructure-related performance issues

Performance work may involve code optimization, database tuning, caching adjustments, infrastructure changes, or improvements to resource-intensive workflows.

Security Updates and Vulnerability Fixes

Software dependencies, frameworks, libraries, and infrastructure components change over time. Security vulnerabilities may also be discovered after an application has been released.

Software maintenance can include:

Security patch implementation
Dependency updates
Framework and library updates
Vulnerability remediation
Configuration review
Removal or replacement of unsupported components
Validation after security-related changes

The specific maintenance approach depends on the application's architecture, dependencies, hosting environment, and current software versions.

Version, Framework, and Dependency Upgrades

Existing software may rely on technologies that eventually become outdated, unsupported, or incompatible with other systems.

Maintenance work can include:

Framework version upgrades
Programming runtime updates
Library and package updates
Database version upgrades
Third-party API updates
Browser compatibility changes
Operating environment updates
Hosting or infrastructure compatibility changes

Upgrades should be assessed before implementation because changes to one component can affect connected features, integrations, or deployment environments.

Feature Enhancements and Software Improvements

Maintenance is not limited to fixing problems. Existing software often needs smaller improvements as business processes and user requirements change.

This can include:

Updating existing functionality
Adding smaller features
Improving workflows
Refining user interfaces
Improving application usability
Adjusting permissions or business rules
Enhancing existing integrations
Improving scalability in specific areas

Larger product changes or major new modules may require a separate custom software development scope rather than routine maintenance.

Ongoing Technical Support

Software maintenance support services can include troubleshooting, production incident investigation, technical requests, deployment support, and developer-level assistance based on the agreed scope.

Depending on the support arrangement, this may include:

Production troubleshooting
Investigation of technical incidents
Assistance with recurring application issues
Integration troubleshooting
Deployment-related support
Technical requests
Issue escalation
Developer-level investigation

Support arrangements should define responsibilities, communication channels, priorities, and response expectations before ongoing work begins.

Understanding the Difference

Software Maintenance vs. Software Support

Maintenance and support are closely related, but they serve different purposes.

Typical activities in software maintenance and software support. Responsibilities can overlap depending on the agreed scope.
Software Maintenance	Software Support
Usually proactive or planned	Usually reactive or issue-driven
Security and dependency updates	Production incident resolution
Framework and version upgrades	Troubleshooting
Performance improvements	Technical assistance
Preventive code changes	Issue escalation
Compatibility updates	Investigation of operational problems

Software maintenance focuses on keeping an application technically healthy over time.

Software support focuses on responding when users, administrators, or systems encounter technical issues.

A complete software support and maintenance arrangement combines proactive technical work with a defined process for responding to operational issues. Planned maintenance helps reduce avoidable technical problems, while support provides a process for handling issues that still occur during operation.

Types of Software Maintenance We Handle

Software maintenance is commonly divided into four categories. Each addresses a different reason for changing an existing application.

Corrective Maintenance

Corrective maintenance addresses defects that already exist in the software.

Examples include:

Fixing functional errors
Resolving failed workflows
Correcting integration problems
Repairing calculation or data-processing issues
Fixing production defects
Addressing unexpected application behavior

The purpose is to restore the affected functionality to its intended operation.

Adaptive Maintenance

Adaptive maintenance keeps software compatible with changes outside the application itself.

This may be required when:

A third-party API changes
An operating environment is updated
A framework reaches end of support
Infrastructure changes
A browser introduces compatibility changes
A database or runtime version changes
Business or technical requirements evolve

Adaptive work allows existing software to continue operating within a changing technical environment.

Preventive Maintenance

Preventive maintenance addresses technical risks before they cause larger operational problems.

Typical work may include:

Updating dependencies
Refactoring fragile code
Removing obsolete components
Improving error handling
Addressing recurring technical debt
Strengthening monitoring
Improving maintainability
Resolving known risk areas

Preventive maintenance is especially relevant for applications expected to remain in use for a long period.

Perfective Maintenance

Perfective maintenance improves software that already functions but could work better.

Examples include:

Performance improvements
User experience refinements
Workflow optimization
Improvements to existing features
Code maintainability improvements
Minor functionality enhancements

It focuses on improving the value or efficiency of an existing system rather than correcting a failure.

Supported Applications

Software We Can Maintain and Support

Maintenance requirements vary significantly between applications, so the first step is understanding how the existing system is built and operated.

The approach to maintenance and support for software depends on the application's architecture, technology stack, integrations, operating environment, and current technical condition.

The scope may include:

Custom Business Software

Internal or customer-facing applications developed around specific operational processes, workflows, permissions, and integrations. When a system requires substantial new functionality rather than routine upkeep, it may move into a broader custom software development scope.

SaaS Platforms

Subscription-based applications may require ongoing fixes, feature improvements, infrastructure changes, dependency updates, and production support. For larger product changes or new SaaS functionality, the work may overlap with SaaS development.

Web Applications

Browser-based applications with frontend, backend, database, API, and infrastructure components. Maintenance can continue after an initial web development project or begin after taking over an existing web application.

Mobile Applications

Existing mobile apps may require bug fixes, operating-system compatibility updates, API maintenance, or improvements to existing functionality. More substantial functionality or platform changes may require a separate mobile app development scope.

CRM and ERP Systems

Custom or heavily integrated business systems may require ongoing changes to workflows, permissions, integrations, reporting, or data handling. Applications with substantial CRM-specific requirements may also relate to CRM development services, while larger ERP changes may require ERP development services.

APIs and Integrations

APIs and integrations connecting applications with payment systems, business platforms, third-party services, or internal software may require maintenance when external services change or integration errors appear.

For SaaS products, ongoing API work may also involve SaaS API integration when new services or external platforms need to be connected.

Legacy Applications

Older software that still supports important business operations may rely on outdated frameworks, dependencies, infrastructure, or development practices.

Software Developed by Another Provider

The original development team does not always remain available for the full life of an application.

Before taking responsibility for an existing third-party codebase, the software should be assessed to understand:

Architecture
Code quality
Technology versions
Dependencies
Infrastructure
Documentation
Known defects
Security concerns
Integrations
Deployment process

The findings help determine what can be supported immediately and what may need stabilization first.

Our Software Maintenance and Support Process

A structured handover helps reduce uncertainty when maintaining an existing application.

1. Application Assessment and Handover

The first stage is understanding the current system.

This may include reviewing:

Source code
Architecture
Application environments
Hosting infrastructure
Databases
Dependencies
Integrations
Deployment procedures
Existing documentation
Known bugs
Current technical risks

When the software was created by another provider, this stage is also used to identify missing access, documentation, credentials, or technical information required for ongoing support.

2. Support Plan and SLA Definition

Once the application and maintenance requirements are understood, the support arrangement can be defined.

The software maintenance support plan should define responsibilities, issue priorities, escalation paths, communication channels, and response expectations before ongoing work begins.

This may establish:

Maintenance scope
Included systems
Roles and responsibilities
Issue priority levels
Communication channels
Escalation procedures
Maintenance windows
Reporting expectations
Response expectations
Release procedures

If an SLA is required, its terms should reflect the actual support model and the operational importance of the software.

3. Monitoring and Ongoing Maintenance

Routine maintenance focuses on keeping the software technically current and identifying problems before they become larger issues.

Depending on the application, this can include:

Application monitoring
Error review
Security updates
Dependency updates
Routine bug fixes
Performance checks
Integration maintenance
Database maintenance
Compatibility updates
Minor software improvements

The maintenance schedule should be based on the needs and risk profile of the application rather than applying the same frequency to every system.

4. Incident Resolution and Continuous Improvement

When an issue occurs, the process may include:

Recording and prioritizing the issue
Reproducing the problem where possible
Investigating the root cause
Developing and testing a fix
Deploying the approved change
Monitoring the result
Documenting recurring or related risks

Recurring incidents can also reveal areas where preventive maintenance or architectural improvements are needed.

The Value of Ongoing Care

Benefits of Ongoing Software Maintenance

Ongoing maintenance helps an application adapt as its technology, users, and business requirements change.

Higher Reliability

Regular maintenance can help identify recurring defects, outdated components, and technical risks before they cause more significant disruption.

It also creates a defined process for responding when production problems occur.

Stronger Security

Applications depend on frameworks, libraries, packages, infrastructure, and third-party services that change over time.

Maintaining these components helps reduce exposure to known vulnerabilities and unsupported software.

Long-Term Software Value

Maintain Today.
Adapt for Tomorrow.

A maintenance approach shaped around the application can support its continued use as operating conditions evolve.

Address recurring defects and technical risks
Keep changing components maintained
Review performance as usage grows
Extend useful life through targeted updates

Better Performance

An application that performed well when first released may behave differently as data, traffic, integrations, or business processes grow.

Performance maintenance helps identify and address bottlenecks as operating conditions change.

Longer Software Lifespan

Software does not necessarily need to be replaced simply because its surrounding technology evolves.

Updates, compatibility changes, preventive maintenance, and targeted modernization can allow an existing application to continue supporting business operations for longer.

Existing Applications. Structured Support.

How We Support Existing and Inherited Software

Existing software often requires a different approach from a newly developed application because the current technical condition, documentation, dependencies, and operational history may not be fully known.

Technical Assessment Before Takeover

For applications created by another development provider, the codebase and technical environment can be reviewed before an ongoing maintenance scope is established.

The assessment can examine:

Code structure
Architecture
Dependencies
Infrastructure
Deployment process
Integrations
Documentation
Known defects
Unsupported technologies
Security or maintainability concerns

This helps identify what can be supported immediately and whether stabilization work is needed before routine maintenance begins.

For examples of software projects and implementation contexts, you can also review our software development case studies.

Development and Testing of Maintenance Changes

A maintenance change can affect functionality outside the area being modified.

Bug fixes, dependency updates, upgrades, and feature improvements should therefore be validated against relevant application functionality before release.

Depending on the change, this may involve:

Functional testing
Regression testing
Integration testing
Deployment validation
Post-release monitoring

The testing approach should reflect the impact and risk of the maintenance change.

Planned and Reactive Support

Some maintenance work can be planned in advance, while other work begins when an operational issue occurs.

Planned work may include:

Dependency updates
Framework upgrades
Security patching
Performance improvements
Compatibility changes
Preventive maintenance

Reactive work may include:

Production incidents
Application errors
Failed integrations
Unexpected behavior
Technical troubleshooting

Combining planned maintenance with reactive support provides a practical approach to managing software after launch.

Software Maintenance and Support

Frequently Asked Questions

What are software maintenance and support activities?

Software maintenance covers technical changes made to keep an existing application reliable, secure, compatible, maintainable, or efficient.

Software support focuses on responding to incidents, technical problems, troubleshooting requests, and other operational issues.

The exact scope depends on the application and the agreed support arrangement.

What is the difference between software maintenance and software support?

Maintenance is generally proactive or planned. It includes work such as updates, patches, performance improvements, dependency upgrades, and preventive changes.

Support is generally reactive. It includes investigating incidents, troubleshooting problems, resolving production issues, and handling technical requests.

Many ongoing engagements combine both.

What are the four types of software maintenance?

The four commonly recognized types are:

Corrective maintenance: fixing existing defects
Adaptive maintenance: adjusting software to external changes
Preventive maintenance: reducing future technical risks
Perfective maintenance: improving existing software

A single application may require all four at different points in its lifecycle.

Can you maintain software developed by another company?

An existing application can be assessed before a maintenance scope is agreed.

The assessment typically considers the codebase, architecture, dependencies, infrastructure, integrations, documentation, deployment process, and known technical issues.

The condition of the application determines whether maintenance can begin directly or whether stabilization work is needed first.

What types of software can be maintained?

Maintenance can apply to many forms of business software, including:

Web applications
SaaS products
Mobile apps
Internal systems
CRM and ERP solutions
Custom business applications
APIs and integrations
Legacy software

The ability to support a specific application depends on its technology, architecture, access, documentation, and current technical condition.

What is included in software maintenance?

The scope may include:

Bug fixing
Monitoring
Security patches
Dependency updates
Framework upgrades
Performance improvements
Compatibility updates
Integration maintenance
Minor feature improvements
Technical troubleshooting

Not every application requires every service.

How do you onboard an existing application?

Onboarding usually starts with access to the relevant codebase, environments, infrastructure, documentation, integrations, and issue history.

The application is then reviewed to identify its architecture, dependencies, current problems, technical risks, and maintenance requirements.

A support scope can be defined after that assessment.

Do you provide SLA-based software support?

An SLA can be used when a support engagement requires defined priorities, responsibilities, escalation procedures, or response expectations.

The appropriate terms depend on the application's operational requirements and the agreed support model.

How much does software maintenance and support cost?

Cost depends on factors such as:

Application size and complexity
Technology stack
Codebase condition
Number of integrations
Maintenance scope
Required support coverage
Incident volume
Upgrade requirements
Frequency of planned improvements

A technical assessment is usually needed before the ongoing maintenance effort can be estimated responsibly.

Keep Your Software Stable, Secure, and Up to Date

Existing software requires ongoing attention as technologies, dependencies, integrations, and operational requirements change.

A maintenance engagement can address current defects while also providing a process for updates, technical support, compatibility work, and preventive improvements.

Discuss Your Maintenance Requirements Request a Software Assessment