Explore custom software development
A software system can become part of everyday work long before anyone asks what would happen if its developer became unavailable. It is worth discussing continuity while you can still agree responsibilities and collect the information needed to support the service.
Understand what your business relies on
List the application, source code repository, hosting, domain names, databases and third-party accounts. Record who controls each one and which arrangements are in your company’s name. Access to a website does not automatically mean access to the underlying software or infrastructure.
Keep contractual rights separate from technical access. Whether your business owns source code, has a licence or can appoint another supplier depends on the written agreement. Do not assume that paying a development invoice settles every ownership or transfer question.
Prepare a useful continuity pack
Discuss the documentation, deployment instructions, account arrangements and recovery information another developer would need. The pack should reflect the current system rather than an early prototype. Keep credentials in an appropriate secure location with access limited to the people responsible.
Identify any paid services or components that would still need renewing. A replacement developer may need time to review the code, dependencies and deployment process before accepting responsibility for support.
Make continuity part of the brief
Ask how a handover would work and what is included in your support agreement. If an escrow arrangement or other contractual protection is being considered, obtain appropriate advice on its terms and triggers.
Digital Solutions can review an existing system and discuss the practical work needed for support or handover. A review is the starting point; the condition and accessibility of the system determine what can happen next.
Discuss your business software requirements with Digital Solutions.