The importance of maintenance within the software lifecycle was first pointed out in the mid 1970's. In spite of the considerable passage of time since then, no solution has been found for the various technological and managerial problems involved in maintenance. Nonetheless, the interest of most software researchers and engineers as well as journalists has been directed mainly to following methodoligies, technologies, and tools to support development of new software systems, while almost no light is being shed on maintenance problems. This consititutes SMSG's main activity, with monthly meetings planned for each sub-group.
All members belong to some or other group, as a rule.
The past and current topics of study for these groups are presented in a separate table. This forum serves not only to allow everyone to learn the status of each groups research, but also to expose the group to new SMSG research topics, thereby promoting further development of SMSG activities. Sponsorship of Symposia Symposia are held once a year, providing a venue for reporting each sub- group's research results. They heartily welcome participation of members who belong to management or staff of a maintenance division, or who are engaged in assembling maintenance workers or in planning staff rotation. This year's plan is to publish their results on a Web server, as well as to continue refining and enriching the content of their work.