Systems development life cycle

(SDLC, or "Software...") Any logical process used by a systems analyst to develop or redesign an information system. SDLC includes requirements, design, development, integration, testing, validation, training, user ownership, operations, analysis and maintenance. An SDLC should result in a system that meets or exceeds customer expectations, within time and cost estimates, works effectively and efficiently in the current and planned Information Technology infrastructure, is cheap to maintain and cost-effective to enhance.

Free Online Dictionary of Computing