A new study from Fraunhofer IZM and its partners commissioned by the German Environment Agency has explored the mechanisms behind software obsolescence with an aim to provide practical recommendations for policy makers.
We depend increasingly on the convenience of intelligent electronic gadgets as technology becomes increasingly ingrained in our daily lives. However, when a system flaw prevents an intelligent electronic device from operating correctly while having excellent hardware health, all that satisfaction is abruptly lost. A recent study funded by the German Environment Agency identified new dangers to the longevity of intelligent electronic gadgets.
In this study, Fraunhofer IZM and its collaborators examined the factors contributing to software obsolescence and made helpful recommendations for political decision-makers. According to the results, users' expectations for long-term product functionality may only be met if manufacturers provide adequate support.
The findings from this study demonstrate the importance of considering customer expectations when creating intelligent electronic devices for them to remain functional over their entire lifetime. Manufacturers must ensure that their products are updated regularly and provide users with clear information on how to access these updates if needed.
The research team identified four main drivers that could lead to software obsolescence: market maturity, technical complexity, changes in standards, and changes in consumer behavior or preferences. They recommended that manufacturers integrate updates into their products to ensure a longer service life and consider customer needs when designing products so that they remain attractive over time.
In addition, manufacturers should actively inform customers about updates and provide them with clear information on how to access them. Companies need transparency regarding any changes made to their products so that customers can make informed decisions about whether or not they want to continue using them.
The Environmental Agency hired researchers from three prominent German institutions to conduct a thorough study that included status reporting, consumer surveys, and product group analyses to understand this problem better and identify ways to mitigate it. The results of this study led to practical solutions that could be applied to either individual users or structural levels.
This innovative group lays the groundwork for understanding the intricate connections between applications, product design, and environmental sustainability. Their work varies from small smart thermostats to more significant problems like Battery gates regarding how functionalities can be altered when device requirements change.
With the ever-growing demand for more advanced systems and devices, software obsolescence is poised to become an increasing concern. To better understand this phenomenon, a research team investigated three key aspects: security, functionality, and compatibility of computerized systems to expose any invisible flaws that may creep into existence due to continuous flux between customer requirements and expectations.
Researchers have developed creative ideas for extending product lives through software to assist consumers get the most out of their purchases. The three major concepts are that before releasing a product, producers must conform to minimal standards, devices must be able to function independently, security updates must be accessible for at least ten years, and systems must have easily accessible interfaces. Additionally, they advise manufacturers to be open about system requirements and support durations so that customers may make well-informed purchases.
Read next: Fake public Wi-Fi networks are found to be more common than juice jacking
We depend increasingly on the convenience of intelligent electronic gadgets as technology becomes increasingly ingrained in our daily lives. However, when a system flaw prevents an intelligent electronic device from operating correctly while having excellent hardware health, all that satisfaction is abruptly lost. A recent study funded by the German Environment Agency identified new dangers to the longevity of intelligent electronic gadgets.
In this study, Fraunhofer IZM and its collaborators examined the factors contributing to software obsolescence and made helpful recommendations for political decision-makers. According to the results, users' expectations for long-term product functionality may only be met if manufacturers provide adequate support.
The findings from this study demonstrate the importance of considering customer expectations when creating intelligent electronic devices for them to remain functional over their entire lifetime. Manufacturers must ensure that their products are updated regularly and provide users with clear information on how to access these updates if needed.
The research team identified four main drivers that could lead to software obsolescence: market maturity, technical complexity, changes in standards, and changes in consumer behavior or preferences. They recommended that manufacturers integrate updates into their products to ensure a longer service life and consider customer needs when designing products so that they remain attractive over time.
In addition, manufacturers should actively inform customers about updates and provide them with clear information on how to access them. Companies need transparency regarding any changes made to their products so that customers can make informed decisions about whether or not they want to continue using them.
The Environmental Agency hired researchers from three prominent German institutions to conduct a thorough study that included status reporting, consumer surveys, and product group analyses to understand this problem better and identify ways to mitigate it. The results of this study led to practical solutions that could be applied to either individual users or structural levels.
This innovative group lays the groundwork for understanding the intricate connections between applications, product design, and environmental sustainability. Their work varies from small smart thermostats to more significant problems like Battery gates regarding how functionalities can be altered when device requirements change.
With the ever-growing demand for more advanced systems and devices, software obsolescence is poised to become an increasing concern. To better understand this phenomenon, a research team investigated three key aspects: security, functionality, and compatibility of computerized systems to expose any invisible flaws that may creep into existence due to continuous flux between customer requirements and expectations.
Researchers have developed creative ideas for extending product lives through software to assist consumers get the most out of their purchases. The three major concepts are that before releasing a product, producers must conform to minimal standards, devices must be able to function independently, security updates must be accessible for at least ten years, and systems must have easily accessible interfaces. Additionally, they advise manufacturers to be open about system requirements and support durations so that customers may make well-informed purchases.
Read next: Fake public Wi-Fi networks are found to be more common than juice jacking
