"In Service" phase of a project - how do I define it?

[Clydesdalestu]

Hi,

I've been asked (by a particularly ineffective member of my management team) to write a definition for the "In Service" phase of a project lifecycle document he's trying to compile. By this, I assume he means the part of a project where the product has been developed and delivered, but needs support from engineers relating to servicing, maintenance, expected lifetime, repairs etc etc. Probelm is, I know absolutely nothing about any of this (my background is marketing), so I wondered if anyone could point me in the direction of a definition that I could "take inspiration from" (plagiarise.....).

I've searched the web as well as I can, but never having done any work in this field before, I don't really even know what terms to search for. I haven't been able to find anything so far and I'm pretty sure that's why he's asked me to do it, as I reckon he couldn't find anything to whip off the web himself!

Any ideas or suggestions welcome,

Many thanks in advance,

Stu.

[murphster]

'Support and Maintenance' or 'Product Warranty'?

[rgw2012]

That would be the service transition and operational acceptance part of the project (which should be a thread throughout the entire project not just a consideration at the end!)

[V8mate]

After sales support?

[mattdaniels]

BAU / Post Implementation Support & Maintenance

[beko1987]

Aftercare? Contingency Plan? (wont be wholly that but its a consideration)

Our company used 'Post Go-Live Support' as the description when the project officially went live, although I agree its a crap phrase!