I believe it was here, though a search has resulted in no matches, that someone had either as part of their post or in their signature, the three stages of a system. (I'm hoping it was on this forum.) I thought it was really well done, and when I went to find it again, I've been unable to.

Though I go to other message boards, I'm sure it was here. And I'm really hoping it wasn't a dream. (Which I think means I've got problems.)

I don't remember it clearly, but it's something like:

1. The system is created to fulfill a purpose.
2. The system grows to encompass multiple purposes.
3. The system becomes too large to fulfill any purpose and exists to be self-sustaining.

Any chance anyone knows what I'm talking about?

First 4WD Hypermiler

Have you read the FEH FAQ?

Live in Michigan? Let it be known in Michigan Roll Call

Read My Automotive Blog at Rich Rambles

You mean besides describing most governments?

I'm not sure I have heard it put quite this way before, but this pattern describes the life cycle of a large software system.

The original software is written to satisfy a need. If it does that reasonably well, it is expanded to deal with other, related problems. Finally, it gets so firmly entrenched that it is difficult to get rid of it - even if one knew how.

'06 FEH 2WD "Sainte Marie"

Yeah, that does sound like it.

First 4WD Hypermiler

Have you read the FEH FAQ?

Live in Michigan? Let it be known in Michigan Roll Call

Read My Automotive Blog at Rich Rambles