Integrated logistics support (ILS) for software is a difficult area to discuss. The previous references to software in this text have been in the context of applications in conjunction with the hardware being developed. It seems that software is a forgotten or ignored subject when discussing support requirements. Most ILS activities are directed toward supporting hardware. Hardware support planning is easier to visualize, since the logistician can look at drawings, see what maintenance tasks must be performed, and determine the support resources that will be required. Software is not that simple. You cannot see software.

Software does not break like hardware. Once software has been delivered, it does not require maintenance to keep it operational in the same manner as hardware. The maintenance personnel that perform maintenance on hardware are not equipped to maintain the software. Either the software works, or it doesn t. Because of these facts, ILS has historically, for the most part, disregarded software support planning. However, the majority of new systems being developed for the military make extensive use of software as an integral part of the total system. Therefore, it is important that ILS disciplines consider software when planning life-cycle support.