Which term describes the overall process from concept through retirement of a system?

• A. Asset Disposal
• B. Degaussing
• C. Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
• D. System Development Life Cycle

Answer: (D)

Understanding the lifecycle of an information system from idea to retirement is key. The term that describes the complete journey of a system—from planning and design through development, deployment, operation, maintenance, and eventual retirement—is the System Development Life Cycle. This phrase covers the entire lifecycle of the system as a whole, not just a part of it.

In contrast, asset disposal refers only to ending and removing assets at the end of their life, degaussing is a data-erasure method for magnetic media, and the Software Development Life Cycle focuses on creating software rather than the entire system lifecycle. Therefore, the System Development Life Cycle is the best fit for describing the full process.