Which of the following is a disadvantage of implementing a replacement system using incremental delivery?

Implementing a replacement system using incremental delivery does have the potential downside of offering lesser functionality than the original system, especially in the initial phases of development. Incremental delivery focuses on breaking down the system into smaller, manageable parts that can be developed and delivered over time. While this approach allows for early feedback and gradual improvement, it may result in a situation where the initial increments do not provide the full range of features that users expect from the original system.

This is particularly prominent because early increments might prioritize core functionalities or quick wins to ensure user engagement and validate development approaches. Consequently, users may find that the early versions lack certain features or capabilities that were present in the original system, which can lead to dissatisfaction and hinder adoption.

In the context of software engineering, it’s essential to balance incremental delivery with expected functionality to ensure that users are not left with a product that feels incomplete. Hence, recognizing the risk of reduced functionality in the initial phases is an important consideration when choosing an incremental development strategy.