What is a key risk associated with end-user developed applications?

End-user developed applications often represent a significant risk because management tends to rely on these applications just as much as they do on traditional, professionally developed software. This reliance can lead to various challenges since these applications may lack the necessary oversight, formal testing, and adherence to best practices that characterize traditional application development processes.

When end-users create their own applications, they may deploy solutions quickly to meet immediate business needs without involving the IT department or following standardized development methodologies. As a result, these applications may not be regularly updated, maintained, or secured adequately. If these applications fail or contain errors, it can significantly impact business operations and expose the organization to compliance or security risks.

In contrast, the other aspects mentioned in the options reflect characteristics of established development practices. They imply rigor, methodology, and review processes that are typically not present in end-user development scenarios. It's this critical gap between reliance and governance that makes the risk particularly concerning in the context of end-user developed applications.