There are numerous articles on the web about how to choose a software or web developer and effectively communicate your needs and requirements to them. This is our take on the process which is borne out of years of experience within the sector.
Archive for the ‘Bespoke software’ Category
How to choose a software developer
Monday, January 30th, 2012Intuitive design – not so intuitive.
Thursday, January 5th, 2012As a software and web developers we strive to create intuitive business solutions for our clients. However over the years we have discovered that what is intuitive for some is not for others.
Challenging your clients is good for them
Friday, November 18th, 2011In any project we undertake, whether it be a content managed website or a complex business system we like to challenge our clients as to what they want versus what they actually need. But does this approach actually benefit them? We certainly thinks it does.
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Should software companies charge for maintenance agreements?
Monday, October 10th, 2011I was listening to the Radio 4 – The Bottom Line – again, recently ( I’m getting quite into R4 – must be an age thing)! The Chief Executive of Sage was on saying that they could almost give the software away as they make their money through the service agreements; is this right?
The business benefits of software isn’t necessarily “Computer Says, you’re fired!”
Wednesday, June 1st, 2011The Guardian published a thought provoking article recently with the attention grabbing headline “Computer Says you’re fired.” The premise of the article being that software is replacing people in the workplace. This is not always the case and there are great advantages of using software to aid business growth. (more…)
A useful reminder for this weekend!
Friday, March 25th, 2011Why you need an software architect; the building project analogy
Wednesday, December 8th, 2010During a discussion with a business colleague the other day, I used an analogy – the building project analogy – that we use to explain why we insist on understanding clients needs before embarking on any bespoke software development. Without out having a clear set of outcomes, it is almost impossible to delivery a solution and will lead to inflated costs without undertaking this vital step. After all, you would not build a house without first getting an architect to draw up a set of plans, would you?
The importance of User Acceptance Testing
Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010User Acceptance Testing (UAT) is essential for the successful implementation of any bespoke system and relies on the end user – often the client – investing sufficient time into the process. So what should you – the client – be expected to do, or is this simply an excuse that developers use to get you to debug their code?
Software horror stories and escrow
Tuesday, October 26th, 2010We are talking to a potential client this week, who had bought a software package from a reputable software company around 18 months ago. Unfortunately the supplier has gone into administration, so the client approached the administrators about buying the source code. This would allow them to continue using the package, whilst sourcing a provider for technical support and ongoing changes. The administrator said they could have the source code, but it would cost them several thousand pounds! So what should you do and perhaps more importantly how do you avoid this happening to you?
Bespoke software allows you to have your cake and eat it
Friday, September 24th, 2010Bespoke software can fill the gap between off-the-shelf solutions and your business requirements. Off-the-shelf solutions often provide most of the functionality businesses need, but often they find that their business processes don’t quite match the generic processes these solutions provide. A good example is where businesses use a standard accounting solution like Sage Line 50 or QuickBooks that doesn’t match their sales order processing. Bespoke software can fill this gap, enabling you to take advantage of the lower costs associated with these types of applications and investing in the specific needs that these solution don’t provide.
