Programming & Development

Software Development

DEVELOPMENT LANGUAGES

We develop most system objects  in C, C++, C#, Java and PHP. This not only provides ready linking to our object libraries, but also it is an area of proven fundamental competence for our organization. Our commercial and customized systems have been constructed utilizing object oriented tools and processes. Our engineers assigned to projects are degreed computer science and engineering experts, therefore there will be neither learning curve nor additional staffing necessary when we use these development tools.

Although we have developed systems utilizing non-relational database systems, we believe superior value is provided by relational database management systems.   We write our SQL to ANSI standards to minimize the amount of work necessary to adapt to different RDMS.  We have written and deployed systems utilizing MySQL, SQL Server, Oracle and DB/2.

ANALYZE, PROTO-CYCLE TEST AND REFINE PROGRAM PROCESS

Certain aspects of our development method utilize components of both agile and waterfall methods. The waterfall methods are very useful at focusing on the deliverables of a project and providing measurable and manageable progress feedback. Their weakness may be that they do not allow as much flexibility in leveraging the newer development languages, Integrated Development Environments (IDE) and tools. By utilizing current IDE’s and prototyping methods, we are able to quickly build pages and screens. We then allow the business user to inspect and provide us with rapid feedback on our approach. We retain the results of this iterative process for inclusion into the delivered system. Since the work product is retained, we term this proto-cycling. We use this as a distinction from prototyping where work product might only be used to create a model for the system. By using proto-cycle and understanding that screens and reports will be refined with user input, we acknowledge that we will iterate through this development process.

Within our plans we will always focus on the deliverables. We designate these deliverables as milestones within the project plan to assure proper emphasis is placed on their delivery. We express the agile nature of proto-cycling by providing flexibility and slack within the date ranges. We optimize our delivery (waterfall methods) but we iterate through analysis/construction. This approach, combined with a rigorous data design phase, has proven to be an effective method in delivering to our customers, an on-time, within budget, system that provides true business functionality