Custom Software
I have extensive experience in all aspects of the software development life cycle. I have defined companies' software development processes, and managed multi-million dollar projects. I have also remained very active in design and coding for more than 15 years, using a wide variety of languages and technologies.
My primary expertise lies in the following areas:
- Project management
- Business case, requirements analysis, and system definition
- Custom Unix/Linux servers (daemons) or network applications
- Back-end/database applications
- Custom Linux or BSD device drivers
- Code review, profiling, and optimization
- Open source software integration
- Software documentation and maintenance
- Middleware / libraries
- Software configuration management (SCM) tools and best practices
While I always advocate choosing the right tool for each project, I have also put together some specific information on my Perl programming expertise.
Requirements gathering and project planning/estimation is a significant and critical phase of every project. For projects where more definition is required to give a confident estimate, I am happy to provide my expertise in these services as part of the overall development.
First Steps
How we get started is up to you; I am flexible enough to work within your business model. Typically, clients would either submit an RFP, or simply contact me to discuss requirements. For projects where confidentiality is a concern, we can of course execute a Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement (mine, or yours) before sharing proprietary information.
Proposal and Billing Arrangements
I would normally provide you with a detailed proposal and statement of work for your project, which would outline the billing terms. The billing terms are flexible, but usually involve a small deposit, and payments on a milestone basis.
Rates
I maintain competitive industry rates for individuals and companies with similar experience. Pricing for each project is based primarily on the estimated complexity of the project, and the required timeline for completion.
Projects with relaxed timelines can often be interleaved with other work, which can significantly reduce overall development costs.
Footnote on Outsourcing
You will always work directly with me. On certain projects, I can also secure external developers if necessary, but only with your approval! In any case, I will always personally review every deliverable you receive. (I have to; it will have my name on it!)