Custom Software

Custom Software Design

Would you like us to evaluate off-the-shelf packages for you?

We have experience in evaluating many software packages and technologies including: accounting packages, software distribution packages, software development packages, database packages and communications packages. We can quickly get machines up and running and test platforms set up. We can also quickly and easily set up Microsoft domain environments. Interested in exploring Linux as an alternative? We have shell programming experience, deep C language experience, terminal setups, and management and monitoring experience. Before deciding on having us custom program a solution, why not have us explore some other avenues which may save time and money? We are great at systems integration and have twenty years of experience working in heterogenous environnments.

Interested in a custom solution?

Most small businesses have common needs. We have recent experience in setting up Access 2003 databases, automating Excel chart creation as well as packaging PowerPoint presentations complete with audio soundtracks. We can write scripts to automate office procedures.

At the corporate level, we are happy to work with the tools of your choice. We have experience in all of the latest technologies including Oracle, .NET and C++. We know SqlServer, many flavors of Unix, over a dozen Microsoft O/Ses, and mainframes. We also have extensive AS/400 experience, especially experience developing in RPG/400. We have experience managing the latest AS/400 systems as well.

Additionally, we also have a tremendous amount of experience using Unix operating system utilities and writing scripts.

We also have experience with Intel Assembly language.

Rest assured, we can probably meet your needs. If we can't, we will let you know up front.

How are methodologies can benefit you

We have experience using object oriented design tools such as those provided by GDPro and Rational Rose. This is hands-on experience used to develop applications still in use today - most notably at MCI. One example of the application of object oriented principles and tools is a management and monitoring subsystem, written to state-of-the-art specifications, complete with back-end, middleware, and front ends. Management and monitoring is something we thoroughly appreciate - so much so that we have decided to implement the Dell OpenManage management tool for one of our Ossining small business clients!

Besides are ability to use state-of-the-art design tools, we also adhere to good development practices, notably through the use of a best-practices version control subsystem. Our experience in version control extends from the Microsoft SourceSafe product all the way to Adobe's Version Cue CS2. We are also familiar with native Unix source control kits such as rcs and scs. I can recall a recent web development project which was nearly derailed because of a member's unwillingness to use a source control system. Luckily, our experience got the project on track and we took over source code control which led to a successful, stable project.

Testing, testing and more testing

Orange Crystal Consulting realizes the importance of code review, regression testing, and quality control. We have realistic expectations of programmers, having been in the trenches for over twenty years. We understand that security has to be built into code from the beginning. We also realize that test data must be created which is representative of actual data. We subject our interactive programs to hard pounding and fat fingers over and over again, in a variety of conditions. We also realize that the programmer is not the best person to test the code so we make sure we have other people just to test.

Regression testing takes discipline. Once a change is introduced into code, it is important to regression test to ensure that side affects have not been introduced into the program. This is not something that the average programmer wants to do, for it can be time-consuming. Since we have hands-on experience of the rewards brought about by such regression testing, we incorporate it into our methodology. We feel regression testing to be a panning-for-gold experience. When we find the problem before the software is released, it brings riches (in the form of saved embarrassment)!

Package Pricing

Based on features and toolsets you would like to incorporate in your system, we can price a custom package accordingly. A requirements document will be created at the customer's expense to document the features that are desired. This includes any database schema, data entry program, reports, exports and interfaces.

From the requirements document, our company will be able to create a project plan, complete with milestones and deliverables.

Fee schedule is negotiable. New clients will usually be required to pay 50% up front. Existing customers of course are entitled to a preferred pricing schedule.

Call us at 914-469-7545 or email us at our office for more information. We look forward to hearing from you!