SAND Services Inc.

About us:

How we work

How we work:

In many ways, building custom software is like building a custom house. It's an investment that matches your needs now and for the foreseeable future, while providing advantages that are not readily available in the standard offerings. Here's how we get it done:

step 1: Consultation

Custom software development may involve coupling together prebuilt components, extending or modifying existing systems, building from scratch using a custom design, or a mix of approaches. Projects range in size from small (1-5 people for a few weeks), to large (5-20 people for several months). Larger projects may be broken down into smaller component projects. Teams are built based on the needs of the project. Knowing what kind of work you need, and then choosing the right group to do it is important.

SAND Services Inc. specializes in data intensive custom web applications. If that sounds like what you need, then call or email us for a free consultation.

Initial consultation is free. If we can be of service then we will arrange a time to meet and discuss your project. Normally we can assess your overall scope and goals within a day or so. Extended consultation is also available for evaluation of technologies, business goals, existing systems, software architecture, and other services.

step 2: Architecture and Project Definition

Once the project goals and scope are mutually understood, the next step is to define the project with enough detail to accurately determine cost, and to create the software equivalent of architectural drawings for your custom application. We provide this information to you through a detailed, password protected extranet website that includes

The application objective and supporting technologies to be used The primary user interactions Initial user interface requirements and primary navigation headings The application data model and authorization requirements The processing modules comprising the application, lines of communication, and service integration points An initial project plan detailing necessary development effort

The software architecture and initial project definition is an extensive process normally taking about 2 weeks of effort spread out over about 3 weeks of elapsed calendar time. Our experience has shown this results in enough detail to mitigate risk, while providing a fast track to actual implementation. During the architecture phase we will be in frequent contact with you to discuss choices and verify design progress. Because our unique process builds the data model and system module documentation directly from source code, we are verifying the architecture can be built as it is created.

The software architecture and project definition marks the start of your business relationship with SAND Services Inc. In many respects this is the most valuable part of our service to you, as we bring our decades of experience to your project. However we also recognize that we need to prove our value and so we offer this service at a flat rate of $5000. Of this, $2500 is committed to start, with the remaining $2500 paid when you are satisfied with the design.

When branding, custom graphics, or other visualization is integral to the project design, it may be helpful to engage the services of a graphic designer during the design phase. We can recommend designers and work with whoever you choose.

At the conclusion of the software architecture and initial project definition you will have a clear view of what will be built and what steps will be required to build it. Our goal is to create full confidence in a clear development path as free as practicable from surprises, miscommunication or other drama.

step 3: Phased Development

After the software architecture and initial project definition is accepted, development proceeds according to the project plan, which is divided into development phases approximately two weeks in length. At the end of each phase, the defined functionality becomes available for use. Experience has shown this approach provides the best view of the application as it is realized. It also allows the project to remain flexible if business needs change during the development process. We work with you to determine the priorities for each phase, giving you complete control over project scope.

Phased development continues through testing, release, enhancements and maintenance. Payment for each phase is on delivery with an invoice submitted for each phase. If payment will be slower than development, then a retainer to cover the interim may be necessary to avoid project interruptions.

While we look forward to handling all aspects of your project development, we recognize that you may have access to other development resources that you may wish to utilize. We are happy to team with other groups, and you are free to outsource any amount of the project as you see fit.

Maintenance and support

After your project has launched, we will continue to maintain and incrementally extend it as needed. Our experience has shown that our applications adapt well over time. Whereas many applications exhibit the need for increasing effort for less return over time, our emphasis on extensible architecture frequently allows us to make significant extensions with minimum effort. Enhancements from improvements to our automated software generators are included with the next incremental update to your application at no additional cost.

If at any point you wish to take over development in house, we provide technology transfer, training, and consultation as needed. Our goal is to serve you as a trusted development partner, and we look forward to working with you.

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