Getting
Software Developed for Your Business
by: David Berube
At some point, your business is going to need to have
some software development. Maybe your business is
small, but existing software doesn't fit your needs.
Maybe your company is larger, with significant technology
resources already, but you need an outside perspective.
Whatever the reason, it can be difficult to choose
an software developer, especially if you aren't a
technical person.
I've heard stories about selecting developers from
all sorts of people. Quite a few have told me heard
horror stories about how they wound up with large
bills and little or nothing to show for it. Fortunately,
it doesn't have to be hard to choose an software developer;
I've developed four questions you need to ask when
you're choosing a developer.
1: Are they a contract programmer or a software developer?
A professional software developer isn't in the business
of writing code; rather, he's in the business of solving
problems, and code just happens to be one of the way
that he (or she) does it. Conversely, a contract programmer
will want you to spell out exactly what kind of program
you want him to write. He doesn't solve problems;
he just writes code the way he's told, and hopes it
will fix the problem at hand. With a real software
developer, you wind up with a solution that leaves
everyone happy.
The market is full of contract programmers masquerading
as software developers. Be careful.
2: Are they focused on technology or benefits?
Some software developers can get wrapped up in their
technology; it's not uncommon to see developers who
specializes in "AS/400 mainframes" or "embedded
systems", for example. A real software developer,
though, focuses on benefiting his client, using whatever
technology is necessary, rather than on what technology
he's familar with. You want to hire someone that's
skilled at solving problems, and that will use the
technology that's best suited to your business, whatever
it may be. You shouldn't have to pick a developer
based on what technology he's familar with; he should
be able to take care of almost any technological problem,
either by doing the work himself or outsourcing to
someone in his network of contacts.
3: Are they charging by time, or by project?
Amateur software developers tend to charge for their
time, not by the value of the work they perform; so
do contract programmers. Real software developers,
though, charge based on value provided to you - that
is, by project - NOT based on time. This is because
amateurs are afraid that they won't be able to complete
the project in a reasonable amount of time, so they
want reassurance that they'll be paid for their time
in any situation. Experienced software developers,
though, are confident in their ability to deliver
code under their estimate, they are confident in their
ability to provide value, and they that they can provide
value that's worth MORE than their time is. You shouldn't
be making an investment decision every time you consider
calling your software developer.
4: Are they trying to give a solution before they
know the problem?
Some developers will offer to send you a proposal
after a ten or twenty minute phone conversation. It
is impossible to accurately assess your situation
that quickly; they are trying to provide you with
a 'one-size-fits-all' package. Real software developers
will not provide you with answers, proposals, or fees
until they know enough about your business to have
an informed opinion. Unless your developer is willing
to spend enough time to really know what your problem
is, you won't end up with the solution that you really
need, because your developer is making random shots
in the dark.
About The Author
David Berube is a software developer and IT consultant
solving business problems. He's also a prolific writer
and speaker. If you'd like a powerful, innovative
developer, check out http://www.berubeconsulting.com.
D_Berube@berubeconsulting.com
