We have accumulated over eighteen years experience providing consultancy, design and development services for a variety of major blue chip clients. We are experienced in many development methods and tools across the entire project life cycle, and can provide you with a wide variety of services.   Brainstorming Instead of the more traditional formal analysis process, we prefer a more flexible brainstorming approach in which the client is given the freedom to describe their business ideas, there perceived requirements, and their future plans. From this we help to draw up the potential processes that will be required to support the business, and identify within these processes the critical areas where appropriate technologies can provide a real benefit. Unlike many consultancies, we are comfortable in dealing with potential solutions and prototyping concepts at the same time as developing ideas, to avoid the all too common "analysis paralysis" that grips many projects in the early stages.   Planning We can assist in initial high level planning to ensure that introduction of technology solutions is managed in such a way as to provide maximum benefit at the earliest possible opportunity. Our focus is always on opening up your revenue streams - we see technology as a business enabler, not an academic exercise.   Design It goes without saying that good solutions start with good designs, but this does not mean endless pages of minute detail, or a design that stagnates as the Business evolves. We ensure that designs are pragmatic and workable, and rely on the use of skilled development resource to ensure that the thinking doesn't stop once the design is on the table. We believe that a Business changes every day, and designs have to be flexible if they are to remain relevant.   Development The technology is only as good as the people who implement it, and one weak link at this stage can destroy a project. We do not take a "bums on seat" approach to development, but instead believe that the best results are obtained from small teams of highly talented individuals. There is no such thing as "economies of scale" in the world of software development.   Testing A well tested system is a system that will work - all day, every day. This much is true, but a simplistic "ad infinitum" approach to testing leads to rapidly diminishing returns on investment. We will ensure that your testing strategy is matched to your Business's risk profile.   Deployment Deploying a developed system into a live environment is often one of the most challenging phases of the introduction of technology. We can work with you to ensure that the right level of effort is expended in the development of deployment mechanisms and processes.   Operation There are numerous factors that play an important role in the successful and stable running of a system. Of course, ongoing administration is important, and we can assist in finding the right people to manage your system in a cost effective way. Just as important, however, is the system's inherent resilience and stability. We take a pragmatic view to measures such as failover, redundancy and disaster recovery, recognizing that the level of effort in this area is different for every business, and there is no such thing as a single "one-size-fits-all" solution.   Evaluation As each new solution is delivered into the Business, and becomes a part of the normal working processes, it is often only then that further opportunities for improvement become apparent. This is especially important when an incremental approach is being taken, in which small "nuggets" of technology are being introduced to address the most immediate Business needs. Although a plan may already have been formulated for further stages, evaluation at each stage allows new business ideas or better application of technology to be considered based on the most up to date information. This evaluation inevitably leads us back into brainstorming.   Troubleshooting Do you have a problem with your technology, but don't know how to address it? Unsure whether the problem lies in the technology itself, its application or the people managing it? We can help you to get to the bottom of your problem, and find the most pragmatic and cost effective way of turning a possible burden into an asset, either through process change, knowledge transfer, recruitment, or light touch development.   Knowledge Transfer We prefer the term "knowledge transfer" to the more traditional concept of formal training. This is based on a belief that people learn faster and remember more if they are performing an actual task rather than participating in abstract classroom based training sessions. We endeavour to ensure that knowledge transfer takes place as a natural part of our daily activities, and that your people are kept in the loop at all times.   Recruitment For most businesses IT is a means to an end, but the continuous use of technology is now an inevitable side effect of running any successful business. This inevitably leads to a need to employ people with IT experience, and this can prove challenging for businesses whose speciality is not technology based. We can help to ensure that the people you select are genuinely talented and skilled individuals by casting trained eyes over CVs and conducting searching technical interviews on your behalf. Where temporary resource is required, we can make use of contacts in the IT Contracting world to ensure that you get the best people for your money.   Infrastructure Where new infrastructures need to be built, appropriate off the shelf software and hardware can be sourced and provided directly, cutting out the middle-man, (whilst still maintaining the freedom to select from the full range of possible suppliers).   Prototyping Prototyping is an essential tool in the developer's arsenal, often providing a unique insight into how a system can best be designed to meet the needs of the customer. A prototype can also give rapid feedback on the usability and appropriateness of a new technology, cutting through the marketing hype. We can develop and demonstrate prototypes either as stand-alone activities or as part of the overall development lifecycle as part of a Rapid Application Development (RAD) approach.