By Avonelle Lovhaug
Publication Date: 9/15/2022 4:57:28 AM
It seems to me that there are 4 different types of changes to existing software:
While I wish most software changes were focused on the first two types, it seems to me that we often see the last two changes. The other day, I found ...
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Publication Date: 9/14/2022 4:49:15 AM
Unfortunately, the disappearing customer is not any better than the disappearing programmer during a development project. When a customer doesn’t respond to communication requests in a timely fashion, it slows the entire effort down (or in some cases, grinds it to a complete halt!)
If you have hired a programmer for a custom development effort, make arrangements for someone else to respond to questions if you will be on vacation or otherwise unavailable for more than a day or two. And use an auto-responder so that people emailing you know what to expect. Better yet: let others know what is ...
Publication Date: 9/10/2022 5:14:08 AM
Not all businesses do, but it can certainly come in handy. I recently got a call from one of my clients with an urgent request to hide a particular feature from users while they spent some time reviewing it. The issue was that their process to prevent misuse of their site had allowed a bad actor through, resulting in some fraud for a legitimate user. Yikes!
Because this client is a regular support client, I provide a high level of responsiveness for their requests. I was able to adjust their application and get the solution deployed in less than half ...
Publication Date: 9/9/2022 3:43:19 AM
If you looking for someone to build an application for your business, the last thing you need is a Houdini wannabe. I’m continually amazed by programmers who take on projects, start the effort, and then perform their magic act by disappearing, ignoring emails, phone calls, and texts for days or longer.
Whether they are an employee or a consultant, professionalism means regular communication. I know technologists have a reputation for communicating poorly, but that’s no excuse. Answer your phone already! (Bonus points for proactive rather than reactive communication.)
Publication Date: 9/8/2022 3:13:30 AM
Legacy technology is always a tricky question. Constantly re-writing applications so that they are using the latest and greatest technology/framework/etc. seems unrealistic as this can be quite expensive, with little perceived value for customers and end-users if there are no new features. On the other hand, technology often has a shelf life; over time it may not work on newer operating systems or with other services that do get updated.
Here’s an example: an application written in VB6 that has been running for almost 25 years! In addition, it is running on Windows XP and using SQL Server 2000. It ...
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As someone with over 20 years of software development experience and currently a small business owner, it has been a pleasure working with Avonelle. In addition to being a talented developer, Avonelle also has database expertise and system design skills. Avonelle is open minded and willing to discuss various methodologies for achieving a project goal. She is also not afraid to ask questions which is vital in a software development project. Her up-front project cost (not estimate) is very helpful in budgeting for a project.
--Dwayne Wolterstorff, Owner @ Fair
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