Custom software

[Mortime Business Software]

Hello All.

I've just joined UKBF and I thought I'de introduce myself, say hi, and also seek some advice on the market for custom software.

My name is Dave, and I'm a computer programmer. I have been doing this for over 5 years now. Two years ago I decided to make the leap from programmer to software engineer, so I enrolled on some maths and computing courses at the Open University. These courses will eventually (in 2008) convert to a BSc(Hons) degree in computing. This will enable me to provide more efficient systems.

Sometime before I finish my degree, I will start to develop a business which I currently envisage as providing custom software to businesses. Before then, I would like to have a basic portfolio of projects which would actually be in use. I am willing to do some work for free, but at my own pace so I can keep up with my studies.

If any of you are currently using procedures which you think could be computerised, and don't mind waiting, post them here or email me. I like to work in a friendly manner, and I always aim to please. Please try to describe your requirements as precisely as possible, with any details you think are relevant. I will choose the most interesting project.

I look forward to getting to know you all. Merry Christmas,

Dave

[Richard Conyard]

Best of luck Dave. However I would suggest that you take your research out in to the field. Depending on which University you attend the quality of BSc in Computer Science varies greatly, however a common theme amongst them is their academic nature - which is good that you're not tied in, but does present a certain amount retraining by your eventual employer. Gaining some additional real world experience will help smooth those edges.

[Dave Teece]

Hi Dave

My wife runs a Hairdressing Salon - we where looking at software to manage the clients very expensive! I think all we would need is some form of database to keep client records.
Good luck!

Dave T

[Mortime Business Software]

Thanks Richard. I intend to bypass the employer and find my own customers. I just thought I'de have a poke around in here to see what sort of problems people in business need to solve.

Dave

[KM-Tiger]

I suspect it only really large businesses that could afford the true cost of custom software, but it's mainly small businesses that are represented here.

Problems small businesses have are, IMHO, mainly due to incompatibility of databases, which means that data is duplicated, or cannot be accessed when it is needed. Even basic things like producing the labels for Christmas cards are still not easy.

But the single database all function business program is probably like the Holy Grail - we will search for years and never find it, if only for the reason that businesses are different in their requirements and one size does not fit all.

To suggest a project: I think there is a need for a Simple Website program. Many businesses don't need anything very elaborate as its function is only to produce basic information, rather like a brochure or flyer, but AFAIAA there is not a program that can do this easily for most people. There is a worthy project here:

http://phpsws.sourceforge.net/

but for some that is too complicated, and what most people would want is something that could run on their familiar M$ Windows PC.

[DotNetWebs]

With the advent of broadband, wi-fi, 3G etc there is no reason why small businesses cannot have the sort of application the Kent describes.

I have created applications were data is stored on a web server (in our case MS SQL server 2000) The data can be accessed by a web interface AND a custom Windows application written by us. This approach allows the business’s website to manipulate the data for day to day use. More complex administrative applications can be carried out using the Windows client application.

Big businesses have had this sort of application for years. I believe that more and more small business will move into this area in the coming years. Also Web Services using SOAP/XML etc will allow the applications to make B2B transactions across platforms.

If I were you Dave M. I would think about going down this route. Perhaps you could start with Dave T.’s salon application.

Regards

Dotty

Ps Dave T. If Dave M does not take up your project PM me and I will see if a cost effective option could be built for you

[Richard Conyard]

Dot, I think he was pointing out that the cost is prohibative.

[mattk]

.:cough:. SharePoint .:cough:.

As more small businesses move on to Windows Server 2003 platform, this will open up alot opportunities to pull internal information together using SharePoint. This is where I'd be concentrating my efforts if I were looking to offer application development to small business. Currently the uptake of Windows Server 2003 is low and the cost is prohibitive, but this will change over time.

[Richard Conyard]

Matt,
Agreed. + the latest version of Sharepoint is so much better than when microsoft originally bought it. Have you seen the hookins with the latest CRM offering from MS? They rock!

[garyshannon]

hello if you are looking to get into selling software and coding in a big way contact me and i will tell you all about what i am doing
my email is garymshannon@hotmail.com and i am looking for a uk partner for www.directcoding.com due to come online in 4 months
this is a very big business