Anyone write custom software to run SME ?

[vvaannmmaann]

I know it's a very broad question but it seems a simple programme that would help run my wifes business will be of great use to her.
Anyone do this or know someone that does?
PM if you can help Thank you.

 

[Amivbridge]

We do custom software development. Please PM me to discuss.

Thanks.

 

[KM-Tiger]

Trouble is it's not simple, and one size definitely does not fit all. Businesses vary enormously in their nature, and thus their IT requirements.

Unless you have very deep pockets, IMHO you would be better to see what free or low-cost software/services would be the best fit for your wife's requirements.

 

[shaunb]

Hi, we are based in Teesside, and do bespoke software development. If you want to run it past us as well, we will happily give you some feedback on costings etc.

 

[Paul_Rosser]

As others said it really depends on what your wife needs, if it's something really simple you can knock up in access then cost won't be huge, it's it a fully bespoke back office, multi user solution then can run into many thousands.

Also bespoke software can be a nightmare to support, update and add features to in future.

Have you taken a look online to see if there are any cloud offerings you could tailor?

 

[john1989]

Sorry but a slight hijack. If you have a database in Access, is it possible to get this looking nice and cloud based?

 

[Paul_Rosser]

Simple answer is not really, you can create web forms and stuff to query access but personally would move it to a SQL backend (really easy to import from access), then you would need to have your forms, queries etc rewritten into a web format such as ASP .NET.

Depending on how complex the access database is might not be too complex or costly.

 

[john1989]

Thanks Paul, very useful.

 

[Paul_Rosser]

No problem, feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions as I used to be a developer and my wife is a DBA so have worked on lots of cloud programming projects

 

[john1989]

Thanks Paul, I appreciate that.

We basically have an Access database that is used as our CRM - client data, users, tasks etc. We are looking at off the shelf solutions but didn't know how feasible it would be to adapt our existing database.

 

[Paul_Rosser]

Easiest way would probably look at something like podio (it's free) as you can setup the CRM side, assign tasks etc. And see if that will do what you want.

If not SugarCRM is pretty good and flexible so you should be able to get someone to replicate what you currently have in access for not a lot.

Then look at exporting your existing data from access and into there.

 

[ExplorerBDM]

Hi vvaannmmaann,

The company I work for specialise in 'rapid application development' and would also be keen to speak with you.

Our aim is to provide fixed timescale and fixed cost (so eliminating risk) by using a more predictable platform, than some of the other development frameworks, which sometimes lead to project creep.

We're based in Leeds, so please give us a call on 01132 899 470.

If you ask to speak to someone regarding 'APEX' (saying Neil 'sent' you) and we can explain and discuss how we approach things.


Regards,

Neil

 

[gregs2769]

we make really simple web apps, which I imagine is what your wife will need. Feel free to drop me a PM if you want to discuss various options.

 

[vvaannmmaann]

Thanks everyone Slight tech problem here means I cannot get on with this idea at the moment.

 

[Dmitry V.]

Normally startups do Though it depends on the business' nature. So you may need someone who could analyse the processes you have and then come up with some proposals (off-the-shelf or bespoke ones). Many day-to-day tasks have been automated already, and re-inventing the wheel may be fairly expensive hobby. But something specific would better be customised (e.g. a company decided to run ad campaigns on helicopters and they needed a web service where their clients could review/customise the route and order campaigns).