An Overview of Infosphere's Custom Software Development
 This
page contains a high level overview of the custom software services Infosphere provides,
the technologies we employ and the way we approach our work.
It introduces topics which are explored further in the next pages.
Custom Software Development
Infosphere's custom software services include:
- needs analysis
- feasibility study
- package evaluation
- functional specification
- technical analysis
- system and database design
- software development
- system and user documentation
- project management
- installation
- data conversion and initial file creation
- user training
- developer training
- reviews and enhancements
- help desk
- management
Software Platforms
Infosphere specialises in the following software platforms:
- Microsoft .NET
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Visual Basic (VB.Net)
- Microsoft SQL Server Database
- Microsoft Active Server Pages (ASP.Net)
- OpenInsight
- Advanced Revelation
For more information on these products, please go to
www.microsoft.com or www.revelation.com
By specialising in these languages and by focusing on custom software development,
we have achieved a very high level of quality in the work we do. This has helped
us build a loyal client base and grow consistently, ever since we started in 1988.
Infosphere's Approach to Software Projects
This next section explains the steps involved in engaging Infosphere for custom
software development on a fixed price basis. Please bear in mind that our jobs range
from 1 week of effort to 3 or 4 years of effort. Our approach has been created to
suit jobs within this range.
PROJECT APPRAISAL
The idea of this stage is to establish whether a task is feasible, from both a technical
and financial viewpoint. It typically consists of the following activity:
- Initial discussions between client and Infosphere representatives
- Additional information gathering
- Preliminary technical design, scope of work and software estimation
The depth of the appraisal is determined by the fact that our aim is to produce
a ballpark cost for budgeting purposes. Large jobs are sometimes broken up into
stages at this point. Each stage is treated as a separate project.
PROJECT SPECIFICATION
This stage entails further investigation into the proposed system and documentation
of all findings.
There are two overriding concerns in this effort. The first is to ensure that the
client's expectations are understood and conveyed accurately. The second is to provide
Infosphere with enough certainty for guaranteeing the price (if the job is to be
done as a fixed price). For jobs charged by the hour, it may be possible to side-step
some of the documentation to keep a lid on costs.
A detailed requirement specification is drawn up, itemising the functions to be
developed. This becomes the main design document and the basis of our software development
price, software deliverables and warranty provisions. Infosphere warrants that it
will provide software that conforms to the specification.
DEVELOPMENT and IMPLEMENTATION
On acceptance of the specification and confirmation of the price and terms, we are
ready to get on with the software development.
Much of what happens now takes place behind the scenes, but these tasks require
your involvement:
- user team formation, drawing on a cross-section of users
- review and acceptance of functional specifications, prototypes and technical specifications
[if applicable]
- project management reviews
- user reviews of draft software
- user acceptance testing
- training
- data preparation
- cutover to production
Our standard warranty period starts on delivery and extends for 30 days. For
trial projects we offer a money back guarantee.
ONGOING SUPPORT
Our support services are generally provided on a casual hourly basis at our standard
rates. Special warranties, support plans and retainers can be negotiated if required.
An Infosphere technical manager is usually the first contact point for support matters,
and is always involved in any ongoing work.
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