How To Get Software Developed For Your Business

At some point, your business is going to need to have
some software development. Maybe your business is
small, but existing software doesn't fit your needs.
Maybe your company is larger,with significant
technology resources already, but you need an outside
perspective. Whatever the reason, it can be difficult
to choose an software developer, especially if you
aren't a technical person.

I've heard stories about selecting developers from all
sorts of people. Quite a few have told me heard horror
stories about how they wound up with large bills and
little or nothing to show for it. Fortunately, it
doesn't have to be hard to choose an software
developer; I've developed four questions you need to
ask when you're choosing a developer.

1: Are they a contract programmer or a software
developer?

A professional software developer isn't in the business
of writing code; rather, he's in the business of
solving problems, and code just happens to be one of
the way that he (or she) does it. Conversely, a
contract programmer will want you to spell out exactly
what kind of program you want him to write. He doesn't
solve problems; he just writes code the way he's told,
and hopes it will fix the problem at hand. With a real
software developer, you wind up with a solution that
leaves everyone happy.

The market is full of contract programmers masquerading
as software developers. Be careful.

2: Are they focused on technology or benefits?

Some software developers can get wrapped up in their
technology; it's not uncommon to see developers who
specializes in "AS/400 mainframes" or "embedded
systems", for example. A real software developer,
though, focuses on benefiting his client, using
whatever technology is necessary, rather than on what
technology he's familar with. You want to hire someone
that's skilled at solving problems, and that will use
the technology that's best suited to your business,
whatever it may be. You shouldn't have to pick a
developer based on what technology he's familar with;
he should be able to take care of almost any
technological problem, either by doing the work himself
or outsourcing to someone in his network of contacts.


3: Are they charging by time, or by project?

Amateur software developers tend to charge for their
time, not by the value of the work they perform; so do
contract programmers. Real software developers, though,
charge based on value provided to you - that is, by
project - NOT based on time. This is because amateurs
are afraid that they won't be able to complete the
project in a reasonable amount of time, so they want
reassurance that they'll be paid for their time in any
situation. Experienced software developers, though, are
confident in their ability to deliver code under their
estimate, they are confident in their ability to
provide value, and they that they can provide value
that's worth MORE than their time is. You shouldn't be
making an investment decision every time you consider
calling your software developer.


4: Are they trying to give a solution before they know
the problem?

Some developers will offer to send you a proposal after
a ten or twenty minute phone conversation. It is
impossible to accurately assess your situation that
quickly; they are trying to provide you with a
'one-size-fits-all' package. Real software developers
will not provide you with answers, proposals, or fees
until they know enough about your business to have an
informed opinion. Unless your developer is willing to
spend enough time to really know what your problem is,
you won't end up with the solution that you really
need, because your developer is making random shots in
the dark.

David Berube is a software developer and IT
consultant solving business problems. He's also a
prolific writer and speaker. If you'd like a powerful,
innovative developer, check out
http://www.berubeconsulting.com.

David Berube
Berube Consulting
(603)-485-9622
http://www.berubeconsulting.com/

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