IT Services

Technology Services

MicroServices provides a broad range of technology related, solutions and services. From website design and prototyping to internet marketing and business process improvement, We offer analysis and consulting which identify document and deliver solutions to your challenges. We are a solution provider and offer a choice of solutions which are a mix of what we provide and one or more vendors with specialty skills and services to meet your business technology needs

Websites

Websites are often part of the solution whether you have no website or a bad one

We cover the full lifecycle of business development: analysis, design, development, and maintenance. The technology architecture is chosen based on the best fit for your particular business need.

 

Applications

We do stand alone , client server database or Online applications providing specialized tools generally not off the shelf you need to get your work done faster cheaper and better than the competition.

 

Internet

The internet is an element in almost any business of any kind. How you engage in this landscape may mean the difference between success or failure. We work with you to define a strategic plan which can best leverage your resources to gain maximum benefit from this environment.

Search

Use social media and search engines to gain maximum exposure from your website by optimizing your content and online advertising. We integrate your current business workflow with the new technology to improve manageability of and return on your technology investment.

 

Computing

We can design a strategy of technology purchase, implementation and replacement to minimize the maintenance costs and make resolving your computer, network, and software problems a very rare occurrence.

Reduce Your Support Costs

Mergers, acquisitions and ad hoc growth can saddle organizations with an IT hodgepodge that drains resources, undercuts productivity, and compromises business agility. As business   look for ways to wring out inefficiencies and free up assets to invest in innovation, traditional desktop environments are undergoing scrutiny. That's because flexible work environments plus the need for frequent security patches and software upgrades are increasing support and maintenance costs.

Custom Solutions

In general if there exists an off the shelf solution for your problem it will always be better wiser and cheaper to choose the off the shelf solution.

However some business processes are specific to a business or niche industry which are not served by off the shelf solutions.

When your business requires a software solution, you have several directions in which you can go. A credible custom programming firm can help you decide by completing a detailed needs analysis so that they can provide you with the information needed for you to make the best business decision for your company.

It’s not always easy to decide which application is right for your business.  Below are a few pros and cons that may help you decide.

Customized Software – PROs:

#1. Customized software can provide exactly what you need. The actual users are very good at describing the work flow and as a result, the software can be more effectively designed to increase user efficiency.

#2. You own the software and the code behind it which affords you more control over future enhancements so the software can change as your business changes.

#3. Custom software allows for the creation of meaningful reports that are used to make intelligent business decisions.

#4. Once the software is developed the programmer will be familiar with your work process and will be better suited to provide the best technical support understanding common issues, traps, and work arounds and provide continuous improvements to your software.  Unlike an off the shelf software technical support person who usually deals with generic issues.

#5. Since the users will have input into the design, employees will be more readily accepting of the new system. They will also require less training because they were involved in the development.

#6. Your improvement dollars are wisely spent on the functions you actually need to improve your process.

Customized Software – CONs:

#1. Custom Software is customized to fit your needs; therefore you should expect to pay more.  How much more depends upon the scope of the software’s capabilities.  Keep in mind the money you will save in the long run from duplicated work.

#2. Custom software is not readily available like an off the shelf software.  The time frame will depend upon the scope of the project.  The time to develop the software could be reduced by using experienced developers with proven software development practices.

Off the Shelf Software – PROs:

#1. Off the shelf software is readily available for use upon purchase.

#2. The initial cost will almost always be less than a custom software, however you may have licensing fees where you must pay a fee for each user of the software.

#3. Technical support is usually free.

Off the Shelf Software – CONs:

The big issue   if there is no off the shelf solution you must choose a custom solution or to leave the problem as it is "unsolved"

#1. The software may not be able to expand to create other functions that you may need therefore many companies use two different software applications to complete their task resulting in redundant data entry.

#2. You will have to adjust your current workflow instead of the software meeting your process needs resulting in “work arounds” and you not getting the reporting results you want.

#3. If you are experiencing a specific issue with the software, the manufacturer of the software will address the fix or upgrade at their time schedule not yours.

#4. Since the users have no input in how the software would function they may be more reluctant to the change and will require training which can be costly depending upon how many users you have.

#5. Some software manufactures charge annual license or subscription renewal fees.

Hope this helps!

Software Purchase

Web-based Applications

vs.

Client-Server Software

Just as there are “two kinds of ‘everything’ in the world”, we now have two kinds of software: Webbased and Client-Server. The new kid on the block, Web-based (AKA “Hosted”), typically resides externally on an Applications Service Provider’s (ASP) network, while Client-Server Software (AKA “In-House”) is run internally on your own computer network. As with any comparisons, there are Pros and Cons with each option. Here are just a few for your consideration.

System Costs

Pros

  • Web-based – System is typically offered on a subscription or usage basis, keeping you in control of the costs and allowing you to grow into the system without a huge up-front expense.
  • Client-Server – You are in control of upgrades and can cut ties with the software provider if you don’t care to have the newer features or support.

Cons

  • Web-based – Subscriptions tend to be ongoing so that over extended years, the system can appear to cost more than an in-house application (though a true cost comparison would have toinclude may other factors).
  • Client-Server – Software is usually paid for up-front and the initial cost of the system can be high. You have high exposure if the system doesn’t turn out to meet your needs. Also, licensing may require a service contract of as much as 20% of the system cost per year, whether you use it or not.

Environment

Pros

  • Web-based – Hardware, operating system and database software are included in the price of the application. There is no internal cost to your company to purchase, maintain or upgrade the network.
  • Client-Server – Internal staff are in full control of the environment. You can make IT decisions that you feel are best.

Cons

  • Web-based – The computing environment is typically shared with other customers. While databases are separate and secure, system load can be a factor.
  • Client-Server – All costs to purchase, maintain and upgrade the network are on your shoulders and that is typically not your company’s core competency. Pushing off to an ASP can actually save money.

IT Support

Pros

  • Web-based – Your IT staff is virtually uninvolved in system upgrades, user seat software or database migrations, making your exposure virtually nil. Issues with upgrades are typically dealt with globally, not on a customer-by-customer basis.
  • Client-Server – System upgrades, user seat software and database migrations happen when youchoose, not on the ASP’s schedule.

Cons

  • Web-based – You do not have a say in the management of the network and can be subject to the availability of the ASP’s network administrators.
  • Client-Server – You bear all the expense of upgrades, and software vendor can push as many new revisions at you as they choose. Issues with upgrades are difficult as the vendor must typically address them remotely and your unique network configuration can pose unforeseen problems that are not quickly rectified.

User Seats

Pros

  • Web-based – User seats are typically sessions on a server and not actually software on the user’s computer, allowing access to the system by a larger user base—even customers and vendors.
  • Client-Server – Applications tend to run faster when they are local to the user’s computer.

Cons

  • Web-based – Remote software requires access to the Internet so users cannot typically make database changes when off-line. Data also has further to travel which can create slower screen response.
  • Client-Server – Typically, each user seat must be paid for regardless of how active the user is, pushing you into purchasing seats for users who may seldom use the application. Buying seats for customers or vendors (and providing them remote access) is most likely cost-prohibitive.

System Access

Pros

  • Web-based – Software is accessed from anywhere with a standard browser and an Internet connection. The user does not even have to be using his or her own computer. Most companies have reasonable Internet access so no additional costs should be incurred.
  • Client-Server – Software is accessible through the local network, creating reasonably quick response and autonomy from the Internet.

Cons

  • Web-based – Access requires an Internet connection. While access to the Internet is growing, it’s still not everywhere.
  • Client-Server – Users must be on the local network to access the software unless the company has invested in a remote access application such as Citrix or PC Anywhere. Remote access applications require additional user software which can be expensive and increase your IT overhead.

While other factors will also come into play, these comparisons should increase your awareness of the differences between the types of applications and help you make your next software purchase a more educated one.

Appliction Updating

 Fall has arrived. Ready to convert that Fox/DOS or Fox 2.x system to VFP 9??

It's quite a tribute to the Fox architecture and ingenuity of Fox programmers that there are so many FoxPro/DOS and FoxPro 2.x/Windows systems still out there. However, with the fifth major version of Windows gaining traction, some of those systems are looking mighty long in the tooth. They serve a business purpose well, but need some major updating.

Do you have one of those systems and have been hankering to convert it to VFP, but simply don't have the time - or the expertise - to do so?

I've been designing and building new applications as well as upgrading existing applications for companies who don't have the resources to undertake major development in-house for nearly two decades.

If you're thinking of getting a project underway, and need an extra set of hands to get that project started, give me a shout...

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