Virtual IT Team Case Studies
Services > Hire Programmers On Contract Basis

Project: Creating a web-based version of a desktop attendance tracking application.

Start Date: Mid-December 2005

# of people involved: The Client, Stylus Project Manager, Stylus Software Programmer

Mode of communication: Email, Telephone, GoToMeeting

Current Status: Project on-going and client extremely satisfied with Stylus!

Future Prospects: Galore!

In detail

When our client first approached us they had a desktop application that they wanted to convert to a web-based version. They wished to hire programmers to work on ASP.NET (VB.NET), VB, Access 97, DAO platforms on a full-time basis only for them (work-on-hire basis).

After initial discussions with the client, our management proposed a very client-centric solution: a single developer and a project manager. The developer codes the application and the project manager manages the project and the client relationship.

This was the most beneficial arrangement for the client as he reduced his overall costs by hiring a single programmer along with a project manager to overlook the process. Overall, it was the client who would hold the reins in their hands and manage the project.

One of the challenges identified during the analysis stage was the use of DAO (Data Access Objects) and Access 97 as the database instead of the newer ADO.NET and the more scalable SQL Server. However, the client wanted to continue maintaining the status quo of their technology for meaningful reasons, their staff at Stylus gladly worked on their terms.

The programmer, who works on ASP.NET (VB.NET), VB, Access 97, DAO platforms, communicates directly with the client on a frequent basis – receiving instructions from them, providing inputs and updating the client on the status of the work. They use email, telephone and GoToMeeting for communication purposes.

In conclusion, our client is satisfied with our work since Dec 2005 and is considering outsourcing more work to Stylus. In particular they liked the auxiliary programmer arrangement – Stylus Inc. offers an auxiliary programmer with the main programmer for no extra costs to the client. The auxiliary programmer is always up-to-date on the project and steps in to take the main programmer’s work if the latter has taken off due to unavoidable circumstances.

This guarantees no matter what happens one programmer is working for them all the time, ensuring their dollars are not wasted and quality work is provided.