Not All Software Developers Are Alike
Like all professional services, the experience of those you’re hiring is everything.
Look for shops that have been building applications for more than 10 years. That
way you’re avoiding dot-bomb refugees. Also, make sure developing applications is
the only thing they do. The only exception is if they offer development training
or they otherwise sell their expertise. Ask about the average tenure of all the
employees. Three years is a good mark, and while you’re asking, check the average
amount of software and IT experience of the senior staff. Nothing less than 15 years
is acceptable. Your reputation is on the line, so you need consultants that have
been good enough to thrive in technology’s ups and downs.
In addition to experience, look for third party credibility. Easy ways to verify
this are testimonials (with names and companies) from their customers and the vendors
who license the languages they use. Also, look for published articles and books.
Editors don’t risk publishing bad writers, so if your consultant has passed muster
here, they are probably good at what they do. Finally, troll the list of speakers
at big name developer events like Microsoft’s Tech Ed or local vendor events.
PDSA presents at Tech Ed, DevConnections, VSLive and many other major conferences each year. This means that they are recognized as one of the leaders in the IT field.
If great companies like Microsoft, Kaiser Permanante, UCLA Extension and other choose
PDSA as their IT company of choice, shouldn't you too?
IT Manager Special Reports
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PDSA has a lot of special reports on "How to Hire an IT Company" and many more others
to help you make the right IT decisions.
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PDSA eBooks
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Our eBooks
guide you through creating Microsoft .NET applications quickly and easily. These
eBooks focus on solutions to real-world problems. Our eBooks can be purchased in
hard-copy form at Amazon.com, or directly through our website here in electronic
form. |