Pixalt

Application Design With Pixalt

Making software can be an intimidating task no matter how big the project is. We often meet clients who don't know where to start or what to expect. Some have lots of ideas and designs, while others have only identified the fact that they need software to solve a particular problem.

Regardless of which side you're on, our role is to be a guide and help you find the best solution. We will analyze your needs and current technology to find the best solution, whether that's a commercial product or custom application.

General Process for Custom Software

1. Initial Meeting and Discussions

   The first thing we do is talk to as many people who work for our clients as we can. We ask questions and gather information about the potential software's users, goals, and purposes. We consider this to be the most important stage, and our goal is to understand our client's needs and workflow.

2. Analysis of Available Resources

   The next step is to determine what software currently exists and how any new software should fit in. Sometimes it's a good idea for the new software to interact with existing systems, while sometimes we recommend replacing them. Other times we recommend commercial software instead of custom work, if the right product is available. This is the stage for the big ideas and major decisions that will form the project's architecture.

3. Design and Specifications

   After gathering information and considering existing resources, our programmers and designers will create a specification for the project. This document includes details on technology, features, user interfaces, user groups and other information. It also includes a schedule and logistical details.

4. Coding and Testing Cycle

   After a specification and schedule are agreed upon, our programmers will start making the software. This process can involve many iterations, and is usually handled in stages that are detailed in the specification. Most projects have predefined places for our clients to test samples and demo the software.

5. Beta Testing

   Before software can go live, we recommend testing it with a limited group of users. Depending on the project, many clients choose to use the new system in parallel with their old system until the new system is perfected. This period can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the size of the project.

6. Launching

   When the Beta version has been approved, we install and launch the new software. Pixalt staff are usually present or available remotely to handle any issues that arise. We often provide training for our clients immediately before or after this stage.

7. Updating and Maintenance

   Most of our clients will retain us for upkeep and maintenance of their new software. Also, it is not uncommon to add new components in the future - after all, our clients now have full control over their own piece of software.