Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing is "Remote machines owned by another company would run everything from e-mail to word processing to complex data analysis programs" -- http://bit.ly/i8SdTM. Simply put, instead of buying or having to develop your software application needs that I am sure of will cost you much. In Cloud Computing, you just avail the software applications that you need from a provider at the rate for a specified period or as long as you need the service. Now availing this means you will have to access those services thru the internet. In short, wannabe clients must have an internet connection as a prerequisite for this to work.

Filipinos are now realizing the effects of legalizing their business softwares and it's really taking a bite to their finances. Why not try the Cloud Computing System. Yes, I understand how would Filipinos think if their confidential business data are handled by other people. But I also know that Filipinos like to confide with friends and family regarding their businesses. So what's the difference in terms of security if it would be handled by a professional. Cloud computing is still expensively implemented here in the Philippines because not all, especially small IT companies would go about with this. But I can assure you that I have a good experience and expertise to implement a simplified Cloud Computing System.

Thank you.
J.Arzadon

Online Services

Web based application is the way to go. Others may say that you cannot write-off desktop customized application, not for a long shot. But the thing is online application especially customized web programs open more benefits to SME in the short and medium haul -- that's how I see it. And since my market clients are from the small and medium enterprises it is just logical that I direct my resources to give service in this medium.

For now it's not easy to convince SMEs to go online. But with limited budget, any allocation to information technology (IT) must be optimized as much as possible to get more out of any investment to IT, going online with proper planning can surely do that. I've been in the process of converting my integrated applications to web based programs for some time now, I do this on the sides. I did not expect that doing any conversion on the sides or during my free time would take forever. This is unless I get a client who wants an integrated online application, then I can prioritize and give more time or even 300 percent of whatever time I allocate now.

Anyway, everybody knows that online applications like sales, accounting, purchasing, inventory, servicing, and payroll, all integrated or can run independently will cost a client much. I can offer the lowest possible rates for your IT development without sacrificing your other business needs!. You read it right, I can offer it as I am already doing it on desktop applications. But for every client has there own needs, I try to facilitate possible customization but not to much that I make my integrated system usable to just one organization.

Thank you.
J.Arzadon

A New Year - for Better or Worse

Happy new year to all!. A little late to greet a new year. Consulting my crystal ball, it's a good year for me if I keep myself in track. My first order of business is to investigate a closing project which is basically six months overdue and getting negative feedback from end users.

When I first got this project, let's call it project A. I was told by the owner himself that the first few demos presented to them before me where from Great Plains and another integrated software development company that I didn't mind knowing. "Know your enemy" as the going says. But for me if I already bag the project why would I waste time knowing my competitors when I already know just by their name that they are way above me, more advanced, better logistics, not to mention a wealth of advertising resources. But then again why do I try competing way down under?, it is simple arithmetic. The investment needed to get the services of my competitors are way beyond budget allocation for my target clients, which is also the target of my competitors. With all the come-ons and stretched-out payment schemes, it just won’t cut out for my target market. My target clients would rather spent on other company needed budget allocation than investing a big chunk in one basket of a solution.

OK it's like this. I presented an alternative to the owner. I assured the owner that what he needs can be satisfied through demo of my current products -- the management or top position people surrounding the owner also agrees. I explained that my product is customization driven and keeps evolving without sacrificing what is being basic and direct. I presented, the owner approved, we got commitments from each other, I customized. Very simple business process but it has its drawback. The one very affected area is the direct users of the system. Users need to adjust and not have false expectation what I offer other than getting what the owner want as an end result and not compare my products to those named software brands because the owner preferred a system at a fraction of an investment. As what I always say "Sacrifice user wants to get the company needs at an investment not even my competitors can chew on". I keep on dreaming that known software names are my competitors, what can I say, some of my clients tell me that those competitors came to them first and good faith has chosen me for obvious reasons. Now don’t get me wrong, we just squeeze in what we can do for a win-win situation or we can un-squeeze with better budget allocation, the bottom line is we get what the owner needs to decide. For the direct users of the system, the computer encoders and operators contentment is a different story.

I always tell my clients, “If you prefer, show me a known business system brand that you want and I can make a parallel system at one-fourth (1/4) the investment”. Invest more get more. . .

Thank you.
J.Arzadon

Developing an application system

First of all, Merry Christmas to all!.

A client of mine had asked me why is it I'm taking a longer time to finish the project (windows application) under my development. The client so happen gets advice from website developers who does web layout and designs with some application programming add-ons. I had to explain that even though web designers work gives immediately reactions from clients upon upload to a clients address site, my work starts from developing integrated application programs which needs to be useful and beneficial to office work flow before corporate management does gives a thumbs up. And yes, I cater to corporate businesses or whoever will need simplified Sales, Purchasing, Accounting, Inventory, Service, and/or Payroll application systems -- those businesses who wants to have an ERP or a CRM, I can develop for them at half the price or even lower depending on the features that the client will need. Or they can just avail of my own developed application for a very affordable investment. The bottom line is my application development must satisfy first and foremost corporate business rules excluding ads, online presence, aesthetics, and/or other website related reasons. My work is to give alternative office work flow (simplify if possible) while website development satisfies a marketing point of view unless otherwise the website development is for web enabled fully integrated application programs then lets compare development timelines.

Speaking of fully integrated application programs over the web. One time when I proposed a web based integrated application program to a probable client, I was told that it would be a risk to have a web enabled business application system. I replied saying "it depends on how well you trust your employees and the technology they are using".

Thank you.
J.Arzadon

Professionalism

By profession, I'm a system developer, a computer analyst/programmer. I even became an acting network/systems administrator by my years of experience working as an analyst/programmer. But this couple of years I even became an interior designer to setup a computer work area, including electrical issues. I even worked as project coordinator, temporary project/team leader, and internet marketing.

Why am I saying this?, as an independent IT Specialist/Consultant, I have concerns with some clients who in a way think of computer professionals as a rounded person in their field. The thing is, as a computer expert, like doctors and lawyers who specializes in their own fields will not give a professional advice outside their specialized expertise unless they explicitly offer the service. Same goes with my profession, but then again as an IT Specialist I am offering a wider service that covers web or internet work. Again, my services is also covered by limitations based on what I explicitly offer and not openly do other computer services that may hinder or create additional issues that may deteriorate my true and specified services. Even if I am forced to give advice outside my offered services to entice if not impress a client, it is irresponsible to do so.

In dealing with clients, I deal Direct and Indirect. Direct, I decide development relating to resources, design, analysis, coordinating, and other project issues with clients. As with Indirect, my work actions will rely on a middleman (3rd party) or partner who handles the project, so I am answerable not to the client but to the project handler. As opposed to Direct dealing wherein I am responsible to the project and directly answerable to the client.

Thank you.
J.Arzadon

:: This blog site is for my client's comment and suggestion box.
:: Clients, you may start using this site at your convenience. This site is dedicated for feedback documentation regarding my services and products you are using or may had used.
:: I made this public so as to reiterate that I am focused and dedicated to serve and offer my products with an open mind to client's needs.
:: And for the clients themselves that they may compare with fellow clients their needs and the outcome in my part of being your vendor/provider.

Thank you.
J.Arzadon