DSS is a software consulting firm specializing in Microsoft Windows development
and committed to its clients' success. We have 25 years of experience designing and
writing software at both the system and application levels.
We have found over the years that how we conduct our business and how we relate
to our clients are as important as, and tantamount to the quality of the
product we deliver. To that end, we’ve formulated a list of guiding
principles, some of which we’ve set forth below. We hope these give you a
sense of what to expect in your dealings with us.
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1. Be Honest With The Customer
Don’t say you can do it if you can’t. If you see a better way to
accomplish the task at hand, say so. If you hit a snag in a project, let
the client know. Hiding a problem damages the project and your
relationship with the client.
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2. Use every means at your disposal to understand the client’s needs and stated requirements.
Listen carefully and ask questions; the only stupid question is the one you
don’t ask. It is often the failure to ask this selfsame question which
returns to haunt you. Careful analysis and design is the cornerstone of
a successful software project. Remember that the client’s needs are not
always necessarily stated as requirements. If you spot something the
client may have missed, say so; insightfulness is one of the things they pay
you for.
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3. If You Commit To It, Deliver It.
Use every shred of applicable knowledge and skill in the execution of the
agreed-upon design. If you lack sufficient knowledge, acquire more.
If you lack a tool, get it. Every effort should be made during the
analysis and design to identify and understand the technologies which will be
involved in the solution.
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4. Communicate Effectively And Often
Never leave the client in the dark; let the client know what you’re doing, why
you’re doing it, and how well or badly it’s going (re-read rule #1).
Do this often; their peace of mind, resource allocation and sometimes their
reputation depend upon it.
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5. Always Be Aware Of Your Cost To The Client
The cost of your product may extend far beyond the delivery date.
Maintainability is directly impacted by the hour-by-hour coding choices you
make in development. Ask yourself, "Is this really the best way to
do this?" and "Would you be proud to affix your name to this?"
If the answer is "No" in either case, find a better way.
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