Posts on Bespoke Software

Here's some guidance on cost for anyone thinking about developing a mobile app. It's based on our own experience of building mobile apps for customers who want to capture data on the move and then sync it back to a database in the cloud.

The guidance is based on two assumptions. Firstly, we build cross platform apps with Apache Cordova. It's a great solution when a client doesn't want to build a separate native app for iOS, Android and Windows Mobile. We build one application that works across multiple platforms - this means lower development costs and significantly lower ongoing maintenance costs.

The new course booking system that SkillsLogic developed for the Education and Training Foundation is a great example of how we work with a client to turn an initial set of broad requirements into a mission critical web application that delivers real value from the day it goes live.

Should you think about building a mobile app to sit alongside your web application? Here are some reasons why it might be a good idea:

DevOps is a way of working that builds closer collaboration between software developers and the team that manages the software after it's gone live. It's related to 'agile development' and is partly a response to agile's tendency to increase the frequency of software releases.

Moodle's used by a lot of training providers, FE colleges and other organisations to deliver online course material to remote learners. It’s open source so it’s free to download and use - anyone can install it on a server, set up a course and enrol some learners.

The Education and Training Foundation’s new course booking system - ETF Booking - has been designed and developed by SkillsLogic

Birmingham Changing Futures Together is a city wide project that aims to support people with multiple needs. It's coordinated by Birmingham Voluntary Services Council and brings together a network of supporting agencies who together will deliver joined-up targeted support to more than 1000 clients.

Our experience at SkillsLogic is that there are two broad categories of bespoke software, each with their own challenges.

We've made good use of Google Charts in our development of the new Staff Individualised Record (SIR) data collection and reporting system for The Education and Training Foundation.

From time to time SkillsLogic is asked to help out on a software development project that isn't going to plan. Most of these projects seem to get into trouble for one or more of the following reasons: