a word to the wise diy software fables
DESCRIPTION
An examination of some of the dangers in businesses taking a "DIY" (or, "Do it yourself") attitude toward custom business software development. We use some of the lessons from Aesop's fables to illustrate the wisdom in outsourcing software development to a trusted team of professionals that understand your business (for example, Entrance Software - http://www.entrancesoftware.com )TRANSCRIPT
A Word to the Wise:“DIY” Software Fables
Learning from the Misfortune of Others
Nate RichardsEntrance Software
www.entrancesoftware.com
Begin RaceWhile hare>=tortoise tortoise++;End Race
IntroductionEntrance Software: Who are we?What is “DIY” Software?Software Lessons from AesopSummary Next Steps/ Q&A
Software consulting firmFocused on mid-market businessesMicrosoft Gold Certified PartnerHBJ’s Fast Tech 50 Winner
2006, 16th fastest growing firm2007, 15th fastest growing firm
Inc. 5000 winner 2009 (unannounced)
Entrance Software – Who are we?
Fables Provided By…The Project Gutenberg EBook of Aesop's Fables, by Aesop http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/8/7/3/18732/
Ass Donkey Warning!From
en.wikipedia.org:“The donkey or ass,
Equus africanus asinus, is a domesticated member of the Equidae or horse family, and an odd-toed ungulate.”
Aesop wrote it, not me!
We are grown ups, right?
“DIY” = “Do It Yourself”Software = (duh)
This is the concept of a company building its own software rather than hiring professionals
We’ve dealt with many clients who have tried and failed using this “DIY” approach
We will share similar experiences with you today so that you can hopefully…Learn from the misfortunes of others
What is “DIY” Software?
MORAL“The least outlay is not always
the greatest gain.”
Are you shearing your own sheep?
SOLUTIONConsider the opportunity cost of
a “DIY” Software strategyHire experts to manage this
business critical aspect of your firm
The Widow and the Sheep
MORAL“Look before you leap.”
Following the advice of unproven employees with selfish interests can be dangerous. You may be left in a sticky situation!
SOLUTIONDon’t hire programmers!Read our Software Consulting
Guidebook
The Fox and the Goat
MORAL“An evil mind will show evil
action sooner or later.”
Be careful who you trust. Some programmers will set up a “kingdom” at your company.
SOLUTIONFind a vendor you can trustWrite a contract that protects
your information
The Wolf and the Shepherd
MORAL“Happy is he who learns from
the misfortunes of others”
Don’t be an Ass, hire the experts!
SOLUTIONYour vendors should add value
from their experience, not just their skillset
This will help you avoid costly missteps and rework!
The Fox, the Ass, and the Lion
SummaryStraying from your core business
More risk than rewardLong term costs
Finally, one more fable: The Boy Bathing
Moral –“Counsel without help is useless”
Next StepsYou’ve heard our counsel…Now how about some help?
http://www.entrancesoftware.comGrant IsamingerBusiness [email protected]
Fables and images courtesy of The Project Gutenberg EBook of Aesop's Fables, by
Aesop http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/8/7/3/18732/