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Gain
the competitive edge by running your business more efficiently
and profitably with software and services from Software Masters. See what we can do for you:
Initial Consultation
- To begin the custom software development process, you should send Software Masters, Inc. (SMI) any sample
input/output documents, as well as any other descriptive information, that is readily available pertaining to the process to be automated.
- SMI will send you a demo CD of our programs for your review. These sample programs will illustrate possible
design techniques, menu flow, user-friendly format, etc. To increase the common ground between your needs and software design options, you should
review these sample programs as soon as possible.
- An initial one-hour no-charge consultation will be conducted by SMI to discuss the basic interface and flow of the program. The interface in
the sample programs will be used for much of the discussion. The general scope of the program, along with a rough cost and time estimates, will also be discussed.
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Proposal
- SMI will inform you in a proposal as to the amount of a non-refundable deposit that will cover the cost of developing very specific functional requirements of
the proposed software program.
- If you decide to proceed with the development of the functional requirements, you should sign and return the proposal, along with the required deposit.
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Functional Requirements
- Very specific functional requirements will then be developed through multiple discussions with you.
Menus, database structures, input screen layouts, report formats, etc will also be developed.
- You will have ample opportunity to review, modify and eventually approve the functional requirements.
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Contract
- Upon your final agreement with the functional requirements, a contract outlining the development cycle, time
frames, the payment of fees, license information, technical support, as well as the warranties and liabilities, will be submitted to you. Upon your signature,
the programming of the software will begin.
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Software Development
- Each Monday, SMI will send you the latest"developmental stage" (DS) copy of the program from the work completed during the previous week.
- You should load the DS program onto your PC and review it in its entirety. The menu options, input screens, etc. should be reviewed, and if the data entry screens are available, dummy data
should be entered into the program to evaluate the development design. NO REAL DATA SHOULD BE ENTERED INTO THE PROGRAM UNTIL A FINAL VERSION IS PROVIDED. Any modifications needed in the
program design should immediately be brought to the attention of SMI using a Request for Services form. Also, to ensure that the program is not accidentally used later on, a built-in lock will
prevent the use of the software 30 days after it is sent.
- As we must pay the programmers, utilities, etc. throughout the development cycle, we likewise need you to pay for program development on a flow basis from the weekly invoices that will accompany
the DS programs. Failure to make payment within 14 days of receiving the invoice may result in the curtailment of development until payment is received.
- When you receive the completed program, payment of the remaining development costs should also be made within 14 days. Real data can then be entered for the first time. Also, it is a good
idea to continue running the old process concurrently with the new software program to further validate the software.
- Any problems with the software not working as designed will be corrected at no cost for up to 1 year. Phone support on the use of the software will be provided at no cost for up to
90 days.
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Subsequent Programming and Support Activities
- Subsequent upgrades, changes, enhancements or fixes to the program, either minor or major, should be requested on a "Request for Services" form. A cost estimate, including no charge items,
will again be provided to you prior to commencement of any software modifications.
- Unless otherwise specified, the current rate (01/01/08) for software programming and support is $75.00 per hour.
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 Case
Study:
Town Clerk, New York
Software Masters, Inc. was hired to create a custom
software program for the town clerk's office in a small
town in New York. The town clerk needed a program that
could keep track of the local hunting licenses, tax
payments, and dog licenses, and generate the appropriate
reports. Software Masters worked closely with the
town clerk to clearly identify what their operating needs
were and then created a custom software program that helped
them manage their office. They received the user-friendly
program with training and were able to run their office much
more effectively, all at an affordable price. The town clerk
said, "The program helped them so much that it should be
shared with other town clerks in New York". Based on their
recommendation, over 20 additional town clerks purchased and used
the program to become much more efficient.
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