Custom Solutions: The Development Process

Snowebs approach to custom application development usually follows a five-stage process:

Stage 1: Initial Consultation

Following an initial discussion, by e-mail, phone, or in person, we will prepare a initial document detailing your requirements together with a broad estimation of costs for our services. At this stage we may also present some ideas and advice of our own that we feel may enhance the application. This stage of the process is FREE, which means that you can find out exactly how your business could save time and/or money, and at what cost,with no financial outlay or commitment from you whatsoever.

Stage 2: Detailed Specification

If you are satisfied with the initial consultation document and would like to proceed further, we will then progress to write a detailed report. In order to develop this, we will hold further discussions with you. Again, this can be done by e-mail, phone, or in person. This specification will cover in depth exactly what you would like to achieve, and exactly how it will be achieved. Together with the specification will be an exact costing for the project. This means that as long as the specification then remains unchanged, you will know exactly what the project will cost you and how long it will take. There may be a small charge to develop the detailed specification (depending on the nature of the project being undertaken). However, this will be refunded in full once the development commences. The detailed specification can be refined as many times as you like until you are completely happy to progress.

Stage 3: Initial Development

Once the specification has been agreed upon, contracts are signed and the development commences. Depending on the project, we may request a deposit to security for our services.

Initially, beta (or test) versions of the code you require will be prepared. This stage of the project allows you to comment on the work in progress, and even to seek feedback from colleagues before commenting. You have total control over the final outcome of the project, and this is demonstrated through your active involvement from the very beginning.

Stage 4: Refined Development

Following your feedback on the initial development, Snowebs will then undertake an iterative process of refinement until you are completely satisfied with the results. Throughout this process you will consulted to ensure that the final product meets with both the detailed specification and your personal expectations.

Stage 5: Completion

Once the process of refinement has been completed, the development is then prepared ready for your final approval. Once your final approval has been granted, we will then undertake any post-development tasks that may have been agreed (for example, installation and training).