Interesting Read about Custom Software Development
I've written about Custom Software Development business on another blog. I've seen this today and liked to share. It's about a failed project even at a state level. It's about City of Philadelphia project called Project Ocean. What was supposed to be a 10-million-dollar project is now 29-million-dollar project with no success in sight.
The quote from the above Project Ocean news came about in the light that Custom Software Development is an dangerous game. Look at here for more information. It says that there was a failed project at State of Wisconsin losing >100 million USD, another failed project at UPS that put >1 billion USD suspended. I'm more particularly interested in City of Philadelphia story is because it's a proper water-utility CRM system that Oracle is trying to deliver. Half a million of Philadelphia residents still do not get their bills from the newly-built CRM system. Not until the next 4 months before the project management team see the proof-of-concept.
Also take a closer look at the Ocean Project article link above, you'll see that what's being delivered after 29 million dollars is Basis2 software that costs 1.1 million USD.
All this is because the fact that:
1. Client does not know Custom Software Development - what this means, what is the process, what is the expectation, and what is project management.
PS - before going into any types of consulting projects - one must train clients, set what's needed, how it has been done today, what's going to be done when it's completed.
2. Programmers do not know the client's business, do not to educate client about Custom Software Development (not to the extent of coding but the process, the expectation).
PS - send programmers to walk/work around the workplace for a full week without programming, learn how the client business work (not just a tour of the facility but working side-by-side with operators), thus programmers understand the client's pain. Software is delivered to solve pain not for show.
3. Project Management is not well enforced. Hiring an extremely good and stable project manager throughout the project is very important. Look for a project manager who has completed similar project in the past (in this Philadelphia case, project manager who already built CRM system for a utility company). Not only the experience means everything, but also the certification. PMP certification is preferred. Look at Project Management Institute website for more info.
So before jumping into a custom software development, need to think hard about it. Do you know enough? If not, how to get help or get educated? Otherwise don't try this at home.
The quote from the above Project Ocean news came about in the light that Custom Software Development is an dangerous game. Look at here for more information. It says that there was a failed project at State of Wisconsin losing >100 million USD, another failed project at UPS that put >1 billion USD suspended. I'm more particularly interested in City of Philadelphia story is because it's a proper water-utility CRM system that Oracle is trying to deliver. Half a million of Philadelphia residents still do not get their bills from the newly-built CRM system. Not until the next 4 months before the project management team see the proof-of-concept.
Also take a closer look at the Ocean Project article link above, you'll see that what's being delivered after 29 million dollars is Basis2 software that costs 1.1 million USD.
All this is because the fact that:
1. Client does not know Custom Software Development - what this means, what is the process, what is the expectation, and what is project management.
PS - before going into any types of consulting projects - one must train clients, set what's needed, how it has been done today, what's going to be done when it's completed.
2. Programmers do not know the client's business, do not to educate client about Custom Software Development (not to the extent of coding but the process, the expectation).
PS - send programmers to walk/work around the workplace for a full week without programming, learn how the client business work (not just a tour of the facility but working side-by-side with operators), thus programmers understand the client's pain. Software is delivered to solve pain not for show.
3. Project Management is not well enforced. Hiring an extremely good and stable project manager throughout the project is very important. Look for a project manager who has completed similar project in the past (in this Philadelphia case, project manager who already built CRM system for a utility company). Not only the experience means everything, but also the certification. PMP certification is preferred. Look at Project Management Institute website for more info.
So before jumping into a custom software development, need to think hard about it. Do you know enough? If not, how to get help or get educated? Otherwise don't try this at home.
posted by Peter Srivaree-Ratana at 12:43 AM
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