Custom Application Development Services

There are benefits to building software to improve existing business processes rather than changing proven procedures in order to work within the constraints of off-the-shelf applications. Whether departmental, divisional or enterprise-wide in scope, Fortech provides the customers total application development solutions both on a contract or project basis.

Fortech Software's Custom Application Development Practice is dedicated to helping organizations successfully develop, implement and maintain leading-edge applications. Providing experienced project teams and partnerships with industry leaders, we can quickly and effectively help you take full advantage of custom solutions across nearly every industry, applying our experience in various fields of the industry.

Fortech offers custom application development solutions through off-site/on-site/off-shore development centers.

OUTSOURCING MODELS

Fortech’s well defined and tested processes have enabled us to offer a wide range of services by sustaining the same quality, effectiveness and responsiveness that define our service standards. The following are our service offering Models:

• Dedicated Offshore Team
• Projects on Time & Material
• Projects on a Fixed Bid basis


MODEL-A: FIXED BID
Concept:
In this model, Client and Fortech agree to a fixed price and deliverables for a project. Fortech has perfected this model and is adept at delivering the high quality software in time and within budget.

Applicability
The model is well suited for projects that have clear specification documents and sufficient amount of detail so that all risks are identified and all assumptions are explicit. These projects typically leave little scope for changes and additions during the project execution. This model's success hinges on the active cooperation of the client. It assumes that the client will provide timely and relevant feedback & decisions.

Process
Client provides a detailed specification document to Fortech. Fortech along with Client will review the specifications and ensure that all assumptions, details are made explicit. Fortech will prepare an effort analysis and propose a fixed price and fixed time frame for the project execution. Fortech will also highlight the scope of change and possible risks during the execution phase. Fortech can help the client in evolving the specifications for the particular project at a fee. Fortech’s business analyst discusses the project in detail and prepares a low level specification document laying bare the various elements of the project. Dedicated Project Manager will be assigned at the US end.

Benefits
There is limited risk to both parties as the scope, price and timelines are fixed in this model. This risk reduction is however based on the quality effort that precedes the agreement phase. The higher the detailing, lower are the surprises. Fortech offers business consulting services during the specification stage. There will be minimal scope to implement any new ideas or new requirements during the execution of the project. The application will be designed based on mutually agreed specifications. This obviously limits the changes that can be included during the execution of the project. This is a good model for all projects where the specifications of the project / product are clear and well documented with all aspects of estimation and change management mutually agreed upon.

Model-B: Time & Material
Concept
The customer will be assigned a team as per requirements and charged based on the resources utilized and the time spent for the project.

Applicability
This model has a start point from various stages viz. post specification, pre-specification, post architectural design etc. A comprehensive scenario will involve problem definition, solution definition, research, business analysis, specifications, visual mapping, architectural design, documentation, coding, change management, testing, roll out and support. Fortech prepares an effort estimate for different stages, defines the promised deliverables and states the assumptions involved. The effort is charged on a pre-agreed hourly rate based on the quality of resource engaged. Fortech and Clients agree on an change management practice. Fortech’s analysis, specifications, visual mapping, architectural design, documentation, coding, change management, testing, roll out and support. Fortech prepares an effort estimate for different stages, defines the promised deliverables and states the assumptions involved. The effort is charged on a pre-agreed hourly rate based on the quality of resource engaged. Fortech and Client agree on a change management practice and provide room for the same. Fortech’s effective project management ensures that effort is estimated and implemented in an effective and controlled fashion to reduce time and cost overruns.

Process
This is the best method for implementing projects which are longer in duration and where the project specifications evolve as the implementation progresses. Large scale and complex projects are best executed using this approach. This model allows the software service provider and the client together to arrive at that solution. Dedicated Project Manager will be assigned at the US end.

Benefits
The benefit of this model is that it provides a business solution for complex business problems focusing on a solution framework and using diverse skills without the overhead of in-house resources and management.

Model-C: Dedicated Offshore Team
Concept:
Dedicated offshore resources needed by the client will be identified and assigned for the use of the client as per agreed terms. This is suitable for software consulting and development companies or IT departments of large business houses who like to have an offshore development team or need resources on a short-term or long term basis.

Process
Fortech identifies and screens the resources and the details of the same are provided to the client for further screening. The client in turn evaluates these details and interviews the resources. The resources allocated to the client will work on the assignments of the client organization and will report to the assigned authority or to Fortech Project Manager based in US (as agreed). A mutually conducive communication protocol is agreed upon for reporting to the client. Fortech will play an active role in providing the needed infrastructure and support for successful completion of any given venture or need. Dedicated Project Manager will be assigned at the US end.

Benefits
This model is perfectly applicable for organizations that have the needed project management resources and skills and would like to reap the benefits of offshore software development. The biggest advantage with this model is that an extended team of skilled resources are available along with the needed infrastructure without the overhead of in-house resources and management. This model apart from adding cost reduction also provides the added benefit of using the time difference globally to your advantage. Also, this model can support both a project specific requirement and an extended team requirement.