Our development staff compliments the full range of sales and implementation services of business solutions that First Tech Direct provides today.  They provide both customization and integration services related to each of the major software packages that we sell.  In addition, our development expertise extends beyond customizations and integrations. Development provides full service development services for complete custom solutions.  In addition, FTD development actively develops and markets several successful off-the-shelf software solutions.

Development Methodology

We have created a proven development methodology that offers high quality, quick development, and low cost solutions.  A copy of the methodology is published for client and staff review.  The methodology includes the following major components.

1)  Requirements Gathering
2)  Functional Design
3)  Technical Design
4)  Project Estimate
5)  Development
6)  Quality Assurance and Testing
7)  Documentation
8)  Quality Review
9)  Delivery
10)  Installation
11)  On-Site Testing
12)  User Training
13)  Production Implementation
14)  Post Implementation Review
15)  Project Sign Off

Over this entire process, proactive and structured project management takes place during all phases of the project.  We keep track of all projects internally with various tools including: issues log, version control, various project documents, and most importantly, regular communications with the client related to progress via status memos, client meetings, and email updates.

Tools

Our certified professionals are well versed in a variety of toolsets.  Some of the most common toolsets utilized include:

Visual Basic
MS Visual Interdev
SQL Server
Internet Information Server (with Site Server and Site Server Commerce Edition)
Active Server Page Development
Crystal Reports
OLAP/Data Warehousing utilizing MS SQL 2000 and various reporting tools
Solomon Visual Tools
Great Plains Dexterity, Modifier and Report Writer 

Internet Solutions (eBusiness)

Overview
This service area encompasses many activities related to other departments within our organization.  However, the demand for this service is strong, and it makes sense to dedicate a team to Internet Solutions (eBusiness).  We specialize in providing a well-integrated, great looking eCommerce/eBusiness web site fully integrated into a Back Office/ERP system. This area is functionally broken into three different service areas, Web Development and Design, Internet Development, and System Integration and Consulting.

Web Design

The design staff can provide the following types of services:

Web Site Design
Animated GIFs
Ad Banner Creation
Web Graphics
Site Maintenance & Management
Site Marketing
Multimedia presentations
Macromedia Flash Animation
Logo Design

Technical Internet Development

These developers specialize in technologies for the web and adapting those for our clients. This may include custom development or it may simply be a modification to an existing process.  Platforms and products currently supported include:

Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS)
Site Server and Site Server Commerce Edition
VB Script, Java Script
Java
Visual Basic 
ActiveX Controls and Web Classes
Active Server Page Development (including MS Visual InterDev)
Database Connectivity

In addition, with years of back office and system integration experience, our Internet Developers are very strong at leveraging eCommerce technologies and integrating them into existing systems. 

System Integration and Consulting

Our technical consultants assist in everything from the initial installation and configuration of IIS to the implementation and deployment of packaged and custom eBusiness solutions.  They are well versed in various Internet technologies and use them to their fullest for our clients.  They can assist in:

IIS Installation and Deployment
Proxy & Firewall installation and configuration
Great Plains eBusiness software implementation
Site Server components such as online credit card authorization and shipping charge calculations
Real-time full motion video via Windows Media Player and RealPlayer

Many other network and system services are also provided via our Network Services team or through key third parties.