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Windows Applications
The Windows application development world has remained relatively stable since Windows 95, due to the robust class library which Microsoft has offered for so many years; MFC (the Microsoft Foundation Classes). MFC objects wrap the elements of the Windows interface, as well as many of the less visible but still important aspects of a software system (such as files and text handling). Although MFC has evolved since A1’s initial work with it when Windows was still 16-bit, it retains much of the initial structure and conventions. Our developers are experts in MFC (and, more recently, .NET) development.

It is important that a Windows developer also has a good working knowledge of the huge Platform Software Development Kit, in order to understand just what is possible when a client wants to step outside the bounds of convention, or when size limitations or other factors preclude the use of MFC. Here too, we have kept pace with Microsoft, and we are comfortable implementing Windows projects with a variety of tools and approaches.

 

A1 takes a flexible, long-term approach to technology and design decisions. We use our knowledge of most major software technologies to help you choose the best platform for your application. If the right tools don’t exist, we can build them from scratch or assemble pre-existing components.

Of course, your long-term support plans, existing systems, schedule, and budget weigh heavily into these decisions. We take the time to get to know our clients and the business requirements for their software.

We offer a structured service consisting of any or all of the following.
  • Software consultancy services to assist in defining and documenting system requirements and specification.
  • Software development services to design, code and test computer software solutions and advise on rollout. Depending on the context, software may either be developed from scratch or built upon existing third party software products.
  • A range of support services to diagnose and fix any problems encountered with the delivered software.
  • Follow-on services to effect handover of the solution to the customer, including full system documentation, staff education and training, assistance with recruitment of technical staff, etc.

Project structure

All our projects are customised to meet the particular requirements of the client, which can vary considerably depending upon the nature of the work. At the outset of each project, we discuss with the client the requirements for each of the above service elements and produce a development plan which is tailored to their individual needs.

For end-user organisations in particular we can relieve the burden of custom software development and deployment by assisting with each and every aspect of the rollout, from start to finish.

For software houses and service providers, our broad base of technical knowledge allows us to bolster IT departments and development groups within those organisations with our specialist skills and expertise. By deploying a managed and autonomous team we can offload work from (usually beleaguered) in-house technical managers and offer a more dependable and accountable workforce than is ever obtainable by using individual external contractors.

A1 personnel have many years’ experience of delivering large and complex software development projects. We understand the risks and issues inherent in such ventures, and we work closely with our customers to ensure that our projects are always delivered successfully and on time.

If you have a project that you would like to talk to us about, please email us your contact information and we will call you to discuss your requirements in more detail.