Software Development Services refer to the design and building of customised software systems. These services are treated as a project with a written contract. Enigma Solutions appreciates the importance of delivering custom built software on time and on budget.

Typically our software development projects involve four stages:

•   Concept Phase
•   Specification and Design Phase
•   Development and Programming Phase
•   Implementation and Installation Phase

Concept Phase

	This first thing to happen in any software development project is that the client will take some time to think about what their requirements are. As a result the client will make some notes or prepare a requirements brief document.
	After meeting with our client and discussing the project we will provide a (no obligation) estimated price range for the whole project. We will also provide a fixed price quotation for the development of a technical specification.

Specification and Design Phase

The next step is to analyse in detail our client's requirements and prepare the technical specification document. A technical specification document is always required. In some cases it may be a very simple document (in which case the cost will be minimal). With more complicated projects the technical specification may involve a significant amount of work. The specification phase is probably the most important stage of any software development project. For example, most of us would never consider building a house without architectural drawings. Certainly software development is different, but the same principals apply to the tasks of designing and budgeting.

The technical specification document must be an indisputable and comprehensive blue print of the design of the program. It must use language that is readable by ourselves as well as our client.

The technical specification document typically contains design information relating to:

•   Data Structures
•   Entity Relationship Diagrams
•   Process Flow Charts
•   Menu Layouts
•   Screen Layouts
•   Report Layouts

The technical specification by itself will provide sufficient information to base a fixed price quotation. No other documents or verbal discussions (including the requirements brief) form part of the design unless specifically referred to in the specification document.

Development and Programming Phase

Upon completion of the development phase the client will have a software program that operates exactly as required, did not run over budget and was delivered on time.

Implementation and Installation Phase

Once the program has been developed, all that needs to be done is install the program, configure it, transfer any necessary initialisation data and finally instruct users on how to use the program.

Variations

Having installed the program and used it for a while it may become apparent that some additions need to be made to the program. These additions can be added on a time and materials basis or under a new development contract.