KnowWare

KnowWare is a small, yet successful, software consulting firm. We have one consultant, Rick Harrison (me), and one other employee, Linda (my wife), who handles general administration of the business. As needed, we hire additional people, subcontract or outsource work.

Rick Harrison

I started freelance consulting in 1981. Since that time, I have worked on a large variety of projects from business applications in COBOL (and early programming language) on minicomputers, to device drivers and embedded control software for mainframe storage systems and high-end office security systems to games and graphics applications.

For the past several years, I have been mainly working mainly on Windows business applications, for the desktop and the Web, using Microsoft .Net ("dot net") in C#, but I'm also still working on some "legacy" projects in Visual Basic 6, Borland C++ and such.

To me, small business is all about finding the right niche. My main niche has been helping small to medium size businesses solve their computer related business problems in an efficient and cost-effective way.

Every customer and every project is different. Sometimes, a small program is needed to solve a pressing problem. Other times, an existing application or web site requires changes or ongoing improvement to stay competitive. Sometimes, a large project must be completed in a short time. I find that every situation requires a slightly different approach.

Nearly always, the Project Triangle (i.e. Fast, Cheap, Good - pick any two) comes into play when scoping out a new project of any size. Software development can be expensive, but it should always be kept as simple, and inexpensive, as possible. Quality is extremely important, especially for long term projects. But the most important thing for a programmer is to deliver what is actually needed in time so that it either quickly pays for itself or provides more value than it cost to produce. This is trickier than it seems, but it is what I always strive to do. I have sometimes failed, of course, but usually I succeed.

There are literally hundreds of processes, technologies and methods available to accomplish any given project. It can be very difficult to choose the right ones. Which to choose depends on a huge variety of factors, such as budget, market windows, complexity of the task, the sophistication of the end-user. As much data as possible must be taken into account without getting into Paralysis by Analysis.

I try to stay on top of developments in my field and to put a project into its proper perspective. Then, depending on all known factors, I can either do the work myself, subcontract or outsource it, or assemble a team (temporary or permanent) to accomplish what needs to be done. If there is a way to do your project that makes good business sense, I'll find it. If not, I'll let you know.

Feel free to contact me about any project, large or small, and I’ll be happy to give you an assessment free of charge.