Frequently asked questions

What software do you use to develop database systems and why?

Tebet Business Solutions uses Microsoft Access for small desktop systems that don't require major security controls. For larger, more robust systems or systems requiring stringent security controls, we use Microsoft SQL Server.

Access dominates the desktop database market. SQL Server has a major and ever increasing slice of the business database market. Apart from the wide-spread developer and user support for each application, we simply believe each is the best in its target market.

What software do you use to develop custom software solutions and why?

Tebet Business Solutions uses Microsoft Visual Basic .NET or C# for all of its custom software development.

Visual Basic has wide-spread developer support and is easy to use, with extensive on-line help and examples. Other languages may be better suited for specialised applications (eg C or C++ for embedded controllers), but we find VB easier to use and quicker for the development of business software.

Can you develop database systems or custom software solutions for Macs or Linux/Unix operating systems?

Tebet Business Solutions specialises in developing solutions for IBM compatable personal computers using the Windows operating system. While we can, and occassionally do, develop for other hardware platforms or operating systems, we normally will not.

Do you provide training and support?

Tebet Business Solutions provides written documentation, initial training and on-going support for all custom software solutions and database systems that we develop.

We're committed to helping small to medium sized businesses to succeed in their market segments. And we've been around since 1997 doing just that. Many smaller or younger developers may not have the resources or skills to provide the same level of service or on-going support.

Why is custom software dearer than off-the-shelf products?

Custom software does exactly what you want not what some multi-national thinks everyone needs because that's the way American big business does it! Even products that've been tailored for the Australian market are often slanted to the way larger businesses work.

Of course, the development costs can't normally be spread across thousands or millions of copies of the software. However, Tebet Business Solutions always endeavours to keep the final cost as low as realistically possible consistent with providing you with the solution that you need and want.

Remember: A cheap solution that doesn't do what you wanted, isn't cheap at all — it's just a waste of time, effort and money.

We've received cheaper quotes form other suppliers. How come you won't match them?

Tebet Business Solutions doesn't represent itself as the cheapest in the market: some developers are cheaper (on a per hour basis); some are dearer. However, we do claim to offer excellent value for money and assure you that we will deliver what we promise.

In deciding who's really the cheaper, you have to make sure you're comparing apples with apples. Then there's the issues of honesty, experience, documentation, and post-delivery training and on-going support.

Unfortunately, not every business operates in a forthright manner. You may have discovered examples of businesses who bid low to get a contract, then 'discover' that the project was more complicated than expected and it will cost extra to get essential features or to complete the project.

Some cheaper quotes merely reflect the (in-)experience or the knowledge and skill level of the provider. Their quote may not cover essential (but not directly specified) elements of the project (eg database security, migration of data from your current system, adequate testing and post-delivery support). A low per hour rate for an inexperienced developer will almost always work out dearer than a higher rate for someone who has the skills to do more in less hours.

Tebet Business Solutions is a member of the World Institute of Scientology Enterprises, a group dedicated to ensuring ethical conduct in business practices (please click here for more information). We stand by our quotes.

Tebet Business Solutions only employs skilled, experienced developers who can see the bigger picture and think for themselves. We offer a range of contract options, included capped or fixed price. And we provide full system and user documentation, initial user training and on-going support.

Is out-sourcing overseas cheaper?

The answer to the previous question applies equally well to 'cheap' out-source development providers based in India or China.

However, there are several difficulties/issues that are more evident when dealing with overseas providers: cultural differences, work-ethic and holidays; language issues; eductional standards; different time zones (Beijing: -3:00 hrs; New Delhi: -5:30 hrs compared with Sydney); and lax IP laws.

While email and the internet has shrunk the world, distance and time are still significant hurdles to managing a business relationship or development project.

It is always important to check out the credentials of the company that you are considering to be the provider of any product or service to your business. Given the possible cultural, language and different time zone issues, etc, this will undoubtedly be much more difficult than dealing with Tebet Business Solutions. We have a proven track record of delivering projects on time and within budget.

Will I be able to import data from my current software?

Maybe. There isn't any simple answer to this question. If your current system is a relatively recent version (released in, say, the last 5 years or so), then transferring your current data shouldn't be a major problem. If your current system is older, then transferrng your current data might be more complicated.

Tebet Business Solutions can advise on the simplest and most direct method to ensure the least interruption to your business processes and that no data is lost.

Do you use wizards to develop software?

Yes, when appropriate. Which isn't as often as some may think.

Tebet Business Solutions finds that wizards have limited use since they often generate inefficient or difficult to maintain code that doesn't conform to our or industry endorsed standards. Wizards are also designed for simple tasks: anything out of the ordinary or more complicated still requires the developer to write code.

Any slight speed advantage to the wizard method of developing applications is more than offset by the 'proper' code being easier to read, debug, test and maintain.

Tebet Business Solutions' developers do use program templates and pre-tested code modules to speed the development cycle. However, we don't employ developers who don't have the knowledge, skills and experience to code without wizards.