The multi-user version of our new accounting software is moving right along. Clients can sign on to the home computer over a LAN or Internet now. Their window is starting to look like the single-user version. There’s still more to do, but the end is in sight. Work has also started on mobile apps for iOS and Android, for phone or tablet.
The multi-user code is a joint effort between our staff and a programmer in Turkey. He handles the Qt and network portions of the project, while we build the GUI and business parts. Often there is overlap in between.
Much of the work on our end is fixing bad design from a previous subcontractor. In 2000, we hired a large software firm in India to create Windows and multi-user versions for Goldenseal. They started with an experienced programmer, but soon shifted everything to a newbie. He wrote plenty of terrible code, and took shortcuts that still affect Goldenseal’s quality.
The project was promised to finish in 6 months, but it actually dragged on for more than 2 years. It would have gone even longer, but our staff chipped in and did some things just so we’d have an app to ship.
The poor-quality Windows code is long gone, but the networking still needed an overhaul. That task has taken a few weeks already, and probably will need a couple more.
Over the years, TurtleSoft has hired about 20 different subcontractors, and negotiated with more than 100. Most were for C++ work, with a few for website and shopping cart setup. Individual programmers have usually worked out the best.
It was the same way with Turtle Creek Carpentry. In two different decades, we shared projects with excellent plumbers who worked solo. Then they hired a small crew, and still were pretty good. Then they expanded too much, filled up with bozos, and became disasters. One electrician took a similar path.
Talent at hands-on work does not always translate to management skill.
Dennis Kolva
Programming Director
TurtleSoft.com
