The Database Programmer

 Like many other professional workers, database programmers come in many different flavors and styles. All programmers start off as “Newbies” and the good ones end up as seasoned professionals.

The Newbie

• May charge $25 an hour, use macros and take 200 hours to create your database application.
• Fail to set or even understand Referential Integrity.
• Lacks Needs Analysis experience and does not see the BIG picture. 
• Works into a “Gotcha” that increase the cost to the client.
• Does not understand the client’s workflow process.
• Creates a hard to understand/navigate interface.
• Disappears into the night after you pay the bill.

The Seasoned Professional

• May charge $100 an hour, use code and take 50 hours to create your database application. 
• Always sets and fully understands Referential Integrity. 
• Works with the client so both see the BIG picture. 
• Works with the client to prevent a “Gotcha”. 
• Warns the client of potential problems before they occur. 
• Talks with managers and end users who understand the workflow process. 
• Creates a user friendly and time saving interface.  
• Stands by their work and provides information and support for their applications.

 The Database Needs

 Your company needs database support if:

• Company information is kept in spreadsheets.

•  Same or like information is kept in more than one place.

• There is more than one person entering the same data for different departments. This is more common than most companies think.

• You need immediate access to information.

• Easily printing mailing or shipping labels is a requirement.

• Uncle Sam inspects you.

The Commitment!

So you have decided you need a database for your company and want a professional programmer to write the application. Things for you to consider are:

• You must be willing to commit time for a thorough needs analysis. If you have lots of money to throw away then forget this part.
• The database application is an investment in your company not just another software purchase.
• The database application is written specifically for your company, it may be expensive and you can’t buy it off the shelf at Wal-Mart or Best Buy.
• Utilizing a professional programmer, you get what you pay for.
• Pay by the hour. The project will cost you less and you will get a better product. 

 The Database and How Much?

One of the first things you will want to know from the programmer is how much this will cost you. I would want to know the same thing. If you get a figure thrown at you right away, get yourself another programmer. My idea of what your program will look like might not be the same as another programmer. The price, as well as what you get for your money, might be the difference between a 1000 Sq. ft. 3 bedroom home and a 4000 Sq. ft. 3 bedroom home. Let’s take a look at this scenario.

You call a home contractor and tell him you want a 3 bedroom home built and want to know “How Much”. The basic floor plan starts at $50,000 and it’s time to decide what upgrades you want for the house. A different roofing material, better cabinets, carpet upgrades, paint color, window manufacture, etc. all add to the cost of the house. By the time you are done upgrading the cost has risen to $100,000. The cost is acceptable because you get what you want.

Programmer “A” imagines the house with one small window per room, minimum wiring requirements, cheap carpets, plastic faucets and inexpensive appliances. The cost-$50,000

Programmer “B” imagines the house with Big Bay windows, the best wiring, high-grade carpets, quality faucets and reliable appliances. The cost-$60,000

What I am trying to impart with these scenarios is “Cheaper is not always better”.

The best any programmer can do is giving you a ballpark figure. Know in advance, if you insist on a solid bid, the programmer will throw in enough time to cover problems that may, or may not, arise. The end result, you pay more.