Here is an example of how we work with our clients:

Step 1 - Base Contract
A Base Contract is generated between the two parties. This is a legal document which is signed by a Client executive and a SmartBond executive. This base contract has the standard legal clauses. In addition it locks SmartBond's hourly fee structure for a certain period of time.

The base contract does not have a fee involved with it, nor does it obligate the client to use SmartBond on any project. SmartBond cannot start working on a project until a sub-exhibit to the Exhibit B of the base contract is created. Thus there are no costs incurred until a sub-exhibit is created for a project.

A sub-exhibit is not generated until there is enough information for there to be a basic scope of work outlined and agreed to by both parties. In addition, the sub-exhibit can have the project schedule, project team members, and other details specific to the project as requested and agreed upon by both parties. The sub-exhibit needs to be initialed by a representative from the client and a representative of SmartBond.

Step 2 - Project: Software Development for Wireless Device
Lets assume that the first project is to develop software for a wireless device. Together with the client, the Project Scope will be defined. The Client then approves the SB Programming Project Team, who will be recommended by SB management. This team will then develop the Project Specifications, followed by a Question and Answer session. Once the Project Specifications is complete, the SB team can then work out a detailed Estimate of the number of Hours required for the project. This estimate will be submitted to the client for Approval.

Step 3 - Base Contract: Sub-Exhibit to Exhibit B
After the client has approved the Estimate, the Project will be defined in a sub-exhibit to Exhibit B of the Base contract. The project will not commence, until, the sub-exhibit is initialed by an executive of the client and SB.

Step 4 - Development
The SB programming team will start building a Mock Up or Prototype for the Wireless Device. After the SB Project Manager, as well as, the client have approved the Mock Up or Prototype, can the SB Team start designing the software. Coding will begin, once the design is completed. The Alpha Version will be delivered for Testing, after which, feedback will be provided. Revisions will be made to the product based on the feedback received. A Beta Version will be delivered for Testing and Feedback. Once again, revisions will be made. Finally, the Gamma Version will be delivered for approval by the client. Project Complete.

Step 5 - Project: theclient.com Website Design
Assume the client is happy with the service and quality of the work of the SB Team. The client now wants SB to design the website for theclient.com. Together, with the client, the Project Scope will be defined. The Client then approves the SB Design Project Team, who will be recommended by SB management. This team will then develop the Project Specifications, followed by a Question and Answer session. Once the Project Specifications is complete, the SB team can then work out a detailed Estimate of the number of Hours required for the project. This estimate will be submitted to the client for Approval.

Step 6 - Base Contract: Sub-Exhibit to Exhibit B
After the client has approved the Estimate for theclient.com Website Design, the Project will be defined in a further sub-exhibit to Exhibit B of the Base contract. The project will not commence, until, the additional sub-exhibit is initialed by an executive of the client and SB.

Step 7- Design
The SB Design project Team will start doing research on the clients Corporate Image and to familiarize themselves with the culture of the client's company. They will then begin designing various Sketches for the website. The client will be given a few of the Sketches for selection and approval. The client will choose a design and layout of the website. The SB Design team will then start processing a Detailed Layout of the approved Sketches. The Final Design will then be delivered to the client for Final approval. Project Complete.

Step 8 - Project: Database Driven Website
The client now wants SB to develop a Database Driven Website. Together, with the client, the Project Scope will be defined. The Client then approves the SB Programming Project Team, who will be recommended by SB management. This team will then develop the Project Specifications, followed by a Question and Answer session. Once the Project Specifications is complete, the SB team can then work out a detailed Estimate of the number of Hours required for the project. This estimate will be submitted to the client for Approval.

Step 9 - Base Contract: Sub-Exhibit to Exhibit B
After the client has approved the Estimate for the Database Driven Website, the Project will be defined in a further sub-exhibit to Exhibit B of the Base contract. The project will not commence, until, the additional sub-exhibit is initialed by an executive of the client and SB.

Step 10
The SB programming team will start building a Mock Up or Prototype for the Database Driven Website. After the SB Project Manager, as well as, the client have approved the Mock Up or Prototype, can the SB Team start designing the software. Coding will begin, once the design is completed. The Alpha Version will be delivered for Testing, after which, feedback will be provided. Revisions will be made to the product based on the feedback received. A Beta Version will be delivered for Testing and Feedback. Once again, revisions will be made. Finally, the Gamma Version will be delivered for approval by the client. Project Complete.

Web Based Project Management System

All of the above processes will be channeled and managed through SB's Web Based Project Management System (PM).

The client can monitor the progress and status of the project on a daily basis using the PM system. Gaining entry via a username and password, the client or project manager can review, approve or reject hours spent on the project. SB can only bill the client after approval of the work completed has been given.

The PM system has an automated quoting mechanism where the client can approve and reject the quote directly in the PM system. This facility allows various types of quotes, namely, estimates, fixed fee, and fixed fee with a maximum quote. Estimates means the project is billed on an hourly basis, fixed fee means an estimate is given of the expected hours and then lock in the fee if enough information is available. The fixed fee with a maximum means we bill on an hourly basis until we hit a maximum i.e. if the number of hours incurred on the project is less than the maximum, then we only charge for the hours incurred. This allows the client to stay within budget constraints.

The Next Step

Read the questions below. If you answer "Yes" to any of them, then contact us or visit our TestLab.

1. Would you like to save money on software development?

2. Would you like to reduce your programming workload?