Why run your business when it can fly

At Software Colors we understand that "Management" focus their attention on the company's core activities and that the Application Systems supporting these core activities are expected to:

• Reliably do "whatever it is they do."
• Change as and when the company changes.
• Cost less to operate.

While we understand and support Management's position, we also know that many Application Systems do NOT run reliably, CANNOT change as the company changes and that money disappears into a "black-hole" with very little perceived return.

Managing the Application Systems Asset is a complex mix of strategy, technology, human skills, service-level agreements, operating procedures and people management. Falling short in any one of the above areas leads to Management taking their attention away from core activities.

Designing, building and operating Application Systems is the core activity of Software Colors. We know from first hand experience that to effectively manage a company's Application Systems requires the following:

1. People that really understand Application Systems Software.
2. A customer care mindset supported by service level agreements.
3. A comprehensive understanding of the company's business objectives,
   processes and data.
4. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
5. People management skills.
6. Project management skills.
7. A stable work force with a broad range of business and technical skills.
8. An awareness of technology trends.
9. Documented procedures for the operation and maintenance of the
   Application Systems.
10. Financial management of the software assets.
11. A documented software development process.
12. Well designed and constructed systems.
13. Accurate metrics for system availability and downtime.
14. A call-centre with "call-out" and "escalation" procedures.
15. Appropriate security mechanisms and procedures.
16. Disaster recovery procedures.