A: IT is a broad term and generally covers two types of technology solutions: infrastructure or applications/software. Infrastructure includes components like servers, networks, printers, and phones. Applications/software, which is InnoTech's core competency, includes the design, development, installation, management, and maintenance of (primarily custom) software.

A: InnoTech typically provides custom software solutions for professional industries across the board, from small family-owned businesses to Fortune 500 companies.

A: We define three tiers of custom software to include Internet, General Front Office, or Line of Business. While there is some overlap, we look at where the solution has the most impact to help better define it for practical discussion purposes.

A: Purchasing an off-the-shelf, basic solution is a good value when the program completely meets your needs. Even then, an often overlooked but critical consideration is future, "big picture" functionality. Custom solutions are 100% strategic, which means they are intuitively designed to fit all of your needs - both immediate and long-term.

A: As mentioned, custom solutions are built a specific way with the end-goal in mind - and rarely is a software solution an answer to a purely technical problem. InnoTech's solutions can result in:

• An additional or increased revenue stream
• Reduced data entry (through system integration or eliminated manual data entry, the latter of which has the side benefit of reduced data entry errors)
• Better decision-making from the sharing of common information, in lieu of barriers or "silos" of information within departments
• The automation of job functions - which simply makes someone's job easier.

A: InnoTech's first job is to listen and really take the time to know and understand your needs, analyze them, and then recommend and build the ideal custom solution. We ensure that our clients are aware of and understand all of their options, pros and cons, so that they can make the most informed decision before their solution is developed.

A: While Microsoft has made it easier to build solutions, unless you're an expert you may find yourself hitting a major unexpected roadblock once well into the project. If you have the opportunity to look at and assess your need and skill level required to tackle it, as well as consulting with InnoTech before starting an internal project, it is recommended. If you're already into the project and wish to bring InnoTech on board, we'll offer you all the alternatives, including continuing on the same project path, or opening the door to a more comprehensive, long-term solution.

A: InnoTech believes that while the technology that's available is universal, it's how that technology is developed and delivered that makes the difference. Our custom software developers apply a "craftsman mentality" – one of great thought and leadership, combined with ingenuity, purposefulness, and genuine care – to the development of truly custom and innovative software. Like true craftsman, InnoTech developers have the expertise that only comes with time and projects under our belts – and we service our clients with integrity and a strong work ethic to ensure complete satisfaction.

A: Aside from the off-the shelf solutions discussed previously, you could hire out from a staffing firm, but caution you to inquire about the individual's expertise. The consultants at InnoTech provide custom software solutions that work for businesses like yours every day. It is our expertise - it's our highly-skilled craft.

A: We work the way you do, but generally, InnoTech does as much background research as possible first, then meets with you to ask questions and listen. During this meeting, we'll identify:

• Key challenges and issues
• Desired outcomes
• Any constraints, including time and budget

An estimate is prepared, and depending on the scope of the project, typically these first two steps are at no charge. Once the client reviews the estimate we follow up to be sure questions are answered and any other issues are addressed. Upon acceptance, the engagement will begin. Solutions are designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, but some more involved applications may require added training sessions or tweaking over time. This added layer is typically determined at bidding time, but certainly no project is complete until the client and all users are completely satisfied.

A: Since not all of your software solutions needs will fit neatly under our core capabilities, InnoTech welcomes the opportunity to address your specific challenges.

A: While it can be important to look at several bids, we caution that considering cost alone can be deceiving. First and foremost, check the expertise of the developer who will actually be doing the work. Since many solutions have processes that are repetitive or constant, it's important that the developer have many similar types of projects under his belt. With that said, the actual truly custom solutions are not "cookie-cutter" ones and require dialogue with the client along the way, as well as appropriate tweaking. Be sure to consider the real value in your investment – one that includes thought, leadership, ingenuity, purposefulness, and genuine care that only a seasoned expert at his craft can provide.