David Archer
Over the last twelve years, my main focus has been the establishment of an IT Professional Services company to design, develop and integrate bespoke software applications. I’ve focused primarily on using Microsoft-centric technologies due to the longevity and support available.
I started Oxon Data Systems in 1998, which was merged with 2 other companies in 2004 to form The BlueArc Group. More recently, I established a niche software development company, Ripteq.
Ripteq was established with the benefit of hard-won hindsight over ten years of software development experience in an ever evolving and maturing industry. In particular, Ripteq was based on the following philosophies regarding the discipline of software development;
- Always approach IT issues and solutions from a practical business point of view (i.e. IT projects should deliver a tangible, measurable business benefits);
- Utilise development (and project management) methodologies that deliver real value from the points of view efficiency, quality, repeatable, re-usable, extensible and supportable;
- Embrace the wide use of 3rd party tools, components and frameworks where available;
- Embrace the use of common commercial products to increase wider supportability issues (i.e. Microsoft technology stack, best of breed toolset, etc.);
- Approach software development with reference to not only current technology, but with the current knowledge of global thinking and trends. You can only have the benefit of this knowledge from active participation in user groups, on-line forums, blogs, and podcasts;
- Use of code generation techniques to increase a projects efficiency, quality and re-usability;
- The establishment of partnerships with trusted companies are vital to promote and support dynamic solutions, rather than trying to be all things to all people.