What We Do

Stratum Modeling Group in specializes in development of custom software applications for other organizations. Services include analysis, design, prototyping, 2D & 3D graphics and data visualization, simulation of systems, programming, testing, and support of custom software. We will also develop documentation, including help files, if you wish. Stratum Modeling Group can manage all aspects of your software development project from start to finish, or undertake just the portions you need help with. We are happy to work jointly with your in-house developers on new or existing projects.

Approach

Typically, we follow a "prototype and refinement" approach for smaller software development projects. Under this approach, a prototype of your application is developed for your review. The design is refined through review meetings and subsequent prototype versions. The final application may gradually evolve from the prototype or it may be developed completely separately after prototyping has been completed.

Larger projects are usually more successful if time is invested in developing a more formal software specification before prototyping or other development work begins. For some projects, the design of the application naturally follows from the design of the underlying database and it makes sense to design the database structure first. Other projects require a more formal approach of identifying subsystems, dividing the subsystems into modules, and so on. Good software design, like good architectural design, is both a science and an art.

Technology

Stratum Modeling Group develops high quality, high performance, native Windows applications that take full advantage of the power and flexibility of the Windows operating system. We use Prototyping and Modeling of customer requirements, ensuring that we are building the right product for our customers. The unique Stratum approach to development will ensure that your application is developed on time and on budget. We are using Internet technology to ensure that the customer's requirements and project documentation are satisfied throughout the software development lifecycle.We are skilled in the following areas:

• Rapid Prototyping
• Design and Development
• Object Oriented Technologies
• Feasibility Studies
• Cost Estimation
• Product Specification
• Modeling, Analysis, and Simulation
• Software Configuration Management
• Project Management
• Testing and Validation
• Quality Assurance
• Human Factors Studies
• Customer Training and Support
• Product Maintenance
• Technical Documentation
• Education and Training

Development Tools

A wide variety of languages and tools are available for Windows software development. Choosing the right tool (or tools) for a particular project can be critical to the success or failure of the project. For general purpose we are currently using developed by us Stratum Suite. We find that Stratum combines the ease of use with the power of C or C++. Some applications are developed using a combination of languages and tools. The choice of these tools depends on many factors, and is always made in consultation with the customer. We offer skilled development services in C++, C, Java, Delphi/Pascal , Perl, Visual Basic/C++, SQL, ODBC, HTML, JavaScript.

Contracting

Our software development arrangements and contracts can be tailored to your individual situation.

Generally, we prefer to work at our office where we have the tools, technical library, and on-line resources we need for professional software development. However, we are very happy to spend time at your location for design and review meetings, installation, and/or training. Development of certain specialized network or client/server applications may also require us to spend time at your location for design, development, and/or testing work.

Work is generally done on an hourly basis, with detailed invoices sent (and paid) monthly. Discounts are available for high volumes of work for a single customer. Specific hourly rates and applicable volume discounts will be part of our written agreement. We will consider fixed price contracts for projects with detailed written specifications. In such situations, the payment schedule is generally based on delivery milestones.

Our standard contract provides that ownership (i.e. the copyright) of the software including source code is transferred to the customer upon payment in full of all development costs. However, we request that Stratum Modeling Group be granted a license to reuse generic portions of the software in future projects. You benefit from our reuse of previously developed and tested source code modules, just as future customers may benefit from reuse of nonproprietary portions of software we develop for you.

For more information, send inquiries to info@stratum.ac.ru