Onset Development is a software development and systems operations company consisting of an agile network of developers and engineers who take pride in crafting useful software and solutions using open-source technology. We bring experience, integrity and creativity to the design and construction of modern web applications.
We also work with a number of marketing and branding agencies, providing development, systems administration and consulting services. We craft the strong technical solutions needed to realize a unique creative vision.
We advocate for and practice a pragmatic Agile Development process.
"Agile" is a term that gets thrown around a lot, and has come to mean different things to different people. We believe that there is a core set of practices that are key to a successful process:
Done properly, an agile process results in working, useful designs and software. Perhaps more importantly, it fosters a constructive, ongoing relationship between end-users, clients, designers and developers.
We are always happy to work based on fixed-bid proposals, especially when the relationship is new, or a client must know the exact spend in advance for budgetary or other reasons.
We are even happier working under contracts where the work to be done is specified on an ongoing, iterative basis (of course, this aligns nicely with the Agile methods outlined above). This is a model that maximizes efficiency and adaptability, because all development is done with a specific, immediate goal at hand - and that goal is always set and approved in collaboration with the stakeholder.
We use web-based planning and feature/issue tracking tools on every project. In all cases we hope and expect clients will act as a involved stakeholder throughout the development cycle, collaborating in setting goals, priorities and specifications.
When considering any partner or vendor in your business, you have every right to consider your degree of trust. That's why we feel it is important to plainly state a few basic principles here - we hope you agree.
We:
In any tradecraft, there is a balance to be struck between keeping up with all the latest developments and shiny new tech in the field, and developing deep expertise with proven, reliable tools. Here are some of the brand-spankin-new and tried-and-true that we like:
In business since 2004, Onset is now primarily a web-development firm that not only boasts considerable in-house expertise, but can also draw on many trusted friends and partners to bring the full range of skills and talent to any project, from visual design to SEO, and from boutique intranet apps to heroic-scale database deployments.
Our clients have consisted of established companies and startups, sole proprietors and public corporations, as well as non-profits, and state and municipal agencies.
We also enjoy partnering with media, advertising and branding agencies to help bring creative ideas to life.