Obligatory Caveat: While we’ve not built the same application in a variety of langugages to assess the potential savings, we have normalized by analyzing applications of similar complexity with comparable team competencies (using Planix as our steward).

To cut to the chase, in general the economics and adaptability of a Rails-based application versus other applications look something like this –

A medium complexity application with approximately 20 medium-to-high complexity features (use cases or user stories)*

* We are speaking of applications where a ‘pure’ Rails approach is applicable; where other non-Ruby on Rails technologies are not required ro realize the solution.

Pretty impressive, eh? We believe so as well, but — again — just because you can develop faster, does not mean you should. In my next post, we’ll discuss more of the pros and cons of using RoR as your platform of choice.

Technorati Tags: software economics, Ruby on Rails, RoR, Rails productivity, software development costs, time to market,

-JOB DESCRIPTION-
TECHNOLOGY RELATED (70%)
Engineer/Analysts provide a range of technical expertise, as a design and implementation specialist of ALTERthought’’ products and services using C#/.NET and a variety of development tools. The ideal candidate has the ability to solve problems quickly and creatively, and is able to work independently to meet aggressive deadlines with a minimal amount of direction from senior team members. Both participating in requirements and design sessions, as well as intensive programming directly from existing specifications will be required. The engineer will code quality implementation of designs using .NET including C#, VB.NET and ASP while meeting implementation deadlines; problem solve and coordinate with members of a cross-functional team including Project Management, Quality Services and Client Services; maintain implementations as products and services mature; adhere to software development and source control processes; and mentor other team members as appropriate.

BUSINESS RELATED (30%)
The Engineer/Analyst will provide analytical and customer contact services in the development of leading edge e-business infrastructure and systems. He or she will aid in analysis of customer User Roles, Processes, and infrastructure needs; Assist in modeling of User/Role Business Information Needs; contribute to current-state Business Process Analysis activities and Contribute to future-state Business Process Design activities.

-JOB QUALIFICATIONS-

– Bachelor’s degree (preferred) in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering or demonstrable equivalent industry experience
– 2+ years of Object Oriented server side development required
– 2+ years of full-lifecycle server software development experience using the following technologies: VB.NET, C#, ASP.NET
– Experience with various Microsoft Platforms
– Familiarity with relational databases
– 2+ years experience with Object Oriented Analysis and Design (OOAD) using UML
– Experience with XML/XSL, WSDL, and SQL
– Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
– Demonstrated capacity for learning quickly in a fast-paced environment
– Excellent communication skills
– Must be able to translate mid-level designs, into quality implementations
– Must be an excellent team player with the ability to offer and accept constructive criticism
– Must have 2 + years experience with various software development methodologies, preferably the RUP and/or Agile/XP tenets.
– Previous consulting experience desired
– This position requires a minimum 2 years of IT-related experience with experience in corporate portals, embedded systems, and high-volume transactional systems is a plus.
– Experience in accelerated development a strong plus.
– Demonstrated experience utilizing formal process engineering methods to deliver information service and/or software application is required.

Candidates must be willing to relocate or travel to the Baltimore, MD area. A relocation package may or may not be offered. If you think you may be a good candidate for this position please send your resume along with a brief note about your vision for technology and business innovation to careers@alterthought.com.

Technorati Tags: dotnet, jobs, alterthought

-JOB DESCRIPTION-
TECHNOLOGY RELATED (70%)
Engineer/Analysts provide a range of technical expertise, as a design and implementation specialist of ALTERthought’’ products and services using C#/.NET and a variety of development tools. The ideal candidate has the ability to solve problems quickly and creatively, and is able to work independently to meet aggressive deadlines with a minimal amount of direction from senior team members. Both participating in requirements and design sessions, as well as intensive programming directly from existing specifications will be required. The engineer will code quality implementation of designs using .NET including C#, VB.NET and ASP while meeting implementation deadlines; problem solve and coordinate with members of a cross-functional team including Project Management, Quality Services and Client Services; maintain implementations as products and services mature; adhere to software development and source control processes; and mentor other team members as appropriate.

BUSINESS RELATED (30%)
The Engineer/Analyst will provide analytical and customer contact services in the development of leading edge e-business infrastructure and systems. He or she will aid in analysis of customer User Roles, Processes, and infrastructure needs; Assist in modeling of User/Role Business Information Needs; contribute to current-state Business Process Analysis activities and Contribute to future-state Business Process Design activities.

-JOB QUALIFICATIONS-

• Bachelor’s degree (preferred) in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering or demonstrable equivalent industry experience
• 2+ years of Object Oriented server side development required
• 2+ years of full-lifecycle server software development experience using the following technologies: VB.NET, C#, ASP.NET
• Experience with various Microsoft Platforms
• Familiarity with relational databases
• 2+ years experience with Object Oriented Analysis and Design (OOAD) using UML
• Experience with XML/XSL, WSDL, and SQL
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Demonstrated capacity for learning quickly in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication skills
• Must be able to translate mid-level designs, into quality implementations
• Must be an excellent team player with the ability to offer and accept constructive criticism
• Must have 2 + years experience with various software development methodologies, preferably the RUP and/or Agile/XP tenets.
• Previous consulting experience desired
• This position requires a minimum 2 years of IT-related experience with experience in corporate portals, embedded systems, and high-volume transactional systems is a plus. Experience in accelerated development a strong plus. Demonstrated experience utilizing formal process engineering methods to deliver information service and/or software application is required.

-JOB LOCATION/TRAVEL-
Candidates must be willing to re-locate to the Baltimore, MD area.
NOTE: We will consider all candidates for this position, but a re-location package may or may not be offered.

*Interested parties should please send a resume, along with a paragraph or two about your personal vision for engineering and business to careers@alterthought.com.

Technorati Tags: dotnet, jobs, alterthought