How a software project starts

This guide shows the steps of a software project with IT Labs India, the company behind Delhi Hosting. It applies to new software, changes to existing software and reports. Nothing is built before you have a written quote you agree to.

Step 1: send a short brief

Use the software enquiry form. You do not need a technical document. A few plain sentences are enough. Tell us:

• What the software must do, in your own words.
• Who will use it, and how many people.
• The systems you already have, such as spreadsheets, a website, accounts software or an old application, and whether we may look at them.
• Any deadline, and the reason for it.
• Your name or your business name as it must appear on the invoice, and your GSTIN if you have one.

Step 2: we ask questions

We read the brief and reply by mail. We ask what is unclear, what is most important and what can wait. For some projects we ask for a short call or a look at your current system. Say plainly what you do not know. We would rather ask early than guess.

Step 3: the written quote

After the questions we send a written quote. It states:

• The scope: what is included and what is not.
• The milestones: the parts in which the work is delivered and reviewed.
• The price in Indian rupees, plus 18% GST.
• The payment schedule and what we need from you.

Read it carefully and ask about anything that is not clear. A quote is free and without obligation. See “Software quotes and payment” for more.

Step 4: the build in milestones

We start after you accept the quote. We build in the milestones from the quote. At the end of each milestone you review the result and tell us what is right and what must change. Early reviews keep the software close to what you need, so please give your feedback promptly. If you want something that is not in the quote, we write it down as a change before we do it.

Step 5: handover

At the end we hand over what the quote lists. Normally this is:

• The software, running where you want it.
• The source code in your repository: you own it once the work is paid for.
• The access you need, such as admin logins and the repository.
• Documentation of how the software is built, released and restored.

We go through it with the people who will use it, and we answer questions.

Step 6: support afterwards

Software needs looking after. If you want us to fix problems, update the software or make small changes, see Maintenance and support. It is agreed separately, in writing. Your project does not have to include it.