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Smalldog Net Solutions

808 Pioneer Hill Road * Olga, WA 98279 * chris@smalldognet.com * 206-355-3055

"Don't let your system constrain your vision. Let your vision define your system."

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Who

Hi, my name is Chris Sutton. I'm the sole proprietor of Smalldog Net Solutions.

What

I develop custom computer systems for people to streamline processes and save time and money.

Systems I have developed for clients range from simple customer directories to complete ERP systems.

Specific components:

The systems I create are all browser based, meaning all interaction with the system is via a web browser. Generally systems are deployed on dedicated servers on the internet and accessible anywhere in the world, though they can be closed with with custom authentication rules for specific situations. Systems can also be installed on a local network if internet availablibiilty is not always 100%.

I use proven open source tools to develop my systems: Postgresql, Perl, Template Toolkit, Apache, and Linux. This is commonly referred to as LAMP (Linux, Apache, Mysql, PHP), except in my case, and others, it's Linux, Apache, Middleware (perl), Postgresql.

Why

One of the questions I often am asked from people is why should they pay for development of a custom system vs just buying an off the shelf software package like quickbooks, or finding some free software on the internet.

I have found over the years that every business or organization is a little bit different. Standard software packages generally do about 80% of what you need, but it's that last 20% which will consume 90% of your time and money trying to figure out how to get done.

Also, many software packages contain way more features and functionality then you really need, and because of this the learning curve in using them maybe be very steep.

Plus, today, it's all about the network, and being able to access information anywhere. My systems are developed from the ground up to be accessed via the internet. Quickbooks and other software packages that are "installed" on your computer are not.

The other thing I bring is my diverse experience working with many different types of people solving problems, and being able to look at the big picture and anticipate how all the parts of the problem might fit together. There is a certain efficiency when you can talk directly to the person doing the coding, and not have something get lost in translation between your sales rep, to the project manager to the person writing code.

Tools

Postgresql

I have been using Postgresql for my database needs for over 15 years and have found it to be an extremely feature rich, well documented, stable open source database. I have used Mysql several times but there are many strange things about it which make me try and avoid it whenever possible. Another good article about why you might want to choose Postgresql over Mysql.

Perl

I have been using perl for over 15 years as well, and when running via mod_perl in apache have found it to be extremely fast, and very quick to develop with. Also, the amount of community code available on CPAN and the ease of installation means many common problems have already been solved. I have done a few projects with PHP, but keep coming back to perl for it's ability to gain complete control over the apache process, and for it's long proven history.

My published CPAN code can be found here.

Template Toolkit

I have used several tempting languages over the years and even written some of my own. Each template language has it's benefits and downsides, but I have found Template Toolkit to integrate well with Perl, and contain enough features and flexibility to get the job done. Sometimes you just need to pick and lane and move forward.

Apache

Not much to say. I generally self compile version 1.3 with the modules I need, and it runs on Linux as well as on a Mac.

Linux

I mainly use Centos because I know my way around, and am most comfortable with it. I have also worked on BSD, and other Linux distributions, and can get around most flavors of Unix.

Vi/Vim

I learned vi 20 years ago, and just got better at it over the years. Tried Emac's once, but again, I just ended up in this lane years ago, and it's a tool I know and am competent using.

Windows/Microsoft Stuff

I spend some time doing tech support for Windows 95/NT back in the 90's before I discovered Linux. I can find my way around windows, but I avoid it whenever possible, and can't help you with any windows problems. All I can say is always install Firefox and never use Internet Exporer. If all you do is use a web browser, then get a Mac.

Macs/Apple

My current development platform is a MacBook Pro. It has that unix/BSD command line behind the scenes, and the nice apple interface on top of it. I worked on a linux machine running KDE or Gnome for years as my primary computer, but eventually came back to a Mac.

Command Line

Don't be afraid of that blinking cursor...In the Beginning was the Command Line

Hosting

I used to host many of my projects with Godaddy, but you get what you pay for. They are just to big, their service sucks, their website systems are crap, and they are always trying to upsell you something.

These guys, on the other hand, rock: M5 Hosting.

And, for buying and managing your domains, I recommend DNSimple. Their system is the complete antithesis of Godaddy. Simple, easy, quick, no pressure, just works. And transfering domains out of Godaddy was totally easy.