This really is a serious question. I’ve been saying I’d do this for a while now, and the time has finally come. I need to cash a reality check.
The Project:
Build a Contact Management Database which can be used off-line and synced to the network on demand and which can be used to generate proposal requests. It includes a calendar, a diary, and a to-do list and different security levels. Tie these proposal requests into a marketing database and a proposal database. Add in software for our HR department, including recruiting software and project management software. All components are being built in-house and must be easy to use and robust. Oh, and documentation and training would be nice. Basically, it’s build a JD Edwards-type piece of enterprise software.
The Software:
Mostly Access 2002, although there is a SQL Server 7.0 box which will house the data itself at sometime. Front ends will continue to be in Access 2002, as will the off-line versions. Some work will also be done in Visual Basic 6.0 and other parts of MS Office will be used as needed. Users are running two different version of Outlook, which makes automating e-mail interesting.
The Timescale:
Business standard – as soon as possible. We’d like to have the off-line portion of the Contact Management Software running by Friday, the proposal request portion on-line by mid-July (it would be sooner, but can’t for reasons below), and the recruiting software in place as soon as possible after that.
The Resources:
Me. And $1.98 American, and I’m not real sure about the buck ninety-eight. Now, I’ve only got an Associates Degree in Computer Science, but I’m a pretty good programmer, and you’d better believe I’m re-using code and procedures like mad. They’re also doing lots of little things to keep me happy, but I’m my company’s only software developer, and about all I can get help with is the documentation. I’m also going on vacation next week, and it looks like I’ll have to go out to a client site for a few days the following week.
The Question:
Just how reasonable is this? The project is, actually going quite well, but every so often, when I think of everything that has to be done, my head starts spinning. How many people and how much time do you think is reasonable for a project this size (yes, of course the two are related), and how much time would your company give you? If I’m being whiny, tell me now, and I’ll count my blessings that I have a good job working for an employer I genuinely like. If it’s as bad as I suspect it is, we’ll have a good laugh about it over drinks.
Oh, and ** Don Harp And Sword**, if you’re lurking about, that’s one of the reasons I’ve been missing fencing practice.
Thanks for your input,
CJ the Overworked