An examination of some of the dangers in businesses taking a "DIY" (or, "Do it yourself") attitude toward custom business software development. We use some of the lessons from Aesop's fables to illustrate the wisdom in outsourcing software development to a trusted team of professionals that understand your business (for example, Entrance Software - http://www.entrancesoftware.com )

1. A Word to the Wise:“DIY” Software Fables Learning from the Misfortune of Others Begin Race While hare>=tortoise tortoise++; End Race Nate Richards Entrance Software www.entrancesoftware.com

2. Introduction Entrance Software: Who are we? What is “DIY” Software? Software Lessons from Aesop Summary Next Steps/ Q&A

3. Software consulting firm Focused on mid-market businesses Microsoft Gold Certified Partner HBJ’s Fast Tech 50 Winner 2006, 16th fastest growing firm 2007, 15th fastest growing firm Inc. 5000 winner 2009 (unannounced) Entrance Software – Who are we?

4. Fables Provided By… The Project Gutenberg EBook of Aesop's Fables, by Aesop http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/8/7/3/18732/

5. Ass Donkey Warning! From en.wikipedia.org: “The donkey or ass, Equusafricanusasinus, is a domesticated member of the Equidae or horse family, and an odd-toed ungulate.” Aesop wrote it, not me! We are grown ups, right?

6. “DIY” = “Do It Yourself” Software = (duh) This is the concept of a company building its own software rather than hiring professionals We’ve dealt with many clients who have tried and failed using this “DIY” approach We will share similar experiences with you today so that you can hopefully… Learn from the misfortunes of others What is “DIY” Software?

7. MORAL “The least outlay is not always the greatest gain.” Are you shearing your own sheep? SOLUTION Consider the opportunity cost of a “DIY” Software strategy Hire experts to manage this business critical aspect of your firm The Widow and the Sheep

8. MORAL “Look before you leap.” Following the advice of unproven employees with selfish interests can be dangerous. You may be left in a sticky situation! SOLUTION Don’t hire programmers! Read our Software Consulting Guidebook The Fox and the Goat

9. MORAL “An evil mind will show evil action sooner or later.” Be careful who you trust. Some programmers will set up a “kingdom” at your company. SOLUTION Find a vendor you can trust Write a contract that protects your information The Wolf and the Shepherd

10. MORAL “Happy is he who learns from the misfortunes of others” Don’t be an Ass, hire the experts! SOLUTION Your vendors should add value from their experience, not just their skillset This will help you avoid costly missteps and rework! The Fox, the Ass, and the Lion

11. Summary Straying from your core business More risk than reward Long term costs Finally, one more fable: The Boy Bathing Moral – “Counsel without help is useless”

12. Next Steps You’ve heard our counsel… Now how about some help? http://www.entrancesoftware.com Grant Isaminger Business Development grant@entrancesoftware.com Fables and images courtesy of The Project Gutenberg EBook of Aesop's Fables, by Aesop http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/8/7/3/18732/