Services

Services

These are a few of the most obvious services I offer. If you need something else, ask. If I’m not the right person, I may be able to recommend someone who is.

Services may be available on-site or remote. For one-off projects or on an ongoing basis.

I expect you can find someone who seems cheaper, although my rates are fair.

I expect you can find someone with more experience in some specific skill, although I’m not too shabby.

But you won’t find anyone who’s a better bet. Who has the breadth of skills, depth of experience, and record of success I can offer you.

Think of me as your techie annex. A pro you can rely on now. And next time a need arises.

So tell me what you need.

Consulting

Accessibility
Can people with disabilities—including older eyes or hands—use your site or software? Is it harder for them than it needs to be?
Digitization
Do you abound in paper documents or records you want to convert into a digital form?
Internationalization
Do you have (or want!) customers who prefer a language other than English?
Multiple-platform issues
Can people use your site or software from Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iPhone? Does it feel natural on each? Can users comfortably switch between them?
Open source software
Interested in moving to free software? Need help switching over?
Recommendations
Do you need help making sense of which products or services are best for your needs?
Research
Second opinions
If you can't afford to hire me for the whole job—or already have someone—I can give you my take instead.
Software architecture
Is the structure of your site or software resilient? Can you easily adapt it as your needs inevitably change?
Software infrastructure setup
Usability
Can we make your site or software easier to use? (Yes, almost always.)

Content systems

Drupal, WordPress, MediaWiki
Blogs
E-commerce
Forums
Mailing lists
Wikis

Databases

Setup
Acquiring, installing, configuring.
Design
How is your data organized in the database? Is it the best arrangement for your needs?
Programming
Reports
Turning the data into charts and tables in a dashboard or printed report.
Tuning
Is it running too slowly? Let's figure out why, and fix it.
Migration
Do you need to move your data into a database or to a new program?

Event planning

Project leadership

Software development

Desktop, web, mobile
User interfaces
Extensions
Add-ins, plug-ins, libraries, components, modules ... all the bits that add to the software you already have.
Embedded
That is, devices with computers inside them. Like medical equipment, Roombas, and microwave ovens.

System administration

Teaching

One-on-one coaching
Group instruction

Visual design

Graphic design
Photography
Print editing
Web graphics

Web sites

Full-stack
There are many layers of software involved in a web application. All of which need to work properly.
Design
Programming
Hosting
Upgrading

Words

Documentation
Copyediting
Editing, which isn't the same
Desktop publishing
E-books
Do you have paper or computer documents you want to turn into e-books?