Most of our consulting work involves technically-based coding and operational design. Specific areas of expertise include local and wide area networking, the Internet, open systems, relational database development and sales automation consulting. OSI staff include senior, intermediate and junior technology consultants, as well as a graphics designer specializing in web page design.

OSI consultants are also contracted by consulting and system vendors such as DMR Group Ltd., Atkinson Trembley and Assoc., Digital Equipment Corporation, Sequent Computer Systems Ltd and Unisys Corporation to provide specialized services in networking, open systems, analysis, and design.

Past projects include the following:

Project Architect: Six months was spent on the design of this client-server application using Ingres / Windows 4GL for the Metro Toronto Government. Desktop systems included X terminals and MS/Windows PC’s while the servers were HP9000 systems. Architectural design duties included selection of hardware, data base design, performance management and developer support.

Client-Server Analysis: This in-depth analysis took place in an Oracle/Unix/Novell environment in a large Ontario Utility. This three month project consisted of a technical analysis and documentation of existing client-server systems. This large installation (> 700 workstations) utilized Gupta SQL Windows front ending Oracle databases. The delivered document is now used as a guide for new workstation installations and tuning of existing workstations.

AS400 to Unix Interface: This project involved the interface of several Unix based servers to an AS400 mainframe at a large photographic retail chain. The final solution included custom communications hardware designed and built by Open Solutions, as well as custom drivers and utilities.

Our philosophy is that practitioners in most professional and skilled fields work with pre-agreed compensation for their tasks, and we do not believe that programming-based consulting is that much different to warrant widespread deviation from this approach. Over 15 years of programming experience allows us to accurately forecast costs and development time. Our fixed bids are generally based on a $75 per hour for junior and $125 per hour for senior developers plus overhead costs and expenses.