Ad Hoc Information Systems is dedicated to helping its
customers better utilize the phenomenal increases in the power of today's
desktop computer systems.
We do this by providing:
Ad Hoc Information Systems was formed in response to
a tremendous gap in the computer industry.
With the growing popularity of Graphical User Interfaces, and "Multi Tasking" operating Systems, application software was becoming more and more sophisticated. As development tools, techniques and theories matured, software developers were able to revise applications and create new products in record time.
While this growth had a tremendously positive impact on the nature and construction of software, the increased development speed left many users in the dark. The features available in a software product increased exponentially, but users were often hesitant about exploring the new features.
This resulted in much greater disparity between the potential of a product and it's actual performance in a typical office. Only the most fearless power users dared to venture into the ever deepening labrynths to discover the full potential of a product.
I therefore decided that I could best serve others by helping them to take advantage of the blossoming developments that were being made on the "bleeding" edge of software development.
My 15(+) years of experience in developing, modifying and maintaining Accounting and Information Management applications in a variety of vertical markets has given me an uncommonly broad background that enables me to understand the needs of my clients and to create custom solutions using a variety of resources, including Visual Basic 4.0 Visual C++, and HTML.
As a Level 2 member of the Microsoft Developer Network, I regularly
receive the latest Software Deveopment Kits and extensive documentation
on current development products. This ensures that always have the most
current technologies at my disposal to utilize in finding solutions for
my customers.
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Many "Ad Hoc" applications can be developed more quickly and more efficiently using Database software rather than "hard coding" the application into an executable file. Database applications are typically easier to modify than traditional programming. As a result, a customer can further customize his application without incurring the expense of a programmer.
The Databases that I use are Borland's Paradox, and Microsoft's
Access. These two applications, in my opinion, are the best Databases
on the market. I'm sure that there are some DBase experts that would argue
the point, but ultimately the tool is only part of the solution.
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There was a time, not too long ago, when most computer users sat at Dumb Terminals (Not an Insult!) and interacted with the Main(frame) System through a single application program. To do anything more required the skill of a System Administrator or Programmer. While that may still be true in some cases, the world is rapidly out-growing that paradigm.
As users become more proficient with Desktop Applications like Lotus123, Quattro Pro, and Excel, their needs become proportionately more sophisticated. Data Integration involves converting the data that's stored on the main(frame) into a form that can easily be used with a Desktop Application. Or Vice Versa. This provides the user with a tremendous amount of heretofore unheard of power. Users are no longer need to be at the mercy of an apathetic "Data Processing" staff to provide them with the information they need.
With the speed at which applications can now be developed, it is becoming more and more difficult for users to keep up the the advances that are made in each succeeding generation of software. As a result, those users who are "self taught" or who have had only minimal training end up using only 15% to 30% of an applications features.
While this may not materially affect the users day to day work, it can have some very tangible financial affects on a company. Many companies will buy software packages, not realizing that the feature(s) that they were buying was already part of one of their existing software packages.
With the Coaches, Wizards, and Experts built-in to these packages, a large part of a users mundane work can be automated. But many users will struggle with an operation, simply because they are not aware that there is an easier way.
I provide personalized, customized training on the two leading Office suites, Microsoft Office 95 and Novell Perfect Office. Microsoft Office consists of Word, Excel, Access, Powerpoint, Schedule+ and Exchange. Novell Perfect Office includesWordPerfect, Quattro Pro, Paradox, Presentations, InfoCentral and GroupWise.
I also provide training in Windows for WorkGroups and Windows
95 .
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As the User Interface for computers becomes simpler, the internal structure of computers becomes more complex. Diagnosing problems with today's computer systems requires a fairly sophisticated level of knowledge of both Hardware and Software.
Ad Hoc Information Systems provides quality hardware, custom built to fit the individual needs of the customer. We don't assume that "one size fits all" when it comes to professional computer systems.
Whether you need a Local Area Network, a single Workstation, or a Laptop,
we listen to your needs first, THEN we offer solutions.
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With the convergence of Hardware and Sofwtare in today's technologies,
the dividing line between Hardware and Software problems, is becoming ever
more blurred. Effective diagnosticians will have a comprehensive knowledge
of both of these realms. While my business is primarily Software related,
my knowledge of Hardware has been an essential part of providing my customers
with the High level of support that they've come to expect.
The Telephone Support that I provide to my customers is a cut above most of the technical support my customers have experienced elsewhere. Customers find my quiet patience and my persistence comforting. They know that by the time we're finished the problem will be resolved.
They know that my knowledge of their ENTIRE system allows me to provide better support. Many times, I'll be called after the Official Product Support channels have failed to bring satisfactory results.
People often get into this industry because they like computers more than they like people. It's not difficult to spot this sort of person on a technical support line!
In contrast, I'm in business, precisely because I WANT to help
people solve their problems. My customers can't annoy me with their problems
because that is exactly why my business exists.
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