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Discovery discussion
The engagement begins with a structured discussion to define the application concept, intended scope, estimated user base, and other details required to plan the architecture.
An overview of how AutomaTech scopes, prices, builds, and supports custom software engagements, from initial scoping through launch and ongoing maintenance.
AutomaTech Solutions Inc. is a software consulting company based in Calgary, Alberta, that helps small businesses and independent professionals bring custom software concepts to production. Applications are designed around each client's specific workflow rather than adapted from a generic template.
AutomaTech is operated by Bassim Beshry, whose background is in software development with a more recent focus on computer networking. This combination allows the individual responsible for designing an application to also handle deployment, testing, and ongoing infrastructure, eliminating handoffs between separate design, development, and infrastructure teams.
Custom software development is one of two service lines at AutomaTech, alongside AutoImm, a purpose-built case management platform for the immigration industry that serves as a live example of AutomaTech's own product-building standards. AutomaTech also offers assistance with custom-built home servers for data privacy enthusiasts looking to reduce dependency on the cloud.
The engagement begins with a structured discussion to define the application concept, intended scope, estimated user base, and other details required to plan the architecture.
Once scope is finalized, a written proposal is issued specifying either a flat fee or an hourly rate with an agreed cap. A signed contract is required before development begins.
Development proceeds with biweekly email updates provided on project progress.
Sessions held in person or remotely allow review and use of the application at key milestones: prior to alpha, prior to beta, and prior to final release.
Following launch, clients may self-host the application or engage AutomaTech for hosting, monitoring, and maintenance on a monthly fee basis.
Cancellable at any time with noticeMost first-time engagements fit the Focused Tool model: a single-purpose application delivered for a one-time development cost, with hosting and maintenance available afterward as an optional monthly service. Larger, multi-feature builds are better suited to the Business Platform model. The appropriate model is determined once project scope has been defined.
| Model AFocused Tool | Model BBusiness Platform | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | Flat fee | Flat fee or hourly wage based |
| Best suited for | A single-purpose tool or workflow automation | A multi-feature platform with user accounts, dashboards, and integrations |
| Code ownership | Transfers fully to the client at delivery | Retained by AutomaTech; client receives a perpetual operating license |
| Portability | Fully portable to another developer at any time | Source code escrow available on request for continuity; underlying ownership remains with AutomaTech |
| Hosting and maintenance | Optional retainer, monthly charge | Optional retainer, monthly charge including platform updates |
| Bug-fix window | 30 days post-delivery | 90 days post-delivery |
Pricing is structured as either a flat fee scoped to the project or an hourly rate with an agreed cap; open-ended billing is not used. The exact cost depends on scope, feature count, and estimated user base, which is why scope is defined prior to any price being quoted.
Full ownership of the source code, documentation, and intellectual property transfers to the client upon delivery. The client may engage another developer at any time following delivery. AutomaTech will not reuse the delivered code for another client.
AutomaTech retains the underlying intellectual property and may develop derivative products, including SaaS offerings, on a forked codebase. In exchange, pricing is reduced relative to a fully custom build, and the client receives a perpetual license to operate the deployed instance indefinitely. Client business data is never used, referenced, or disclosed in any product AutomaTech develops afterward.
Under both models, the license to operate the delivered application does not depend on AutomaTech's continued operation, and no delivered system includes a killswitch or hidden dependency capable of disabling a client's instance.
AutomaTech can host an application on company cloud infrastructure and provide updates, bug fixes, and live support for a monthly fee. This service carries no long-term commitment and may be cancelled with 14 days' notice.
For clients with in-house development resources, AutomaTech will provide the source code for a flat fee on Focused Tool projects. In this case, hosting and future updates become the client's responsibility.
Should AutomaTech become unable to continue supporting an application, full documentation is provided so another developer can continue the work without disruption. Transparent communication is maintained throughout every engagement.
Three considerations worth raising before project scope is finalized.
AutomaTech's primary experience is in web application development. Native mobile applications are achievable but represent a newer process, and typically require additional development time to reach the same standard as web-based work.
Security and data handling practices follow applicable Canadian data privacy law. Additional detail is available on request.
Applications are architected with a reasonable buffer for growth, sized to the user base estimated during scoping. A significant, unplanned increase in scale may require structural changes such as database redesign. Clients anticipating rapid growth are encouraged to raise this early.
The next step is a discussion of the proposed application concept. A written proposal and contract are provided before development begins.
This page is an informational overview for prospective clients. It is not a contract; specific terms are set out in the written proposal and Statement of Work for each engagement.