Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Our Services
Budget
The scope of a project is often determined by budgetary constraints.
Please be ready to discuss your budget range at our first meeting.
Deadlines
Be realistic. If you have broken files, specific database errors,
broken forms, or time sensitive deadlines, be ready to discuss the details
of these.
Project Planning/ Scope
Long-range plans are also important to mention in the initial meeting
as they may influence design decisions.
Pertinent Documentation
Gather examples of existing files, reports you currently generate from
your database or examples of websites you like, whatever is applicable.
Gather brochures, hard copies of forms/reports or examples of logos that
may pertain to the project. Digital (on disk) files of graphics you
wish to use should also be collected, if appropriate. Projects often
cannot be designed or even begun until this information has been gathered.
Your efforts in this regard will expedite your project.
Technical Specs
If you inform yourself of the type of database software or web server
software that you are currently using, that will help us better assess your
starting point. Version information is often very helpful.
Your Contact Person
We like to have one point of contact in your department, and we provide
one contact person from our side as well. This helps keep the project
on track. Too many people calling from either side can get confusing.
It is helpful if you are able to designate that person after the initial
meeting.
Hourly Billing
Our billing is hourly at a rate of $72/hr. If you feel it would be appropriate to have
an internal meeting regarding the project before we meet, please do so. This
is often beneficial to your pocketbook.
How We Count Time
Our meetings, phone conversations and email correspondence are billable
time. The smallest unit of time that we bill is a ¼ hour, or
15 minutes. Short phone conversations and emails will be generally estimated
on a weekly basis.
Each project has a level of turnaround time which will let you know when
to expect to see the product pieces develop. This varies by project.
In general, database changes are determined on a case-by-case basis.
Initially, web projects are dependent on the extent of graphic design required.
Text changes to web pages are usually done within one week. We begin
counting turnaround time beginning on the date we receive it from you.
Please do not send us content unless you consider it final and ready for
use. We prefer to receive web material electronically as email attachments.
In the case of databases, transfer of the database files will be determined
on an individual basis.
Address Information:
FAX: 612-625-2316
CAMPUS MAIL: Academic and Distributed Computing Services, 190 Shepherd
Labs (0771)
POSTAL ADDRESS: University of Minnesota, 190 Shepherd Labs, 100 Union
Street, Minneapolis, MN 55455-0421
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