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Information for Quotation

This section describes the information that Aardstorm needs in order to provide a quotation for its development services. Although you do not have to provide all of this information, the more you supply, the more accurate (i.e. lower) the resulting quote will be.

What software do you want Aardstorm to develop for you?

Please supply as much information as possible about the functional, performance, and other requirements for your software. This question is probably best answered with a brief description, accompanied by one or more attached or uploaded documents.

What hardware is the software to run on?

Please supply as much information as possible, with particular regard to processor make and model, memory types and capacity, presence of in-circuit programming interfaces, input and output interfaces, and power supply requirements. Also include the approximate size and weight of the system.

Are you able to supply (on loan) a representative set of hardware for use during development?

This is essential if your hardware is in any way customised. Otherwise, if standard commercial hardware is to be used, Aardstorm will have to include the cost of purchasing that hardware in its quote. Please include an approximate value for any supplied hardware, so that Aardstorm can ensure it is adequately insured whilst on loan.

Is a specific operating system to be used?

A commercial operating system is typically only required for larger systems, and it is usually best to leave the choice of whether to use an operating system, and which one, to Aardstorm. However, you may have reasons for constraining Aardstorm's choice in this matter. If so, please give details. If Aardstorm does not already have its own development facilities for your operating system, the cost of acquiring them will have to be included in the quote, unless you can also supply them on loan.

Do you require Aardstorm to use any specific programming languages or development tools?

Again, it is usually best to leave this choice to Aardstorm, so that its existing facilities, and experience, can be used. However, you may have reasons for constraining Aardstorm's choice. If so, please include details.

Will specialised stimulation and monitoring equipment be needed to exercise the system during development of the software? Are you able to supply this, or would you like Aardstorm to develop this as well?

Embedded systems usually have hardware interfaces to other systems, such as analogue, digital, or serial inputs and/or outputs. These external systems must be simulated in order to adequately exercise and test the software under development. Aardstorm has its own general purpose stimulation and monitoring facilities for the common types of interfaces, but your system may have more specialised interfaces that will require stimulation or monitoring equipment to be developed or acquired. If you do not already have such equipment, Aardstorm will be happy to quote for its development and/or supply.

What documentation do you need Aardstorm to produce?

By default, Aardstorm will only produce the absolute minimum of deliverable documentation necessary to ensure that the software is developed correctly and with the appropriate quality and reliability. However, you may require Aardstorm to produce specific documents, such as detailed requirements or design specifications, either during development or at final delivery. If so, please include details so that their cost of production can be included in Aardstorm's quote.

When would you like the development to start, and finish?

An indication of your expected earliest and latest start and end dates for the project would help Aardstorm to avoid wasting your time reviewing a detailed quotation if Aardstorm is unable meet your requirements due to other commitments.

What budget do you have for development of the software?

There is little point in Aardstorm producing a detailed quotation if its price is significantly higher than your budget.

What is the deadline for Aardstorm to respond with a full quotation?

Please specify when you require the full quotation from Aardstorm.

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