When a language loses its popularity due to changes in the market, it may still need to be supported. For example, many companies still have a requirement for Foxpro programming skills, even though the popularity of this language has declined dramatically. Such older systems will always need to be kept up to date with changes if they are to retain any usefulness to the organization.
Many users have applications written in this language which are critical to their operations. As with many other environments which used to be popular, many companies have been left with extensive legacy systems. There may be other priorities, so that this situation looks set to continue. Eventually something will need to be done about this, but meanwhile this creates a need for certain increasingly scarce skills.
Once a company has found a dependable supply of the right programmers, it is unlikely to change while it still uses the systems. Legacy systems may often crash due to changes in operating systems or networking software, and such crashes demand a rapid response. You do not want unskilled programmers learning on some very critical software.
You might even need more than emergency support, as new functions may need to be developed to help the system retain its usefulness to the company. It may also be necessary to link the system to newer software so that it is not necessary to capture the same data twice. While recapturing is sometimes used, there is a strong possibility that errors will creep in and finding the problem may require time-consuming exercise and detailed comparison of inputs.
Another problem arises when the way a company operates changes, so that a legacy system may need to be adapted to support the new requirements. This is highly-skilled work, and you cannot afford to have it done by people with inadequate experience in the appropriate language.
Eventually, re-developing the system may be an option, especially if the business needs have changed substantially over the years or the Foxpro system has become unstable. It will then be necessary for someone to document how the software functions, so that this information can be input into a new design. In many cases an old system will be a mysterious black box to the current users, who may have very little understanding of what it does.
Experienced developers know that system help stabilize a business. Until a system is in place, companies are often at the mercy of ad hoc administrative decisions, and it can be difficult to keep track because of all the changes to manual systems. Software which has been thought through properly will support your workforce and make it easy to monitor results, as you can be sure that everything necessary has been recorded and accounted for.
Well-designed systems can give a company a competitive edge, as well as provide excellent information to help manage the business. If you have systems written in Foxpro, it is best to be sure you will have sufficient skilled developers to help keep your software current. The right firm of consultants will make this a cinch, and can also help keep your costs within bounds.
Many users have applications written in this language which are critical to their operations. As with many other environments which used to be popular, many companies have been left with extensive legacy systems. There may be other priorities, so that this situation looks set to continue. Eventually something will need to be done about this, but meanwhile this creates a need for certain increasingly scarce skills.
Once a company has found a dependable supply of the right programmers, it is unlikely to change while it still uses the systems. Legacy systems may often crash due to changes in operating systems or networking software, and such crashes demand a rapid response. You do not want unskilled programmers learning on some very critical software.
You might even need more than emergency support, as new functions may need to be developed to help the system retain its usefulness to the company. It may also be necessary to link the system to newer software so that it is not necessary to capture the same data twice. While recapturing is sometimes used, there is a strong possibility that errors will creep in and finding the problem may require time-consuming exercise and detailed comparison of inputs.
Another problem arises when the way a company operates changes, so that a legacy system may need to be adapted to support the new requirements. This is highly-skilled work, and you cannot afford to have it done by people with inadequate experience in the appropriate language.
Eventually, re-developing the system may be an option, especially if the business needs have changed substantially over the years or the Foxpro system has become unstable. It will then be necessary for someone to document how the software functions, so that this information can be input into a new design. In many cases an old system will be a mysterious black box to the current users, who may have very little understanding of what it does.
Experienced developers know that system help stabilize a business. Until a system is in place, companies are often at the mercy of ad hoc administrative decisions, and it can be difficult to keep track because of all the changes to manual systems. Software which has been thought through properly will support your workforce and make it easy to monitor results, as you can be sure that everything necessary has been recorded and accounted for.
Well-designed systems can give a company a competitive edge, as well as provide excellent information to help manage the business. If you have systems written in Foxpro, it is best to be sure you will have sufficient skilled developers to help keep your software current. The right firm of consultants will make this a cinch, and can also help keep your costs within bounds.
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