Independent Programmer

How Higher Hourly Rates Result in Lower Costs

When evaluating a service provider like a independent programming company, the question about hourly rates can many times serve as a qualifier. While comparing hourly rates would seem to be a natural way to narrow down the field, the decision may not be as straightforward as it seems. As clients are evaluating their options, it […]

How Everyone is Connected Through User Experience

User experience (UX) is quite the buzz word these days in the AV industry. User experience not only describes the seamless operation of an AV system addressing needs and pain points of users, it also captures the emotion a user feels when utilizing the space and interacting with technology. User experience is built upon a […]

Design Considerations for Intelligent Buildings

The concept of an intelligent building involves an approach that is not unfamiliar to the AV integration industry. AV designers, integrators, consultants, and programmers have been in the business of making disparate equipment talk together and act as one cohesive unit for some time. Similar to other integration projects, before attempting to provide a solution […]

Jeff Mackie Named Control Concepts’ Chief Technical Officer

As a testament to his knowledge, experience, and leadership sills along with his creative vision for the future of AV software solutions, Control Concepts, Inc., a Crestron CSP, AMX VIP, and Extron EQIP company, is proud to announce the promotion of Jeff Mackie to Chief Technical Officer. Jeff joined Control Concepts in 2010 with a  20+ year […]

Programmed vs. Configured Solutions… Which Approach is Best?

AV control system programming is still a highly-valued offering with clear advantages, but its future is becoming more ambiguous as the industry’s understanding, needs, and expectations evolve. While many clients value a high degree of customization, they are burdened with the time constraints and costs of highly customized offerings. As a result, many are gravitating […]

Independent Programmers and Technology Managers: The Right Fit at the Right Time

Independent programming for AV and the independent AV programmer professional are coming of age.  We are no longer on the fringes or included as afterthoughts in conversations, or in bids.  As the scope of the industry, the ways that we work and the power of technology has evolved over the last two decades, so too […]

Still Packing Granny On Top. Guest Post by Marc LaVecchia

By Marc LaVecchia – President, BMA Software Solutions While driving to a job site recently, I stopped beside an old pickup moving someone who was either a terrible planner or in a desperate hurry to move. The items were stacked frighteningly high, defying any rules of balance, as if the plan for loading the truck […]

So You Want to Go Out on Your Own

The desire to “go out on your own” is often sought by an individual who is frustrated with their current position, compensation, level of respect, or potential for growth.  To top it off, the glory of others’ success stories enhance the temptation to be your own boss, work from home, set your own hours, and live […]

The Truth about Working with Independent Programmers

Many questions go through the heads of business executives, project managers, and sales people everyday when they are put in the position as to which direction they should go to satisfy their control system programming needs. Outsourcing isn’t for everyone There are many integrators who have never outsourced programming and do not believe that it […]