Project Guidelines
These are our general guidelines on working with us on any software related project. Your quote will either contain an attachment of project specific terms and conditions or will contain a link to our policies page. Please read this page carefully.
Product ownership
The final product is the property of the client, with full
source provided. "Product" is any software we develop,
any configuration we create and the documentation of the two.
"Product" does not include unmodified code, such as
server components, operating system used and unmodified helper
applications or daemons, nor 3rd party api code or documentation.
Exclusions: When modifying software or using software
components (such as libraries), the original software's license
agreement can modify this ownership. For example a modified GPL
licensed software cannot be redistributed without providing source
code to its recipients. We will do our best to notify the client of
such criteria, but cannot guarantee that we can identify such code
in case it is provided to us by the client.
Programming style
The software source code will be sufficiently commented, so the code will be understandable for the experienced programmer. It is important to note, that we can provide examples on the detail, as we find "sufficient detail" to be a debated subjective matter. We do not comment or document 3rd party applications, operating system code, server software, or anything else not developed by us, unless it is specifically requested and quoted.
Schedules
The application development starts after agreement of both parties on necessary application functions, deadlines, payment details, and after the agreed initial payment is completed.
Software development:
Test environment preparation*
Development
Test release
Testing by the client
Approval and payment
Installation of the product and supporting software on the final infrastructure
Transport to hosting facility (if applies)
Software installation**:
Test environment preparation*
Software installation
Testing by the client
Approval and payment
Installation of the product and supporting software on the final infrastructure
Transport to hosting facility (if applies)
*The development cycle starts, when a test environment is built to support the application. The test environment is usually provided by RTR Webworks for no additional fee, unless the project requires special software, equipment, licenses we cannot provide.
**In some cases there is no need to place the product on our own test environment. We can install software into the final environment if there is no danger of disturbing production operation.
Changes
Changes requested by the client after a module's final specification can possibly result in the following:
The affected module (or the whole project) is placed on hold,
Any module that depends on the module is put on hold
Extension of all deadlines with the number of days the project is on hold
A new quote is created for the module, and any module that is effected by the change
The reason to stress our changes policy is the following: a seemingly small modification can cause days of unplanned and unquoted extra work for us, and it can cause unmet deadlines. Please always let us know if we have to expect changes during a project and we will help you determine what kind of delays they can cause. We reserve the right to terminate the project if the changes cannot be completed by us.
Termination
By the client:
In case the development is terminated by the client for any reason other than unmet deadlines or failure to provide a working solution, all fees paid are final and are not going to be refunded. All outstanding 3rd party fees are to be paid by the client after such termination, in case they were already paid by RTR Webworks for the client. Such 3rd party services include, but are not limited to: hosting fees, outstanding outsourced programming fees, data collection or research fees, licenses, certificates, rentals, transportation fees, customs fees and other telecommunication expenses (telephone, VOIP, bandwidth).
By RTR Webworks:
In case the development cannot be completed by an unforeseen reason (death, natural disaster), RTR Webworks is going to provide the client with a solution for the same cost, and a contact is going to be provided in the contract for such an event. In case we need to terminate a project because we are unable to deliver a final product, all fees are to be refunded to the client unless stated different in a written contract.
Payment
Normally we require a payment of 25% of the quoted price for the each module of a project (or the final price in case the project is not divided into modules) in advance. It applies to architectural design, interface design, software installation and programming work of any kind. In case of software installation, we may ask for a 30-40% advance, depending on the final price of the project, usually in the case of 1-5 hour smaller projects.
In case the work is divided into modules, we require a payment of 40-60% of the total module price upon completion and acceptance.
After completion of the entire project, the system should be tested on the test environment (where applies), and upon acceptance the full cost should be paid, which after the system will be installed on the final hardware and transported to its hosting location.
Payments can be made via bank transfer, Paypal, cash, or check. Final check payments need to be certified, otherwise the final installation will be delayed until clearance. All banking and payment commissions are to be absorbed by the client, including but not limited to wire transfer fees, exchange commissions and Paypal fees (2.9% + $0.30 USD).
Documentation
Sufficient user documentation is provided with end-user software we develop. For an additional fee we are able to document 3rd party and/or server software we did not develop.
Training, consulting and ongoing support
There is no training, consulting or ongoing support included with software installations or infrastructural work by default. If you need such services please let us know so we can quote you. By default, we offer certain hours of consulting and training with our development services. Hours and depth of these sessions are project specific and will be mentioned in the quote you receive. We also offer on-site training and consultation in Costa Rica in English or Spanish. Please see our services page.