A core competency
Our modern focus on web, cloud, and mobile can give the impression that desktop applications have fallen out of favor with users and IT professionals. But, in reality, some of our most essential business functions are powered by native client programs. Additionally, many companies rely on custom legacy systems to manage critical to day-to-day operations.
Organizations often struggle to find software professionals who are willing and able to support these platforms. At Three Rivers Tech, it's a core competency. Our consultants have decades of experience developing and maintaining desktop applications for large and small companies alike.
Overlooked and unappreciated
When most people think of desktop applications, they picture the traditional office productivity suite: word processors, spreadsheets, email clients, web browsers, etc.
But modern apps that depend on server connectivity can blur the lines between thick and thin clients. Some custom implementations are so embedded into an organization's workflow that they're almost taken for granted. Others are services that quietly manage essential tasks, entirely invisible from the user's perspective.
What they have in common is that they are all business-critical and they all demand attention.
How we can help
Native application development and maintenance is a distinctive core competence of Three Rivers Tech consultants. While other firms are reluctant to engage these projects, we take them head-on. Moreover, partnering with us gives you access to our vast network of experience across multiple platforms, disciplines and technologies.
Considerations
Pros
- Performance
Since desktop applications draw on the computing power of user's machine, they are generally more performant than their web and mobile counterparts. - Connectivity
Although modern thick clients tend to rely on server connectivity, a well-designed system can allow the user to be productive even when offline. - User experience
Native executables are rendered with a predictable interface, so developers and users can depend on a consistent user experience. - Security
Applications that run on self-contained machines decrease attack surface, making them ideal for handling protected or compliance-bound data. - Customization
Software that is designed around an organization's unique workflow creates efficiencies and empowers users.
Cons
- Maintenance
Installing and updating desktop applications is clunky and inefficient, creating a considerable drag on IT resources. - Platform dependency
Native programs are platform-dependent by definition, and unlike their mobile counterparts, there are very few development tools that can help bridge the gap. - Access
Modern software is built around real-time collaboration and data integration, but without significant connectivity upgrades, standalone applications fall short. - Aging
Legacy systems are often brittle and built on platforms that are no longer supported, making it difficult to find resources that are both willing and qualified to maintain them.
Decisions
Maintain
In our more than 25 years as a full-service consultancy, we've come across countless situations where our clients were struggling with the decision to maintain a legacy system or rewrite it from the ground-up.
Every case is unique and requires a balance of risk, cost, and efficiency. Additionally, internal management is often too close to the problem to be truly objective.
Three Rivers Tech consultants can be your sounding board, guiding your decision with grounded insight based on decades of expertise.
Rewrite
Most consultancies have a financial incentive to recommend a rewrite or migration, but we built our reputation developing, testing, and maintaining desktop applications.
However, there are situations where maintenance becomes untenable. Sometimes the underlying framework is no longer supported, security vulnerabilities arise, and technical debt accumulates.
Our approach is to evaluate each situation with proper due diligence. If we do recommend new development, we can help you pick the best tech, put together a right-sized team of experts, and work seamlessly with your internal resources to get it done.
Technologies
