4QL solutions are designed specifically for the way you work.  They are not simply scaled down or limited versions of bigger systems.

• Designed for use by a single person or a small team.
• No unnecessary administration.
• Intuitive design makes it easy to learn
• Written in plain language.
• Can be cheaply customised.

A single person or a small team does not need a compulsory work flow system so we do not build this into our programs.   To maintain your advantage of being small and agile our software gives you the tools to do the job better without dictating how they must be used.

Intuitive designs mean you do not need a training course.  Online information and tutorials help you learn only what you need when you need it.    Training is available for those who like to work this way but we prefer to do this online at a mutually convenient time.  This keeps the costs and travel time to a minimum.

Plain language is used to help you understand what you are doing.  Jargon and techno-speak is avoid as much as possible.  We understand that you are interested in running your business.  Our software is only a tool to help you do this better.

Although our software is designed to be flexible we recognise that all businesses are different and sometimes we have to change it to suit the way you work. Using the latest software engineering principles our software is designed to be easily and cheaply modified.  

I am Mike Robertson, the director and principle owner of 4QL.   During the nearly 30 years I have been writing software I have seen many changes in the way this is done.  The techniques and tools for software development have improved considerably over the years.  Now it is possible to develop seriously complex applications at a fraction of what it used to cost.

Database

At the core of most business software is a database. This is no different for micro businesses.  In the early days dBase and Clipper dominated this field and I developed many applications using this tools including a complete cataloguing system for our local library.

When Microsoft introduced the Access database, as the name implies, it as meant to be an interface into other databases but it quickly became adopted as tool for small business applications.   It was a useful tool in its day and I have developed many applications with including a a complete stock and sales system for small retailers that is still in use today, more than 10 years after it was developed.

But even micro businesses need more power to run their application.  Computers can easily be networked nowadays stimulating the need for a reliable multi-user database.  So we have now switched to using SQL Server.  For micro businesses this is usually in the free versions, MSDE or SQL Server 2005 Express.   This gives the advantage of scaling up to the full SQL Server without any code changes when the business grows.

Languages and Frameworks

Programmers are often very snobbish about the languages they write in.  C, C++ or C# programmers often look down on (Visual) Basic guys.  There may have been some reason for that in the past but modern versions of Visual Basic using the .NET framework are every bit as powerful and flexible as C#. 

When I started programming (using machine code!) languages were very different.  Some more "professional" than others.  At that time the various versions of Basic were quite limited and encouraged poor programming standards.  This has all changed.  Today virtually all my development is done with VB.net although I can write in C# if pressed.  The .NET Framework developed by Microsoft has made the differences between languages marginal since virtual all the functionality is provided by the framework which is the same for all languages.

ASP.net enables the .NET Framework for a web application.  For the first time truly powerful compiled applications can be created for the Web.   This is where most of my current work centres.   OctEportal™ is our main product.  It allows small and micro businesses to manage their own web presence as well as providing the infrastructure they need to use the Internet.  It is developed entirely in ASP.net with VB.net as the main development language.