JeremyHelms

Clients choosing the language?

June 3, 2008 at 9:09 am

Recently I received an RFP for a CMS project. Now, my agency is pretty well versed in CMS gigs -- everything from tyrannosaurus-sized custom systems to making quick work with WordPress and a handful of plug-ins -- we've done it.

However, as with a handful of other RFP's I've had in the past, this one had a bullet point stating "Change to PHP scripting language (currently ASP)", and it got me thinking: When did we developers begin letting clients dictate what programming language to use on a project? Aren't we solution providers? Shouldn't we choose the best option for our clients? An uneducated client stating the technology to use on a project is like me telling a mechanic working on my car that he should be using Matco wrenches, not Snap-On -- a bit ridiculous, no?

Don't get it twisted, this isn't a quarrel I have due to lack of means; PHP, ASP, .NET, Python, whatever it is -- my team and I are ready, willing, and experienced. This is about purpose and principal. Never do I feel that a client should tell the expert they've hired what tools must be used to solve the problem. Not only could this hinder the project timeline, development efficiency and budget, but it also puts a level of discredit on the developer/agency in how they may effectively be able to provide their expertise to the project.

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About the author

I am Jeremy Helms, 28 year old graphic designer, web designer, site architect, programmer, copywriter and ambitious entrepreneur. I was born and live in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. This site is my personal periodical for design, code, business and other topics. When I'm not glued to the computer, I enjoy music, movies, late-night television and sometimes a good night out on the town with friends.

I began professional work in the IT industry 13 years ago in September, 1995. I started my first business in 1998, incorporated my second business in 2001, my third in 2002 and my fourth and most recent in 2006. I am a sponge — I am constantly exploring and learning — about business, design, programming, history, society, and whatever pops up on blogs across the web.

• I have been happily married for 5 years; together for a total of 10 years
• I am a father of two boys; Junior (born 02-06-07 @ 6:17PM — 8lbs 13oz.) and Jedi (born 05-06-08 @ 12:39PM — 8lbs 4oz.)
• I am a free and accepted Master Mason, belonging to Florida Alpha Lodge No. 172
• I have two prize Labrador Retrievers (Buck & Brody)
• I graduated from Choctawhatchee Senior High School
• Some of my favorite movies include Snatch, L4yer Cake, Blade Runner, The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy, THX 1138, Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels, the Star Wars hexology and Ronin