What makes them cost so much is the assurance that they are tested, have reference sites and simply they will work. That 10 years down the line KPA can still get support/enhancements from the Company.

Dealing with individual developers is tricky. They can switch jobs/go to US/become sacred cows ... :-) A big company/organization feels safe dealing with an equally big organization that can't fold/disappear/change strategy overnight.

I tend to agree. Most Kenyan software outfits are briefcase companies. I'm sure many on the list have been called to migrate or resuscitate a system where the developer 'quit' working for his company, leaving it in limbo or got a better offer. Basic documentation is a foreign concept. EABL paid 1 Billion for SAP, however, I don't see SAP going down any time soon... Same applies, support is the most important thing, as it ensures business continuity.

On Wed, Jun 25, 2008 at 11:03 AM, aki <aki275@googlemail.com> wrote:

...

Wesley, you are absolutely correct on developing local solutions. Local developers can do an equally or even better design, implementation and sustain long term support of the systems. Outsourcing of technology, software and solutions will lead to loss of jobs, revenue, oppurtunity and growth for kenyans in the ICT sector.

The ICT software development community is a strong selling point for Kenya. Would it be possible for ICT policy makers to integrate the development community in its visions, plans and strategies ? This would be a great start and would lay the foundations of understanding and promoting local potential to even the sponsors/loaners/financiers of such projects

With Rgds.

Aki.

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-- With Regards, Phares Kaboro Kariuki,

"Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve". George Bernard Shaw

-- With Regards, Phares Kaboro Kariuki, "Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve". George Bernard Shaw