Services
Systems analysis
Effective software can transform the way customers experience your business. The challenge is in establishing precisely the right requirements - you can't let systems limit productivity but unnecessary complexity will cost too much and impede performance.
Systems analysis is a vital starting point for any software development project and only careful work will reveal both the scale of database and the processing requirements needed. Ascent takes care to understand a very wide range of issues affecting user workloads, server performance and response times. Our process and data modelling approach is truly comprehensive. It allows you to enjoy a requirements specification that is complete, accurate and provable.
Technical consultancy
All business processes and priorities change over time, whether from internal developments or market pressures. Of course outdated and overloaded applications have to be corrected as a matter of urgency but strategic issues matter too - how do you settle on the systems that will best meet your business goals?
All changes to business technology demand intelligent analysis, attention to detail and seamless execution. Ascent has many years of consulting experience and we offer the best combination of individual flair and structured working. We can evaluate goals, assess potential solutions or suppliers and plan for the future effectively. Let us help you make sure that the next change you make is both goal-based and achievable.
Software development
Effective custom software development depends on the best methodologies and technologies. Ascent's onsite and nearshore development services are known for rapid turnaround times and careful response to business needs: we create the optimum mix of skills and costs. You get a trusted UK-based partner with a software development team in Malta, an increasingly popular nearshore location.
Working on a wide range of large and small projects, our teams are experienced in many different technologies, platforms and operating systems including Microsoft technologies, Java/web applications, databases and more. Outsourcing your development with us means accessing skilled engineers and being confident that the final application conforms to all-important standards for design, architecture, testing and documentation. We offer proven processes and experienced Project Managers, working with a well trained and motivated development team.
Testing
Independent software testing is important in quality assurance. You may need only a single, one-off project assessed. Or you may understand the benefits of outsourcing your entire quality function and acquiring an independent and up-to-date viewpoint. In either case, Ascent is the ideal testing partner, offering a dedicated Test Centre with a wide range of platforms.
We offer a whole range of testing services at a far lower price level than you might expect. Our integrated testing package gives you a full-featured environment for automated testing of Windows, .NET, Java, WPF (XAML) applications, web pages, web servers and web services. All of our testers are ISEB certified. Above all, we don't allow testing to become just another unavoidable added cost. We'll help you to keep your projects on schedule and on spec, your team confident, and your investment productive.
Managed support
Design is important but even the most carefully planned software must also run reliably. Ascent sees support as an integral part of our work - nothing is more important than making sure your system stays available day-in-day-out. It's why we invest heavily in managed support services.
An extensive team works out of our UK and Malta offices, giving you access to a wide range of application and technical IT disciplines. You'll enjoy a single point of contact for support calls, someone who will manage any issue from start to finish and establish the right mixture of skills for fast resolution. You'll also have access to a web-based issue tracking system that allows clients to log and monitor current issues from any web browser. Ascent will avoid problems falling 'between suppliers', supporting hardware, infrastructure, database and applications. Call us, too, if you have your own IT expertise and want a tailored solution to fill any skills gaps.
