Ruby on Rails is a popular web development framework for rapidly developing web applications based on the popular Model View Controller design pattern. We utilize the Ruby on Rails framework for projects that require rapid turnaround and short development iterations.

We specialize in:

Apache or Nginx
Mongrel or Thin
Mysql, 5.0, 5.1, 6.0
Postgres 8.3
Amazon Storage Server
Capistrano Deployment
Git Version Control
Rails 2+
Linux

We Leverage the SCRUM methodology

We utilize the SCRUM methodology for development in order to manage changing requirements, incorporate customer feedback, and establish a record of customer visible on-time incremental development releases. We have found that this methodology best addresses the complex challenges that modern development projects are faced with, and provides the best route for building trust and knowledge with our clients. Key elements of SCRUM are:

Small Teams – By decomposing the problem space into bite size chunks for smaller teams, we avoid the communication challenges that can often arise with larger teams. Each team has a specific goal and assignment during an iteration, and is responsible for that deliverable alone.
Incremental Development (generally 2 week sprints) – Each sprint results in a visible end result for the client. You will see your project as it is being developed, and this early feedback is invaluable for course corrections along the way.
Time-boxed Scheduling – We treat each iteration as a strict time-boxed event. There is always a delivery on the associated iteration end, and the result is always visible increments delivered to the client. At the end of each iteration we have a status meeting with all project stakeholders where new work can be added, eliminated, or re-prioritized.
Adaptive and Agile - SCRUM is a highly adaptive approach in that each iteration end begins a new feedback cycle. There are brief daily stand-up meetings with the team where any potential roadblocks are identified in order to prevent any later iteration surprises.

Application Development using Ruby

Our development team uses Linux for all Ruby Development. Linux provides an open source alternative to proprietary platforms such as Microsoft Windows, or Apple OSX and provides us with a stable modern operating system which offers unsurpassed computing power and flexibility. For source control we leverage git and github during our development, and deliver all source to the client at the end of the engagement. We can also work with clients who have their own version control repositories, and are well versed with mercurial, subversion, and CVS as well.

Designing and Programming using Ruby + Rails

All our ruby Design and programming is accomplished using the Rails Frameworks built in Test Driven Development paradigm. We are strong proponents of Test Driven Development, and all our projects are delivered with comprehensive test suites that are coded using RSpec. Code is commented using standard Ruby rdoc convention, and all necessary code documentation can be derived from the code.

Deployment

Once our development is complete, we can either host your application on one of our servers, or deploy to a rails capable hosting company of your choice. We leverage Capistrano during development to manage all our iteration installations, and will include the Capistrano deployment files with the final source delivery. If necessary, we can also accommodate several cloud computing deployments such as amazon's EC2.

Performance Modeling

We provide rudimentary performance modeling of all our code to ensure that the application scales to the requirements of the client. Performance modeling is managed via custom in-house performance modeling tools. If necessary we can integrate performance monitoring into the application using third party tools such as "New Relic", depending on client needs.

Troubleshooting/Enhancements

If you have an existing Ruby application that is showing signs of wear, or requires custom tuning/enhancement, we can provide an independent review of your code base and identify any potential bottlenecks or issues in your code.