Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing someone to develop a business system raises questions about the people, the work and what happens next. Here are answers to some practical questions about Anatec. If you have something else in mind, please get in touch – you do not need a detailed technical brief to start a conversation.
About Anatec
Who will we work with?
You will work directly with Richard Lee and Caroline Eveleigh, the two people behind Anatec Systems. We stay involved from the initial discussion through development and beyond. You can talk to the people doing the work, explain what matters to your business and explore decisions together.
Where are you based, and do you outsource any work?
We are based in Reading, UK, and work with clients beyond our local area. Our work is carried out in the UK by our own two-person team. We do not subcontract client delivery. You know who is working on your system and can speak to us directly.
Are you a Microsoft Partner?
Yes. Anatec has been a Microsoft Partner since 1998. Microsoft technologies are central to our work, from custom applications and databases to cloud services, data platforms and analytics. We combine long practical experience with continuing learning as those technologies develop.
Are you a Microsoft Solutions Partner?
No. We are a Microsoft Partner, but we do not hold a Microsoft Solutions Partner designation. Our Services, director profiles and case studies explain our capabilities, qualifications and experience, so you can assess how well we fit the work you have in mind.
What kinds of organisations do you work with?
Our clients have included BAE Systems, Honeywell and PepsiCo. We also welcome enquiries from smaller businesses. A focused project within a large organisation can suit us just as well as a system for a smaller company. What matters is a worthwhile business objective, a manageable scope and people we can work with to understand the need.
How does Anatec use AI?
We use AI to help explore ideas, support learning and develop written material, including content for this website. It gives us another way to question an approach and consider alternatives. We review and refine the output and remain responsible for the work. This is separate from the applied AI capabilities we can build into a client’s system.
Projects and working together
What sort of projects are a good fit for Anatec?
We suit focused projects that improve a business process or make a useful idea possible: a custom application, an integration, better use of data or AI within a workflow. We use Microsoft Azure, Azure SQL Database, Microsoft Fabric and Power BI where they fit the need.
A project involving around two person-months of effort is a useful indication of scale. That describes the amount of work, rather than a fixed delivery period; scope and timing vary.
Read more about our services →
Do we need a detailed specification before contacting you?
No. You may have an opportunity to explore, an awkward process to improve or an idea that is still taking shape. We can start with what you want to achieve, the way things work today and any important constraints. Discussion and prototypes can help turn that initial understanding into a practical way forward.
Read more about how we work with you →
Can you work with our existing systems?
Yes, where suitable interfaces and access are available. Custom software can connect applications, use existing data or add a capability that a package does not provide. We investigate what is practical before recommending an approach. Our focus is developing and integrating systems; taking over general maintenance of software written by another supplier is outside our usual scope.
How much will a system cost?
The cost depends on what the system needs to do, what it must connect to and how much investigation is needed. We need to understand the proposed work before giving a useful estimate. Tell us about your priorities and budget so we can discuss a proportionate scope. We also consider ongoing costs, such as cloud services, licences and support, separately from development.
What happens after the system goes live?
We aim to build long-term client relationships. A useful system often evolves as the business changes, people discover new possibilities or requirements develop. We discuss support and further development arrangements for the particular system, including the level of help you need and what we can provide.
Read more about how we work with you →
Getting in touch
How do we start a conversation?
Contact us with a brief description of what you would like to achieve or the problem you are facing. You do not need to know which technology is appropriate. An initial conversation, by Teams or Zoom if convenient, can help us understand the situation and see whether there is a sensible next step.
Have another question?
Please ask. We will be happy to discuss it with you.
