We're looking for companies that specifically customize and implement some of the larger OSS packages (SugarCRM, Intalio, Drupal, JasperSoft, etc.) specifically for SMEs (Revenues: $50-500M).
In addition to implementing solutions, we're also looking for companies that can build simple web apps on the LAMP stack.
Ideally looking for smaller (hands-on) companies that specialize in OSS rather than a large outfit that does everything.
Answers
Add AnswerBy an anonymous user on March 12th 2008 at 12:54 AM
Check out www.elance.com, www.oDesk.com and www.Rentacoder.com - all 3 great sources for individual developers and small consulting shops, a good chunk of whom specialize in OSS.
They have the ebay model where the community rates the developer and/or the company but it can be hit-or-miss at times.
These are great resources for smaller projects and once you identify a handful of reliable, quality people you can engage them for longer term projects.
By an anonymous user on March 12th 2008 at 01:52 AM
SpikeSource (www.spikesource.com) is another company that is focused solely on Open Source applications and actually certifies different stacks (many of which you mentioned) and provides services around those.
By an anonymous user on March 12th 2008 at 01:56 AM
A lot of these companies have their own consulting/services division which also serves as their main source of revenue. SugarCRM has a well defined consulting practice that will assist in customizing the heck out of your instance and even provide maintenance, support with upgrades, etc.
By an anonymous user on March 12th 2008 at 03:10 AM
Optaros (www.optaros.com) is another company that focuses almost entirely on implementing (and migrating to) Open Source applications.
Aztec Software is another company that does a lot of open source work but try and stay away from outsourcing your initial OSS projects especially at the start where you'd want hands-on implementation.
By an anonymous user on March 13th 2008 at 11:31 PM
Beware!! All the Indian Outsourcing firms will claim they are experts at the LAMP stack and once you give them your project you'll basically experience the black hole!
By an anonymous user on April 9th 2008 at 09:16 AM
Vivakos (www.vivakos.com) is a OSS integrator that focuses on SMEs across a broad set of industry verticals. They also do custom development, usually on top of various OSS platforms (e.g., Alfresco).
I suggest avoiding the freelance boards unless you're simply looking for a couple extra pair of hands.
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