|
Below is a list of frequently asked questions. We recognize all your questions cannot be answered
here, so feel free to contact us to discuss your project directly.
|
|
|
What types of products have you previously designed?
| |
While many companies specialize in a specific field, we position ourselves as generalists. As a generalist
we have developed projects in diverse fields:
| |
WindowsCE platforms - | Custom designed hand-held PDAs |
| |
Development tools - | Compilers, Linkers, Emulators |
| |
Networking equipment - | network bridging equipment, bandwidth management |
| |
RF Systems - | Microwave RF systems, UHF RF systems |
| |
RFID technology - | Passive and Active systems, UHF, VHF, Microwave |
| |
Industrial controls - | Complex switching equipment, motor controllers |
| |
Surveillance equipment - | Systems for Department of Defense, Gaming industry |
| |
Biometrics - | Fingerprint and Facial recognition |
We believe our position as a generalist provides great value to our end customers. While we cannot claim to be industry
experts in all fields, we can claim to be experts in many and know when to outsource when we are not. Rarely do we need
to solicit outsourced services, but when we do our years of experience enables us to manage the relationship effectively
and defend against unethical billing, scheduling, and quality.
|
|
|
Will you sign a Non-disclosure agreement?
| |
Absolutely. It is always our priority to protect our client's intellectual property and we are always willing to
enter into a contractual agreement to do so. Since we are involved in numerous projects, we actually require a mutual NDA
that provides both parties equal protection. However, we also recognize that the disclosure of proprietary information
can cause damages that may not be proven or calculated, therefore regardless of contracts we always hold our clients
sensitive information in the closest of confidence.
|
|
|
Will you give me an estimate before starting work?
| |
Absolutely. There is no cost up front when dealing with TotalEmbedded. There will be no charges until after we
fully understand your project, what our role will be, a contract is in place, and everyone is in agreement. Please
feel comfortable contacting us, we offer free consultations for all new projects.
|
|
|
Do you work on a fixed/firm or by the hour basis?
| |
We only provide services on an hourly basis. We do not do this to maximize profits; we
do it to minimize losses. Unfortunately it is typical that clients request changes during
development rendering our estimates wrong and invalidating previous work. We want to be
dedicated to developing the best product to your specifications, not minimizing our efforts
to maintain a profit.
We will make special considerations when we feel confident about the scope of work. Feel
free to contact us to discuss your project.
|
|
|
How much will my project cost?
| |
The golden question, I wish it were that easy so we could answer that here. We recognize that cost is the
ultimate driver for most all business decisions. Ultimately everyone is in business to make money. We truly
strive to provide value to our clients that far exceed the costs. We believe the skills we posses are not a luxury
but a necessity to create a successful product. Many organizations have these skills internally or some portion
of them and we just bridge their gaps. Whatever your needs, when it comes to engineering we can save you both time
and money.
What we can share is a basic concept of cost, quality, and time. We recognize everyone wants to build the
best product as quickly as possible for as little as possible. Unfortunately in most cases we have to prioritize
these in order of importance and find a balance that meets your requirements.
|
|
|
How much will I have to pay in advance?
| |
It depends on the scope of the work, but typically we require some form of up front good faith payment.
|
|
|
What type of payment terms do you offer?
| |
Usually with new clients we operate on NET15 terms with invoices sent on the 1st and 15th of each
month. On request we will consider other terms pending a credit check.
|
|
|
I am in the process of patenting my idea, can you help?
| |
Absolutely. We have assisted in authoring patents for numerous clients. We understand the
patent process completely and have drafted patent claims and artwork for numerous clients. We have
also worked directly with patent lawyers on behalf of our clients to complete the patent process.
|
|
|
I have a product that needs modifications, can you help?
| |
Absolutely. We can work with any project at any phase of its life cycle.
|
|
|
Do you have an office in my city?
| |
Our office is located in the greater Washington D.C. area. However, the majority of our
clients are located all over the U.S. from Seattle, to Florida, to Las Vegas, to New York, to San
Diego and Boston. Travel is a regular part of our business and we have been known to stay on site
for several months at a customer site.
|
|
|
