Re: an introduction...

["Chris Travers" <..hidden..>]

Hi Del, DH, et al;

When I started Metatron Technology Consulting, my goal was actually
the same -- to provide local small businesses with open source
solutions.  Now I am becoming quite specialized in this area simply
because someone has to do the work ;-)

On 10/15/07, dh <..hidden..> wrote:

>  I also really like SQL Ledger but the switching of licenses, lack of keys
> (i don't know this for a fact, just read it on the LSMB site) and concern of
> how custom functions I produce will be received and supported in future
> releases is a concern. All this brings me to LedgerSMB. I like the framework
> and the open community.


If you are doing a lot fo custom work, here is my advice:
1)  Get on the -devel list if you aren't already.
2)  If there are things you need in the framework to support your
solutions going forward, please mention them on that list.
3)  Participate in technical implementation discussions and help us
make this system the best and most flexible that it can be.
4)  If there are things which you are doing that might appeal to a
wider audience, start 2 theads on the email lists to get more
suggestions:
   a) one on -users about functionality, feature requirements, and usability
   b) one on -devel about implementation and technical elements.

This way, we can help you get your changes into the codebase in a way
that works for everyone.
>
> I'm excited to start offering services locally setting up nice 100% open
> source systems for small businesses in my area but have to admit my lack of
> understanding accounting practices and concepts has made this very
> difficult. Building applications and seeing how it all works together is no
> problem but choosing an application that will suit the accounting needs of a
> small business is outside of what I know. There is a local firm that handles
> accounting for many of the businesses and I'm going to approach them in
> working together in offering services but first need to have a solid
> foundation.

Advice:  Go to garage sales and look for accounting testbooks.  Same
with used book stores.  I doubt that small business financial
accounting has changed much in the last few decades, so older books
are OK too.  (Tax accounting is a different ballgame and outside the
scope of LedgerSMB.)  Note that the goal is not to be able to give
accounting advice to customer, but rather to get to the point where
you can do two things:
1)  Flag a given request as dangerous and ask the customer to discuss
the matter with his/her accountant further.
2)  Be able to discuss accounting issues with accountants and
understand what they are saying well enough that you don't get it
wrong when you go to implement.

Best Wishes,
Chris Travers