FAQs

Quality Business Solutions
Raising The Bar In Information Technology Consulting and Project Leadership

Phone: 425.260.2416 E-mail: info@qualitybusinesssolutions.net

An interview with Darryl Barlett

In today's world of business alliances and partnerships, how do you remain truly unbiased?
Simple, it is one of my key principles. Don't get me wrong--I work with some excellent companies such as IBM, Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, Oracle, Qwest, and DigitalWorks, just to name a few. The key to these relationships is using them to the best advantage or value of my clients. When I work with company "A", perhaps the right solution lies with Microsoft, yet when I work with company "B", the right solution is IBM. All revenues come from my client engagements. I have no third party splits, finder fees or revenue sharing. I believe the best way to play is with my customer's interests being first and foremost. All secondary parties are treated fairly, and with respect.

What size business do you focus on?
I don't believe there is necessarily a need to focus on the size of a company. However, if you're going to improve business processes and implement integrated information systems, the sooner you do it, the better. Changing the direction of a speed boat can be done in less time and space than required to change the direction of the Queen Mary.

Why is systems integration so important?
First, let's define systems integration. All too often I find that people misuse this phrase. True systems integration follows the "domino affect". What I mean by this is that one business transaction automatically triggers the next. For example, when a sales order is placed, in the world of true systems integration, inventory is checked and relieved, customer billing is processed and product is shipped. Finally, purchasing is notified to reorder product. This type of systems integration is important to companies that want to compete and survive in today's global market. Systems integration saves time, money, and provides superior levels of customer satisfaction. If you don't have true systems integration in today's e-commerce, you may as well pack up and go home.

Is outsourcing a good move?
In most instances, I believe so. Obviously, I make money by managing outsourcing relationships, but more importantly, it can be a smart customer/client decision. SME's don't really want to be in the information technology business. They don't want the expense, inappropriate use of their precious working capital, nor the headaches. They did not go into business to be forced into being a technology organization. For these reasons, outsourcing can be a cost-effective way of doing business. I have a business relationship with Iemagine Inc. (www.iemagine.com) who has an award-winning presence in the ASP market. Utilizing their off-shore technical talent for custom business application development has proven to be an excellent choice in certain client situations.

What industries have you worked in? Where is your industry expertise?
I have worked in and have extensive experience in Clinical Research Organizations, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Commerical Software Development, Manufacturing, E-Commerce, Wholesale/Retail, Engineering, Legal, Information Technology, Pharmaceutical, Food Processing, International Product Distribution, Communications (Voice/Data/Wireless/Networking) and Professional Services.