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Thoughts

Classic ASP, API Integration and.. Handmade Crafts?

8th March 2010

Classic ASP, API Integration and.. Handmade Crafts?

Four years ago when we took the first steps towards forming Mattched IT, none of us thought that in four years time we would be working for the business full-time. Nor did we think the day would come when we would say that Classic ASP and Handmade Crafts were among the most important elements of our business!

Classic ASP - Legacy developers and proud!

Thats right! Snigger if you like, but as we've learned over the last few years, there are a lot of people out there running websites and web applications built in Classic ASP who want changes made or need support - and who can't find a developer to do the work for them!

We've worked with Classic ASP for many years (we barely wince at all when someone says ".. and it's built in ASP, not ASP.NET.." now) and are happy to help whatever your requirements may be - maintenance, improvements, migrating to ASP.NET or anything in-between.

API Integration - "The Year of the API"

Last year we heard lots of buzz about APIs for this, that and the other - comments about "joined up applications" and others which sounded like all smoke and no substance. Luckily it has turned out to be far more significant and valuable - lots of applications are concentrating on doing one set of tasks very well - and adding the ability to talk to other like-minded applications through APIs (Application Programming Interfaces).

In particular, we've worked with the APIs for MailChimp - an excellent Email Campaign Management system - and KashFlow - a web-based accounting package which we've mentioned several times in the past (and which amongst other things has helped us transform our credit control procedures) - and are finding more and more clients coming to us and asking about custom integrations with their websites or bespoke applications.

..and Handmade Crafts?

No retrospective on ways we are pushing Mattched IT forward would be complete without at least mentioning our pet project - Handmade Crafts Directory - it really is something which we are doing for free and which we are genuinely excited about.

So if you're a fan of everything handmade and wonderful here in the UK, keep your eyes open, because big things will be happening in that arena this year!

I'm sorry, did you have a point with this blog?

Very simple! When you set out to achieve something or to offer a given service in business, you're starting on a journey without really knowing where you will end up - or how you will get there. You have your plans and with luck you'll be successful in sticking to them and realising your dreams, but you might spot the opportunity for some wonderful adventures on the way.

What has surprised you about the directions you have found your business going in over the last year or two? Is it all good or is some of it bad as well? Why not share your thoughts - just scroll down to leave your comments!

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Comments

Helen Stothard at 09/03/2010 07:55:40

Wow, handmade crafts, a topic close to my heart, had a little online craft shop for a couple of years and did a lot of handmade cards. Good on you.

And you mentioned MailChimp and Kashflow, wow, you guys are working on things I use everyday, you must be famous, lol.

Life does take odd twists and turns, a year ago I would never have thought I would be sat here now as my own boss on a full time basis.

I have not regretted a minute of the journey to being my own boss, okay there were times I didn't enjoy, trying to work at my old 'proper' job and run the business at the same time. There were years spent in jobs that didn't excite or enthrall me. But that said, without those experiences I wouldn't be the person I am now, I wouldn't have the knowledge that I have now, and without that knowledge wouldn't be able to do what I do now.

Every day I see examples of people who are miserable in their work, who are not fulfilled, and I feel sorry for them, I hope that one day they too get the chance to do what I do, be my own boss, and greet each working day with enthusiasm and delight. Perhaps it will happen for them, who know's what is around the corner. We didn't and look at us now!