Q) What is Thinking Objects Inc.?

A) Thinking Objects is a Software Architecture firm. Simply put we are a building contracting firm for technology based solutions. Like builders, we work for the client to make their dream come true. We help the client define their needs and turn their vision into the correct technology solution. We assemble the correct team to build the solution and are the client's advocate. Our product is our quality people and our 4D Information Technology Solution Construction Processä.

Q) What is Thinking Objects Inc.'s target market?

A) Thinking Objects Inc. targets companies that need to guarantee the success of their technology investments. Significant portions of our past clients choose us one or more experiences with failed projects. Most of our clients surveyed remarked that they realize that relying on in-house staff instead of professional software architects not only increased their risk of failure, but also decreased their revenue stream by tying up resources on non-revenue generating task. Our philosophy of partnering with clients and looking at each technology opportunity based on return on investment makes our relationship inherently successful by generating revenue.

Excerpt from the 1997 TOI State of the company address in Key West, by Charles Johnson

"Since we look at our clients as long-term partners our courtship process is different from other technology vendors. We are not driven to make a sale at any cost. We look for companies to form symbiotic relationships that benefit both parties. Thinking Objects Inc. will only take on clients where we can identify opportunities that make significant Return On Investment (ROI) to their bottom line. This way of doing business is time consuming and 80% of our engagements terminate before contract. It is better to give some good advice and turn down a sale than to sell someone that they don't need. History shows that these clients will search you out when they need you. Ninety percent of our clients are these return clients. I feel fact does and will make TOI a success."

Q) What types of people does Thinking Objects Inc. employ?

A) We employ more that the traditional software people. As a Software Architecture firm, Thinking Objects, like a construction builder realize that it takes more than carpenters to build a house. Like any other competent construction or manufacturing firm, we employ people all through out the construction process. In our Software Development Process class, that we highly recommend our clients attend, we identify about 35 technical and non-technical personnel roles on a technology project. Check the Thinking Objects Inc. Training schedule for class times.

Q) Why are Thinking Objects Inc.'s consultants called "mentors"?

A) The working definition of a mentor is a person who adds value to a relationship by imparting knowledge and experiences. We realize that our consultants add value to the client by sharing their knowledge and experience. Thinking Objects Inc. recognizes this fact and actively recruits consultants who are people oriented leaders that love to learn and share. Since this the technology field, is constantly changing, we strive to have send our consultants to a training one week every six months. Also Thinking Objects Inc. works to pair junior consultants with senior consults on all projects to promote a mentoring culture.

Internally we assign each consultant an internal mentor, separate from his or her project mentor. This fosters the same exchange of information between our consultants, as we like between our consultants and clients. At Thinking Objects Inc. mentoring is more of an attitude than a job title.

Q) What is software architecture and how is a Software Architecture firm different from most software companies?

A) Software Architecture is an engineering based way of looking at technology solutions. It brings the tried and true methodologies of construction and manufacturing to the software and technology arena. Software Architecture firm, like a building architecture firm works for the client to turn their abstract vision into a concrete product. Thinking Objects Inc. work as the client's advocate. We spend the lion's share of our time talking to clients and helping them define their needs and vision. After turning their vision into concrete designs and plans, we assemble the correct team to effectively and professionally build their product. Using our proven 4D Information Technology Solution Construction Processä, to implement and mange the product guarantees success.

The Worldwide Institute of Software Architects (WWISA) has recognized Thinking Objects as a corporate practice member. Also our Chief Technology Officer, Charles Johnson is also a WWISA individual practice member.

Thinking Objects Inc. does not align it self with vendors, as the client's advocate we feel that is as a conflict of interest. Having an advocate ensures our clients that they are getting the best solution for their needs, instead of the "flavor of the day" solution.

Q) Does Thinking Objects Inc. perform Software Development?

A) Thinking Objects Inc. can perform not only software development but also any type of technology solution. With the help of our strategic partners their strategic partners to we can build define, document, develop, and deploy any information technology solution.

Q) What products does Thinking Objects Inc. offer?

A) Our product is our quality people and our proven 4D Information Technology Solution Construction Processä. Our consultants are work with the client to help them define and implement their plans. A successful Thinking Objects Inc. engagement leaves the client not only with their technology need satisfies, but with knowledge on how to keep making positive impacts to their bottom line. We realize that we our success depends on the client's success. We don't sell we add value to our client's bottom line.

Q) Is there a difference between working with a small or large business?

A) Even though most of our clientele are either other technology vendors or Fortune 500 companies, our product is scalable for any size business. Our founder "cut his teeth" working with small business in the rust belt in the mid 80's, building their mission critical system. He realized that there was a great opportunities for business oriented Information Technology consultants working with small business. He also identified the drawbacks

Excerpt from the 1998 TOI State of the company address in New Orleans, by Charles Johnson

" Smaller companies tend to loose sight of the reason that they are in business, to make money, not just to pay the bills. Their founders usually start a business because they identify an opportunity for a more than significant return on their investment. The founder of Thinking Objects Inc. had the same philosophy, but he has also incorporated it in our way of doing business and how we work with our clients. Our 4D Information Technology Construction Processä using a defined and proven process is an inherent money saver. Our process incorporates Return On Investment (ROI), when identifying opportunities and defining success criteria. It guarantees the maximum return on investment by identifying and solving the correct problem. There is no difference between a large and smaller company. The only difference is the scale of the success or failure."