Ampersand, Inc. - Services

Services Ampersand provides services in three principal areas:

1. Information Technology. Ampersand consultants serve as "master mechanics", applying state-of-the-art technologies and best industry practices to develop complex, high-performance turnkey systems. Under one umbrella, the company provides a seasoned team with expertise in system architecture, UNIX and Windows/NT applications, database and network design, distributed systems, and security.

Case example: Ampersand wrote the software necessary to synchronize the databases of a worldwide Sun system for a large federal agency.

2. Real-Time Applications and System Software Development. Ampersand develops embedded systems and control software, real-time applications, and system software for UNIX and real-time operating systems like VxWorks, LynxOS, and MC/OS.

Case example: Ampersand developed complex real-time controls for large-scale semiconductor equipment on behalf of a maker of ion implanters.

3. Computer Telephony. Ampersand integrates computer systems and IT infrastructure with telephone switches to create advanced Interactive Voice Response (IVR), Voice Mail, Automated Call Distribution (ACD), and Computer-Telephony Integration (CTI) systems.

Case example: Ampersand developed a high-density and user-friendly interactive voice response system for a fast-growing media company.

4. Consulting Services. Ampersand offers services which help our customers to define and plan comprehensive strategies for their application of information technology.

Case example: Ampersand is consulting to the U.S. Air Force project office defining the overall command and control systems infrastructure for the service.

Markets

Ampersand serves two primary markets:

1. Commercial markets, consisting primarily of midsize and large companies. Clients have included Eaton Semiconductor, Interactive Media Group, GE, and Avid Technology.

2. Government, consisting primarily of Defense Department agencies and contractors. Clients have included the Department of the U.S. Air Force, Lockheed Martin, TRW, and Litton PRC.

Distinctive Competencies

Ampersand is set apart from competitors by two core competencies:

1. The most creative and battle-tested technology professionals. Ampersand understands that top-notch software and systems consulting is as much art as science, and searches far and wide for engineers who generate the highest-quality output under the most intensive time and requirements pressure. It provides its professionals with a stimulating, demanding, and flexible work environment that encourages them to continually stretch their capacities. Through Ampersand’s team-oriented culture, each engineer frequently draws upon the diverse experience of his or her colleagues to ensure that clients receive the benefit of Ampersand’s entire skill set.

2. The broadest array of tools for the job. Ampersand invests considerable resources in ensuring that we can deploy the most cost-effective ways to develop software and systems. We work hard to maintain in-depth knowledge of the best tools, techniques, languages, reusable software components, architectures and test equipment. Our goal is 100% staff efficiency through optimum use of software and system development technology.