Atalasoft has well over 5 software engineers, and keeps growing. We program in C++ and C#. Any website work we do is contracted out as we develop core imaging technology and imaging user interface controls for other software developers. I am very interested in sharing my experiences with other technology entrepreneurs in the region as I've been through the hurdles myself over the past few years. I wrote an article on my blog last month about starting a software company outside a startup hub that outlines some of the benefits (and drawbacks) to being in the Pioneer Valley. It covers most of your questions you ask here. Read it at www.billbither.com. I'm also very interested in hearing about others in the area (and there are a few). Best Regards, Bill Bither President Atalasoft, Inc. www.atalasoft.com www.billbither.com (my blog) -----Original Message----- From: hidden-discuss-bounces at lists.hidden-tech.net [mailto:hidden-discuss-bounces at lists.hidden-tech.net] On Behalf Of Charlie Heath Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 4:45 PM To: 'Hidden Tech' Subject: [Hidden-tech] Software firms in the valley ** The author of this post was a Good Dobee. ** You too can help the group ** Fill out the survey/skills inventory in the member's area. ** If you did, we all thank you. How many firms are there in the area with more than 5 software engineers? Who are they and what do they do? What firms are doing classic software engineering, using a language like C++, as compared with web engineering? Who out there is contemplating any sort of technology startup, for what marketplace, and what sort of structure? What are the barriers and opportunities that differentiate the Pioneer Valley from other areas? I've got some ideas about these but I'd like to hear other people's ideas. Charlie Heath Blue Herring Consulting _______________________________________________ Hidden-discuss mailing list - home page: http://www.hidden-tech.net Hidden-discuss at lists.hidden-tech.net You are receiving this because you are on the Hidden-Tech Discussion list. If you would like to change your list preferences, Go to the Members page on the Hidden Tech Web site. http://www.hidden-tech.net/members