About AIM Development
I'm Alex Matthews, an independent software developer based in Aberystwyth, Wales. Through AIM Development, I help organisations build, improve and maintain software that supports the way they work.
With over 25 years of commercial experience, I have worked on systems for small businesses, membership organisations and national bodies across agriculture, bioscience, construction and the public sector. My work ranges from web and desktop applications to database migrations, system integration and the continued development of established software.
Software built around your organisation
Every organisation has its own processes, priorities and constraints. I take the time to understand what your team needs to achieve, how your existing systems fit together and where software could make day-to-day work easier.
That might mean creating a new application, connecting systems that currently work in isolation, reducing repetitive administration or extending software that already serves your business well. I can help you assess the options and plan an approach that fits your requirements.
How I can help
Bespoke web and desktop applications
Applications designed around your workflows, from membership and booking systems to laboratory sample tracking, equipment management and reporting. I can work with you from the initial requirements and database design through to implementation and ongoing development.
Modernisation and integration
Practical improvements to existing applications, including database migrations, web interfaces for established systems and connections between applications, websites and external services. Where appropriate, this allows you to retain useful parts of your existing software while addressing its limitations.
Databases, reporting and data management
Database design, development and maintenance, alongside imports, exports, reporting and tools that help teams manage their information. My experience includes Microsoft SQL Server and MySQL, with applications that bring together data from different sources.
Websites, hosting and ongoing support
Website and content management development, hosting and maintenance, alongside support for business applications. I value long-term working relationships and can continue developing and supporting your software as your needs evolve.
A direct working relationship
When you work with AIM Development, you deal directly with the developer responsible for your software. That keeps conversations close to the work and gives you a consistent point of contact.
I aim to explain technical choices clearly, make practical suggestions and understand the consequences of changes for the people using the system. Alongside development, I can help you work through requirements, investigate problems and decide which improvements will be most useful.
Experience across technologies and industries
My experience includes Microsoft .NET and Windows Forms, PHP, Ruby on Rails and Joomla, supported by database development, JavaScript, API integration and application hosting.
Across these technologies, the focus is the same: understanding the business process and making the software useful to the people who depend on it. Projects have included membership administration, laboratory workflows, asset tracking, spatial information and connections to specialist hardware.
My portfolio includes work completed through previous employment and contracts, as well as projects undertaken through AIM Development. Individual project pages provide the background, technologies and my role in the work.
Explore my work or read client feedback for examples of the systems I've worked on and the relationships behind them.
Let's discuss what you need
Whether you have a clear specification or an existing process that needs improvement, I'd be happy to discuss your project and help you identify the next steps.