In general where can one find programmers for ATS, risk mgmt systems, etc? Is there a website where I can go to solicit bids? Or can any EliteTraders make recommendations
Their are many programming websites out their such as GURU.com or you can simply check if their are some programmers advertising their expertise on the particular charting system or software you use. E.g. I use Esignal and they have a partners page which lists many programming firms which specialize in that particular software.
You might try brokerageconsultants <dot> com They supply IT professional to the brokerage and hedge fund industry. Ask for Tony Pietrzak and mention my name, Jerry Nowatzke
There is a large difference between a - programmer and a developer... A programmer is handed specifications and code and told what language to use and what to build and is given a time schedule that he (hopefully) completes the project within that time period... A developer brainstorms the software concept by working very hard to understand the business model, designs the specs and requirements, sets a realistic schedule, chooses the best language for the project, is the code team captain on a programming team - if a team is needed, codes the most difficult parts of the project, oversees the deployment, specs out the changes, oversees the debugging or the team that does the debugging... brainstorms the necessary future updates and factors the existing code at regular intervals... A developer is what you want to hire if you want a successful project otherwise you get the proverbial MUDBALL... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_ball_of_mud <img src="http://www.enflow.com/p.gif">
your best bet is to find a programmer overseas or a college kid. No good programmer in the US would want to deal with a small trader who probably will not offer the programmer anything of value. I assume the job is not clearly defined and you dont really know what you want, theres no development environment, you're willing to pay at most 40/hr if anything, and the work itself is trivial. working with small freelance projects is more hassle than enjoyment.
I have found about $45-$65.00/hr. If you find a progressive computer technician who builds and services computers and sales , he/she would have contacts to people to contract out specific work related to Excel, VBA, programming , software, etc. Good luck...... erie