Our reputation depends on satisfied customers, so we go out of our way to make sure you are getting a quality product at a reasonable cost.  Since every customer's requirements are different, we may work with you in different ways:

• By the job
  When the project is well defined, this is the most straightforward way to do business and usually the most cost-effective for the customer.  But we require a very detailed project specification before we can quote a price.  Once we agree to a price, Scala Systems will assume the risk of cost overruns.
• Time and materials
  For projects whose specifications will evolve over time, the only way for us to charge is hourly.  We prefer to have periodic reviews with the customer to assure us that we are we are doing a good job, and to assure the customer that they are getting a good value.
• Hybrid
  There are cases where a project will start as time and materials, switch to fixed cost, and possibly switch back to time and materials.  For example, research is generally done on an hourly basis.  Once the project is defined, it can then be completed at a fixed cost.