Clarion Development for New & Existing Systems
Application Takeovers
Step into established Clarion systems and learn how the application really works — the source code, dictionary, data structures, templates, third-party products, reports, integrations and the business rules built into them. We can restore or document a dependable build and deployment environment, stabilize problem areas, complete unfinished work and continue development without discarding years of proven business logic.
New & Continuing Development
Continue evolving an established application with new features, workflow improvements, reports, integrations and usability changes, or build a new Clarion system when that is the better solution. We can work through the full lifecycle — requirements, analysis, design, development, QA, deployment and long-term support — while fitting into an existing team or taking responsibility for the technical work.
SQL & Data
Work with Microsoft SQL Server and other database engines for schema design, Clarion integration, queries, reporting, performance tuning and troubleshooting. We also handle data migration and conversion from TPS, DAT and other legacy formats, with attention to data integrity, relationships, business rules and the application changes required to make the new back end work properly.
Web & API Integration
Extend Clarion applications with web-facing components, portals, REST APIs and connections to modern external services. Where appropriate we use C#, PHP, Python and other technologies for web services, payment or shipping integrations, cloud services, AI APIs and supporting utilities while keeping the proven Clarion application at the centre where that still makes sense.
Clarion Development Services
Hands-on development from new projects through enhancement, modernization and long-term support.
Take Over an Existing Clarion Application
A large part of our work is stepping into established applications after another developer has retired, moved on or is no longer available. We learn the source, dictionaries, data files or SQL schema, templates, third-party products, reports, integrations, build requirements and deployment process. Just as important, we work out the business rules and assumptions that may never have been formally documented, then continue development without throwing away what already works.
Discuss an Application Takeover
Continue Development or Build Something New
Once we understand an existing system, we can add features, improve workflows, reports and integrations, correct long-standing limitations and modernize selected areas while preserving the parts that already serve the business well. We also design and build new Clarion business systems when a new application is the right answer, including analysis, architecture, database design, development, QA, deployment and ongoing enhancement.
Discuss Clarion Development
Web Systems & API Integration
Keep Clarion at the centre where it makes sense while adding browser-based interfaces, customer or staff portals, REST APIs, background services and connections to external platforms. We can integrate payment processing, shipping, cloud services, AI APIs and other application-to-application services, using C#, PHP, Python or another suitable technology where it is a better fit than forcing everything into one tool.
Discuss Web & API WorkSQL Server, Databases & Data Conversion
Database design, Clarion-to-SQL integration, query and reporting work, performance improvement and troubleshooting are all part of the same application problem. For TPS, DAT or other legacy data migrations, we can map structures and relationships, clean and convert data, preserve business rules, validate the results and make the Clarion application changes required for a reliable SQL-backed system.
Discuss SQL & Data
Modernize Proven Clarion Software
Move valuable applications forward without assuming they need to be rewritten. Modernization can include Clarion version migrations, Legacy and ABC work, replacement or updating of third-party products, SQL conversion, user interface and reporting improvements, deployment changes and selective use of web or API technologies where they provide a real business benefit.
Discuss ModernizationReporting, QA & Ongoing Support
Support does not stop when a feature compiles. We can create and improve reports, diagnose difficult application or data problems, test changes, assist with deployment, document build and support procedures and continue enhancing the system over time. That is especially important for business-critical applications that need a dependable developer relationship rather than a one-time project.
Discuss Ongoing Support
Clarion Application Takeovers Are a Core Part of Our Work
Many of the projects we have worked on were not greenfield applications. They were existing Clarion systems that needed a new developer, additional senior help, unfinished work completed, problems corrected or a path forward.
A mature application often contains years or decades of business rules and operating knowledge. Our first job is to understand what is already there: source code, dictionaries, data, templates, third-party products, build requirements, deployment processes and the business workflows the software supports.
From there we can continue development, add features, repair difficult areas, improve reporting, move data or databases, integrate newer services, modernize selected components and provide long-term support. A rewrite is considered when it is justified — not simply because the application is old.
For especially difficult systems that need deeper troubleshooting, recovery or assessment, our Clarion Expert page describes that work in more detail.
Discuss Your Existing Application Expert Troubleshooting & Assessment
Development, Analysis & Technical Leadership
Hands-on programming backed by senior systems analysis, architecture, project leadership and implementation experience.
Systems Analysis & Design
Translate business requirements into practical workflows, system architecture, database structures and a realistic development plan.
Project & Technical Leadership
Lead technical work, assist an existing development team, review architecture and help management make practical technology decisions while remaining hands-on with the software. For broader advisory work, see our Clarion Consulting service.
Complete Project Lifecycle
Analysis, design, development, QA, implementation, data conversion, reporting, integration, training and long-term support.
Clarion Experience Across Generations of Applications
Our Clarion experience spans DOS-era systems through modern Windows applications and current Clarion 11.1 work. That includes Legacy and ABC applications, templates, third-party products, TPS files, SQL-backed systems, reports, conversions and integrations.
We also work with Microsoft SQL Server and other database engines, plus C#, PHP, Python and other technologies when they are a better fit for a web component, service, integration or supporting utility. The goal is not to replace Clarion simply because another technology exists; it is to use the right tool for each part of the system.
Sheen Consulting has served clients since 1993, including experience working for TopSpeed Consulting and projects across health, education, transportation, insurance, manufacturing, warehousing, construction, legal and other industries.
Common Reasons Clients Bring Us Into a Clarion Project
Application Takeover
An established Clarion application needs a new developer who can understand the existing codebase, business rules and build environment and continue the work.
Continuing Development
A proven application needs features, reporting, integrations or workflow improvements without an unnecessary rewrite.
SQL or Data Work
TPS/DAT conversion, SQL integration, database design, reporting or performance work needs both application and data knowledge.
Version Migration
An older Clarion application needs to move forward while protecting the business rules already proven in production.
New Development
A new business application, substantial new module or supporting service needs experienced Clarion development from analysis through implementation.
Modern Integration
An established Clarion application needs APIs, web-facing components or connections to newer external services.
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Related services: Clarion Expert & Application Takeovers · Clarion Consulting & Technical Leadership