Fortran development is actually still viable in the business world. To many in today's tech world, Fortran is just a dinosaur. The language goes back to the days of large mainframe computers and non-visual line-item programming. Now, with all of the new tools we have at our disposal, many say they would never want to code in Fortran.

However, others still consider Fortran to be a useful language for specific kinds of operations that focus more on "number-crunching" than exquisite GUI interfaces. Adherents to modern Fortran programming point to the evolution of the language into Fortran 9 and High Performance Fortran that are still in use today.

Business operators may still use Fortran programming services for these kinds of projects:

1. In non-graphical applications for science and engineering.

2. For handling large arrays in a simple interface.

3. For general quick work with numbers by skilled users, where the interface really doesn't matter and there are no client end-users to cater to.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find a Fortran developer or programmer online

You can quickly add a Fortran programmer to your staff as a 'hired keyboard' or temporary project lead with online networking services that specialize in setting you up with tech professionals.

I recommend: Use Guru.com to find a Fortran developer or professional by profile stats. DotNetSpider advertises their ability to get you in touch with a Fortran programmer at "offshore prices."

Find consulting for Fortran development

If you are considering adding Fortran programs for specific scientific, engineering or accounting work, or your old system needs an update, you can find help from Fortran programmer services firms and agencies that deal with advising business clients on the Fortran language group.

I recommend: The Fortran Company puts you in touch with Fortran computer programmer services: they also offer other resources and links for training online. Garnatz and Grovender specializes in Fortran consulting and training.

Get Visual Fortran development resources

With new developments in programming, Hewlett-Packard released Compaq Visual Fortran to allow Fortran development for diverse interfaces. HP apparently doesn't sell Visual Fortran anymore, but you can find Visual Fortran resources online to help you and your staff navigate the Fortran world.

I recommend: Get a Visual Fortran compiler and a wealth of information at the Intel website. Find more Visual Fortran software at PriceGrabber.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be careful when getting involved with a language like Fortran. Although lots of 'info-specific businesses' do still use Fortran development services, the future may not hold a lot of promise for this kind of development across the board, and if your competitors are going with sleeker, newer types of programming, trying to dig too deep into specialized languages like Fortran could get you in trouble. Again, some rules of thumb are whether you will need to have trouble-free user controls for client end-users, and what kind of specific tasks you want you applications to do. Have a brainstorming session with your staff before making any decisions.