Object-oriented programming is a great thing, but it's only as good as its application to any given project. As Scott Rosenberg discusses in "Dreaming in Code," the making of software tends to have its own kind of problems. Nevertheless, the advent of object-oriented programming, or OO programming for short, has helped a lot of computer wizards and engineers bring new things to the table in recent years.

Business managers often use object oriented programming services for wide range of projects. Initiatives where managers look for object oriented programming solutions include the following:

1. For creating impressive stand-alone applications in Windows for a specific industry or use.

2. For visual interfaces or GUIs where object-oriented programming design helps manage visuals, mapping concepts or other key parts of an interface.

3. For jazzing up applications connecting servers to a database, or for help crafting any kind of user-friendly tool for sending data anywhere in an IT system.

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

Get an object-oriented computer programmer online

You can find hired guns for any object oriented computer programming language at networking sites that deliver professionals to your door. These online 'elance' sites connect businesses and object oriented programmer freelancers every day for anything from a project lead hiring to hourly coding or consulting.

I recommend: Try oDesk for all kind of object-oriented programming "rockstars." For another professional networking site that will link you to object-oriented programmer profiles from different parts of the world, check out Guru, where you can browse profiles and "virtual hire" through your desktop.

Get consulting and design help from outside firms for OO programming

If you're afraid you're not headed in the right direction with a project, get help. Outside object-oriented programming services and development consulting firms will assist you in managing your development and pointing staff in the right direction. Consultants can help out with how to approach bugs, how to create good classes, or how NOT to code in OO programming languages.

I recommend: Wirfs-Brock makes it their mission to bring object-oriented development solutions to clients. Find more consulting firms at the Data and Analysis Center for Software site for help with projects.

Get oo developer resources for your own staff

There are a lot of tools out there to help you and staff approach object-oriented systems development for projects. From handbooks to blogs to software, you can find more solutions online for increasing your skills and knowing your way around the concept that informs so many new languages such as C, Java or Visual Basic.

I recommend: For lots of great online tools for managing oo programming, browse downloads at the Blue Chillies software site. For an object-oriented systems development manual you can hold in your hand, try Grady Brooch's "Object Solutions," called "a compendium of object oriented wisdom."

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Avoid the 'pitfalls' of object-oriented development. Experts reveal several common problems with OO programming including managers that know less about project design than they need to, unrealistic scheduling or other 'false promises.' Be knowledgeable about how to get results with this new form of programming that goes beyond designing classes and skipping old programming forms.