Embedded system designers spend their time making our lives easier. Without them, we would not have our automated coffee makers, alarm clocks, PDAs or modern computers. Embedded system design brings together the hardware and software into a single, functioning piece of technology.

Finding embedded system design services has gotten much easier over the years. Considering that embedded chips now make up the majority of chips created in today's economy, it's not surprising that there is such a call for embedded system design providers. Whether you're seeking embedded system design companies or embedded system designers, do the following:

1. Determine what embedded system design services you need for your business

2. Put together a list of your embedded system design goals

3. Poll your customer base to learn what features they may like to see in a new product

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

Find providers of embedded system design

One of the first things you can do is look for an embedded system design service online. If it's high technology, chances are they offer their products and services through a website for the world to find.

I recommend: One of the best services available to you online is Deaton Engineering. They offer you the ability to work a product from concept to completion. Indesign also offers full product development with scheduling that works with you.

Hire in-house embedded system designers

Looking toward the future, it might be handy to have somebody on hand to help with embedded system design services. The question is whether you need somebody who will stick around full time or a person that will move on when the project is complete. The best thing to do is determine the outlook for the future of the project and how it will effect other areas of your business.

I recommend: JobHolic.com is a great place to post jobs looking for embedded hardware engineers for permanent positions. For contractor based software engineering, check out the Software Contractors' Guild. This is a great place to find engineers looking for contractor work.

Buy hardware from embedded system design service providers

If you're building a new system, one of the easiest things to do is look at purchasing preexisting hardware to assemble. Often times, circuit boards and chips used for embedded systems can have multiple uses, the software just needs to be installed on the chips.

I recommend: A great place to start looking for embedded system design online is Acrosser. They offer an array of prefabricated hardware that you can use for your device. Elsevier offers you the chance to buy customizable embedded processors for your embedded systems.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider purchasing your software from an embedded system design company instead of trying to develop your own. It's very likely that the software you need already exists.