Additional resources
What Are .NET Experts and Why Your Business Needs Them
Core Responsibilities of .NET Developers
Business Impact of Skilled .NET Professionals
Key Technologies in the .NET Ecosystem
Essential Technical Skills to Look for When You Hire .NET Experts
C# Programming Proficiency
ASP.NET Core Framework Expertise
Database Management with Entity Framework
Cloud Integration Skills with Azure
DevOps and CI/CD Pipeline Knowledge
Soft Skills That Distinguish Top .NET Programmers
Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking
Communication and Collaboration Abilities
Project Management Capabilities
Adaptability to New Technologies
Where to Find and Recruit .NET Talent
Professional Networks and Tech Communities
Technical Recruitment Agencies
University Partnerships and Bootcamp Programs
Remote Talent Pools and Global Markets
How to Evaluate .NET Development Services Candidates
Technical Assessment Methods
Portfolio and Code Review Process
Reference Checks and Past Project Analysis
Cultural Fit Evaluation
Interview Process for .NET Developers
Step 1: Initial Technical Screening
Step 2: Coding Challenge Design
Step 3: System Design Discussion
Step 4: Team Integration Interview
Compensation Strategies for .NET Professionals
Market Rate Analysis by Experience Level
Geographic Salary Variations
Benefits and Perks That Attract Top Talent
Contract vs. Full-Time Compensation Models
Different Models to Hire .NET Professionals
Direct Full-Time Employment
Contract-Based Engagement
Staff Augmentation Services
Dedicated Offshore Development Teams
Onboarding Process for New .NET Experts
Step 1: Technical Environment Setup
Step 2: Codebase and Architecture Overview
Step 3: Team Integration Activities
Step 4: First Project Assignment
Common Mistakes When You Outsource .NET Projects
Underestimating Technical Requirements
Inadequate Communication Protocols
Ignoring Time Zone Differences
Skipping Proper Documentation
Building Long-Term Success with Your .NET Team
Continuous Learning and Training Programs
Career Development Pathways
Performance Metrics and Feedback Systems
The demand for skilled Microsoft .NET professionals continues to surge as businesses prioritize robust, scalable software solutions. Organizations face increasing pressure to deliver high-performance applications while maintaining competitive advantage in rapidly evolving markets.
What Are .NET Experts and Why Your Business Needs Them
Core Responsibilities of .NET Developers
.NET developers specialize in designing, coding, and maintaining applications using Microsoft's comprehensive ecosystem. Their primary responsibilities include translating client requirements into functional software, debugging complex systems, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable solutions. These professionals work extensively with C# programming language, ASP.NET frameworks, and various database technologies.
Modern .NET developers handle multiple technical areas simultaneously. They design RESTful APIs for seamless data exchange, implement security protocols to protect sensitive information, and optimize database interactions using SQL Server and Entity Framework. Documentation of testing protocols, performance optimization, and end-user training also fall within their scope.
The role has expanded significantly to include DevOps practices. Contemporary .NET experts manage continuous integration and continuous delivery pipelines, often using Azure DevOps tools. They maintain legacy applications while simultaneously migrating systems to newer .NET Framework versions, balancing technical debt management with innovation requirements.
Business Impact of Skilled .NET Professionals
Competent .NET programmers directly influence business outcomes by reducing time-to-market through reusable code libraries and modular architectures. Organizations leveraging ASP.NET Core report 35% faster deployment cycles compared to alternative technology stacks, attributed to Microsoft's optimized runtime environment.
In financial technology sectors, .NET's built-in security features enable compliance with industry standards, reducing vulnerability remediation costs by up to 40%. The framework's robust error handling and debugging capabilities minimize production issues, leading to improved customer satisfaction and reduced support overhead.
Skilled professionals implement microservices architectures that enhance scalability and maintainability. They design systems capable of handling increased user loads without performance degradation, ensuring business continuity during peak usage periods.
Key Technologies in the .NET Ecosystem
The .NET Framework encompasses multiple programming languages, libraries, and tools for building various application types. C# serves as the primary programming language, offering object-oriented programming capabilities with strong type safety and memory management.
ASP.NET Core provides the foundation for web development projects, supporting both server-side rendering and API development. This framework integrates seamlessly with front-end technologies like Angular, React, and Vue.js, enabling full-stack development capabilities.
Entity Framework simplifies database operations through object-relational mapping, reducing development time and improving code maintainability. Azure integration capabilities allow applications to leverage cloud computing resources for enhanced performance and reliability.
Essential Technical Skills to Look for When You Hire .NET Experts
C# Programming Proficiency
C# mastery represents the cornerstone of .NET expertise. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in object-oriented programming principles, including inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation. Advanced concepts like generics, delegates, and LINQ queries indicate deeper understanding of the language's capabilities.
Experienced developers utilize async/await patterns for handling concurrent operations without blocking application threads. They implement proper exception handling strategies and understand memory management principles to prevent memory leaks and optimize application performance.
Code quality awareness includes following established naming conventions, implementing design patterns appropriately, and writing maintainable code with clear documentation. Candidates should demonstrate experience with unit testing frameworks like NUnit or MSTest for ensuring code reliability.
ASP.NET Core Framework Expertise
ASP.NET Core knowledge encompasses both MVC (Model-View-Controller) architecture and Web API development. Professionals should understand routing mechanisms, middleware configuration, and dependency injection patterns for building scalable web applications.
Security implementation skills include authentication and authorization mechanisms, data validation techniques, and protection against common vulnerabilities like SQL injection and cross-site scripting. Experience with Identity Framework for user management demonstrates comprehensive security understanding.
Performance optimization techniques include caching strategies, database query optimization, and efficient resource utilization. Candidates should understand how to implement responsive design principles and ensure cross-browser compatibility for web applications.
Database Management with Entity Framework
Entity Framework expertise involves understanding Code First and Database First approaches for data modeling. Professionals should demonstrate ability to design efficient database schemas, implement complex queries, and manage database migrations effectively.
Advanced skills include performance tuning through query optimization, implementing proper indexing strategies, and understanding database connection management. Experience with multiple database providers beyond SQL Server, such as PostgreSQL or MySQL, indicates versatility.
Data access patterns like Repository and Unit of Work demonstrate architectural understanding. Candidates should show proficiency in handling transactions, implementing audit trails, and managing data consistency across complex business operations.
Cloud Integration Skills with Azure
Azure platform knowledge includes understanding various services like App Service, Functions, and Storage accounts. Professionals should demonstrate ability to deploy applications to cloud environments and configure appropriate scaling strategies.
Integration with Azure Active Directory for authentication and authorization shows enterprise-level security understanding. Experience with Azure DevOps for source control, build pipelines, and release management indicates comprehensive DevOps capabilities.
Monitoring and logging implementation using Azure Application Insights helps ensure application reliability and performance tracking. Understanding of cost optimization strategies and resource management demonstrates business-aware cloud expertise.
DevOps and CI/CD Pipeline Knowledge
Continuous integration and continuous delivery pipeline setup requires understanding of automated testing, build processes, and deployment strategies. Professionals should demonstrate experience with version control systems like Git and branching strategies for collaborative development.
Automated testing implementation includes unit testing, integration testing, and end-to-end testing scenarios. Understanding of test-driven development principles and maintaining high code coverage indicates quality-focused development practices.
Infrastructure as Code concepts using tools like ARM templates or Terraform show advanced DevOps understanding. Experience with containerization technologies like Docker and orchestration platforms demonstrates modern deployment expertise.
Soft Skills That Distinguish Top .NET Programmers
Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking
Exceptional .NET developers demonstrate systematic approaches to complex technical challenges. They break down large problems into manageable components, analyze root causes methodically, and develop comprehensive solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term sustainability.
Problem-solving capabilities extend beyond coding to include system architecture decisions, performance optimization strategies, and integration challenges. Top professionals consider multiple solution approaches, evaluate trade-offs, and select optimal implementations based on business requirements and technical constraints.
Analytical thinking manifests in code review processes, where experienced developers identify potential issues, suggest improvements, and mentor junior team members. They anticipate edge cases, design robust error handling mechanisms, and implement solutions that gracefully handle unexpected scenarios.
Communication and Collaboration Abilities
Communication skills prove essential for translating technical concepts into business-friendly language. Skilled professionals explain complex architectural decisions to stakeholders, document technical specifications clearly, and provide regular progress updates that align with business objectives.
Collaborative development requires effective participation in Agile methodologies like Scrum or Kanban. Developers must contribute meaningfully to sprint planning, daily standups, and retrospective meetings while maintaining focus on deliverable outcomes.
Cross-functional collaboration involves working effectively with designers, product managers, and quality assurance teams. Strong communicators facilitate knowledge transfer, provide technical guidance, and ensure project requirements are understood and implemented correctly.
Project Management Capabilities
Project management skills enable developers to estimate task complexity accurately, manage dependencies effectively, and deliver features within specified timelines. Experienced professionals balance technical debt considerations with feature development priorities.
Time management abilities include prioritizing tasks based on business impact, managing multiple concurrent projects, and maintaining productivity under pressure. Effective developers communicate potential delays early and propose alternative solutions when challenges arise.
Resource allocation understanding helps developers make informed decisions about technology choices, third-party libraries, and development approaches that align with project constraints and organizational capabilities.
Adaptability to New Technologies
Technology landscape evolution requires continuous learning and adaptation. Top .NET programmers stay current with framework updates, emerging tools, and industry best practices through professional development activities and community engagement.
Adaptability includes willingness to explore alternative approaches, experiment with new technologies, and integrate innovative solutions when appropriate. Flexible professionals balance innovation with stability, ensuring new implementations align with existing system architectures.
Change management skills help developers navigate organizational transitions, technology migrations, and evolving business requirements while maintaining system reliability and team productivity.
Where to Find and Recruit .NET Talent
Professional Networks and Tech Communities
Technical communities provide access to experienced Microsoft .NET professionals through industry events, conferences, and online forums. Local user groups and meetups offer opportunities to connect with developers actively engaged in continuous learning and professional development.
Stack Overflow, GitHub, and specialized .NET forums showcase developer expertise through code contributions, question responses, and project portfolios. Active community participation often indicates passion for technology and commitment to professional growth.
Professional networking platforms enable targeted searches based on specific technical skills, experience levels, and geographic preferences. Building relationships within developer communities creates long-term talent pipeline opportunities for future hiring needs.
Technical Recruitment Agencies
Specialized technical recruitment agencies maintain databases of pre-screened software development professionals with verified .NET expertise. These agencies understand technology requirements and can efficiently match candidates with specific project needs and organizational cultures.
Recruitment agencies often provide additional services including technical assessment administration, reference verification, and salary negotiation support. Their industry connections enable access to passive candidates not actively seeking new opportunities.
Agency partnerships can reduce internal recruiting overhead while maintaining quality standards through established screening processes and candidate evaluation methodologies.
University Partnerships and Bootcamp Programs
Computer science programs and coding bootcamps produce entry-level developers with foundational .NET knowledge ready for mentorship and professional development. University partnerships provide access to graduating students and recent graduates seeking career opportunities.
Internship programs allow organizations to evaluate potential full-time hires while providing valuable real-world experience to students. These programs often result in strong cultural fits and long-term employee retention.
Bootcamp graduates typically demonstrate strong motivation and practical skills acquired through intensive, project-based learning environments. These candidates often bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm for modern development practices.
Remote Talent Pools and Global Markets
Global talent markets expand candidate pools beyond geographic limitations, enabling access to skilled professionals in different time zones and cost structures. Remote work capabilities have become standard expectations for many developers.
International hiring provides opportunities for cost optimization while maintaining quality standards. Different regions offer varying compensation expectations and availability of specific technical expertise.
Remote team management requires establishing clear communication protocols, collaboration tools, and performance measurement systems. Successful remote hiring involves evaluating candidates' self-management capabilities and communication skills.
How to Evaluate .NET Development Services Candidates
Technical Assessment Methods
Comprehensive technical assessments evaluate both theoretical knowledge and practical application skills. Code review exercises demonstrate candidates' ability to identify issues, suggest improvements, and understand existing codebases.
Live coding sessions reveal problem-solving approaches, coding style, and ability to work under pressure. These assessments should focus on realistic scenarios rather than abstract algorithmic challenges.
Technical interviews should cover ASP.NET Core concepts, database design principles, and cloud computing integration. Candidates should explain architectural decisions and demonstrate understanding of scalability considerations.
Portfolio and Code Review Process
GitHub repositories and personal projects showcase candidates' coding abilities, project complexity, and development practices. Portfolio review should focus on code organization, documentation quality, and technology choices.
Open source contributions indicate community engagement and collaborative development experience. Regular commit patterns demonstrate consistency and long-term project involvement.
Technical documentation quality within portfolios reveals communication abilities and attention to detail. Well-documented projects suggest candidates can maintain codebases effectively and support team knowledge transfer.
Reference Checks and Past Project Analysis
Professional references provide insights into candidates' work quality, reliability, and team collaboration abilities. Previous supervisors and colleagues can verify technical claims and assess cultural fit potential.
Past project analysis should focus on candidates' specific contributions, challenges overcome, and lessons learned. Understanding their role in project successes and failures reveals growth mindset and accountability.
Client testimonials and project outcomes demonstrate real-world impact and business value delivery. Candidates should articulate how their technical contributions supported organizational objectives.
Cultural Fit Evaluation
Organizational culture alignment affects long-term success and team dynamics. Candidates should demonstrate values alignment, communication style compatibility, and enthusiasm for company mission and goals.
Work style preferences, including collaboration approaches and feedback receptivity, should align with team dynamics and management approaches. Cultural fit extends beyond technical capabilities to include professional behavior and attitude.
Career goal alignment ensures mutual benefit from employment relationships. Candidates seeking growth opportunities that match organizational development paths typically demonstrate higher engagement and retention rates.
Interview Process for .NET Developers
Step 1: Initial Technical Screening
Initial screening calls focus on fundamental .NET concepts, experience verification, and basic technical knowledge assessment. Recruiters should evaluate candidates' communication clarity and enthusiasm for the role.
Technical screening questions should cover C# basics, ASP.NET framework understanding, and database interaction experience. Candidates should demonstrate familiarity with development tools and deployment processes.
Screening conversations should assess candidates' availability, compensation expectations, and interest level. This stage filters candidates before investing time in comprehensive technical evaluations.
Step 2: Coding Challenge Design
Coding challenges should reflect realistic work scenarios rather than abstract computer science problems. Challenges might include building a simple web development application with RESTful APIs and database integration.
Time-bounded exercises reveal candidates' ability to prioritize features, manage scope, and deliver functional solutions under constraints. Challenges should allow multiple valid approaches to assess creativity and technical judgment.
Evaluation criteria should include code quality, functionality, testing implementation, and documentation completeness. Candidates should explain their architectural decisions and trade-off considerations.
Step 3: System Design Discussion
System design interviews evaluate candidates' ability to architect scalable solutions and consider non-functional requirements. Discussions should cover database design, microservices architecture, and performance optimization strategies.
Candidates should demonstrate understanding of scalability patterns, caching strategies, and load balancing approaches. System design conversations reveal experience with enterprise-level challenges and architectural thinking.
Security considerations, monitoring strategies, and disaster recovery planning indicate comprehensive system understanding. Experienced candidates discuss trade-offs between different architectural approaches.
Step 4: Team Integration Interview
Team integration interviews assess cultural fit, collaboration skills, and communication effectiveness. Current team members should participate to evaluate compatibility and working relationship potential.
Behavioral questions should explore conflict resolution approaches, feedback receptivity, and mentoring capabilities. Candidates should demonstrate emotional intelligence and professional maturity.
Final interviews should address career goals, professional development interests, and long-term commitment potential. Both parties should clarify expectations and ensure mutual alignment.
Compensation Strategies for .NET Professionals
Market Rate Analysis by Experience Level
Entry-level .NET developers typically command salaries ranging from $50,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on geographic location and educational background. Junior developers with 1-3 years of experience earn between $60,000 and $85,000.
Mid-level professionals with 3-7 years of experience and proven ASP.NET Core expertise earn $80,000 to $120,000 annually. Senior developers with leadership experience and specialized skills command $120,000 to $180,000 or higher.
Hourly rates for contract positions range from $35 to $80 per hour for mid-level developers, with senior consultants earning $80 to $150 per hour. Specialized expertise in Azure integration or microservices architecture commands premium rates.
Geographic Salary Variations
Major technology hubs like San Francisco, Seattle, and New York offer highest compensation levels but also highest living costs. Secondary markets like Austin, Denver, and Atlanta provide competitive salaries with lower cost of living.
Remote work opportunities enable access to higher-paying markets while maintaining lower living costs. Geographic arbitrage benefits both employers and employees through optimized cost structures.
International markets offer significant cost advantages, with skilled developers in Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Asia providing comparable expertise at 30-60% lower rates than domestic markets.
Benefits and Perks That Attract Top Talent
Comprehensive health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development budgets represent standard expectations for competitive packages. Flexible work arrangements and remote work options have become essential for attracting top candidates.
Professional development opportunities including conference attendance, certification programs, and training budgets demonstrate organizational investment in employee growth. Career advancement pathways and mentorship programs enhance long-term retention.
Technology stipends, flexible PTO policies, and performance bonuses differentiate competitive offers. Stock options or equity participation align employee interests with organizational success.
Contract vs. Full-Time Compensation Models
Contract positions offer higher hourly rates but lack benefits and employment security. Contractors typically earn 20-40% more per hour but assume responsibility for health insurance, retirement planning, and income stability.
Full-time employment provides stability, benefits, and career development opportunities. Organizations benefit from long-term commitment and reduced hiring overhead.
Hybrid models like contract-to-hire arrangements allow both parties to evaluate fit before making long-term commitments. These arrangements reduce hiring risks while providing conversion pathways for successful relationships.
Different Models to Hire .NET Professionals
Direct Full-Time Employment
Full-time employment provides maximum control over resource allocation, project priorities, and team integration. Direct employees typically demonstrate higher organizational commitment and cultural alignment.
Full-time hiring requires comprehensive onboarding, benefits administration, and performance management processes. Organizations invest in long-term development and career advancement opportunities.
Direct employment works best for core business functions, long-term projects, and roles requiring deep organizational knowledge. This model supports knowledge retention and institutional memory development.
Contract-Based Engagement
Contract arrangements provide flexibility for project-based work, seasonal demands, and specialized expertise requirements. Contractors can be engaged quickly without long-term commitments or extensive onboarding processes.
Contract relationships work well for defined scope projects, technical consulting, and temporary capacity increases. Organizations can access specialized skills without permanent headcount increases.
Contract management requires clear scope definition, deliverable specifications, and performance metrics. Legal considerations include contractor classification and intellectual property agreements.
Staff Augmentation Services
Staff augmentation provides temporary team expansion with pre-vetted professionals managed through third-party providers. This model combines contract flexibility with reduced administrative overhead.
Augmentation services handle candidate sourcing, screening, and initial onboarding while clients maintain day-to-day management responsibilities. Providers typically guarantee replacement candidates if initial placements don't meet expectations.
This approach works well for scaling development teams quickly, filling specific skill gaps, and managing variable workloads without permanent hiring commitments.
Dedicated Offshore Development Teams
Offshore development teams provide cost-effective access to skilled professionals while maintaining team cohesion and project continuity. Dedicated teams work exclusively on client projects with established communication protocols.
Offshore partnerships require careful vendor selection, cultural alignment assessment, and communication framework establishment. Time zone coordination and project management processes need specific attention.
This model offers significant cost advantages while maintaining quality standards through proper team selection and management practices. Long-term partnerships enable knowledge transfer and process optimization.
Onboarding Process for New .NET Experts
Step 1: Technical Environment Setup
Technical environment preparation includes development machine configuration, software installation, and access credential provisioning. New hires should receive comprehensive setup documentation and technical support during initial configuration.
Development environment standardization ensures consistency across team members and reduces troubleshooting complexity. Automated setup scripts and configuration management tools streamline the onboarding process.
Security protocols including VPN access, code repository permissions, and development database connections should be established before the first day. Technical mentors should be available to assist with environment issues.
Step 2: Codebase and Architecture Overview
Codebase orientation includes architecture documentation review, coding standards explanation, and development workflow training. New team members should understand project structure, naming conventions, and design patterns used throughout the application.
Architecture overview sessions should cover system components, data flow, external integrations, and deployment processes. Visual documentation and architectural diagrams facilitate understanding of complex systems.
Code review processes, testing procedures, and documentation standards should be explained with practical examples. New hires should observe code review sessions before participating as reviewers.
Step 3: Team Integration Activities
Team introduction activities include role explanations, communication protocol establishment, and collaboration tool training. New hires should understand reporting structures, meeting schedules, and decision-making processes.
Mentorship assignment pairs new hires with experienced team members for guidance and support. Mentors provide technical assistance, cultural guidance, and feedback during the initial adjustment period.
Social integration activities help new team members build relationships and understand team dynamics. Informal interactions and team building exercises support long-term collaboration success.
Step 4: First Project Assignment
Initial project assignments should be appropriately scoped for new hire skill levels while providing meaningful contribution opportunities. Projects should include clear requirements, success criteria, and timeline expectations.
Gradual responsibility increase allows new hires to demonstrate capabilities while building confidence. Initial assignments should include regular check-ins and feedback sessions.
First project completion provides natural evaluation points for performance assessment and development planning. Success in initial assignments builds foundation for increased responsibility and team integration.
Common Mistakes When You Outsource .NET Projects
Underestimating Technical Requirements
Inadequate technical specification leads to scope creep, budget overruns, and delivery delays. Organizations often underestimate integration complexity, performance requirements, and security considerations when defining project scope.
Technical requirement documentation should include detailed functional specifications, non-functional requirements, and acceptance criteria. Architecture decisions and technology constraints should be clearly communicated to development teams.
Regular requirement reviews and change management processes help prevent scope expansion and maintain project focus. Technical stakeholders should participate in requirement definition and validation activities.
Inadequate Communication Protocols
Poor communication structures create misunderstandings, missed deadlines, and quality issues. Organizations should establish regular meeting schedules, reporting formats, and escalation procedures before project initiation.
Communication protocols should address time zone differences, language barriers, and cultural considerations. Project management tools and collaboration platforms should be standardized across all team members.
Status reporting frequency and format should be agreed upon initially with clear expectations for progress updates, issue identification, and milestone achievement. Regular retrospectives help identify and address communication gaps.
Ignoring Time Zone Differences
Time zone coordination affects meeting scheduling, response times, and collaboration efficiency. Organizations should plan for overlapping work hours and establish asynchronous communication protocols.
Project planning should account for time zone impacts on delivery timelines and issue resolution. Critical decisions requiring real-time collaboration should be scheduled during overlapping hours.
Handoff procedures between time zones should be clearly defined with comprehensive documentation and status updates. Emergency contact procedures should address urgent issues outside normal business hours.
Skipping Proper Documentation
Insufficient documentation creates knowledge transfer challenges, maintenance difficulties, and project continuity risks. Organizations should require comprehensive technical documentation as project deliverables.
Documentation standards should cover code comments, API specifications, deployment procedures, and troubleshooting guides. Regular documentation reviews ensure accuracy and completeness throughout development cycles.
Knowledge transfer sessions should supplement written documentation with practical demonstrations and Q&A opportunities. Documentation should be maintained and updated throughout project lifecycles.
Building Long-Term Success with Your .NET Team
Continuous Learning and Training Programs
Professional development programs keep team members current with evolving technologies and industry best practices. Organizations should provide training budgets, conference attendance opportunities, and certification support.
Internal knowledge sharing sessions enable team members to share expertise and learn from colleagues. Regular tech talks, code reviews, and architecture discussions foster continuous improvement culture.
External training resources including online courses, workshops, and industry publications should be accessible to all team members. Learning time should be allocated within work schedules to support professional growth.
Career Development Pathways
Clear advancement opportunities motivate high performance and improve retention rates. Organizations should define technical and leadership career tracks with specific skill requirements and progression criteria.
Regular career discussions help align individual goals with organizational needs. Performance reviews should include development planning and skill gap identification.
Mentorship programs pair experienced professionals with junior team members for guidance and support. Cross-functional project assignments provide exposure to different business areas and technical challenges.
Performance Metrics and Feedback Systems
Objective performance measurement includes code quality metrics, delivery timeliness, and collaboration effectiveness. Regular feedback helps team members understand expectations and identify improvement areas.
Performance metrics should balance individual achievement with team success. Collaborative behaviors and knowledge sharing should be recognized and rewarded alongside technical accomplishments.
360-degree feedback processes provide comprehensive performance perspectives from peers, supervisors, and project stakeholders. Regular one-on-one meetings ensure ongoing communication and support.
