The Need

Python Professional Services was borne of a strongly perceived need for a commercial support organization serving the Python community. Python is by any measure a truly excellent language with a broad range of uses. It has a growing and enthusiastic following. Many powerful software systems have been built using Python to great advantage. We saw, however, Python being evaluated unfavorably against other development alternatives in commercial projects not because of technical deficiencies but rather on a simple lack of commercial support. It is truly a shame for the corporate world to bypass potentially dramatic developmental gains due to that one reason. We took the initiative to fill that void and founded this company.

The Move

Several postings to comp.lang.python and email exchanges convinced Robin Friedrich and Paul Everitt to begin serious formation discussions in late May, 1997. They were soon joined by people keenly interested in the potential of Python as a force in the commercial world. Counted among them is the originator of the Python language himself, Guido van Rossum. Together these founders committed financial and business resources, as well as their personal talents, to the formation of what is now PPSI. Paul, through Digital Creations, LLC, played a vital role in underwriting the business operations. Digital Creations will be providing administrative services to PPSI for a fee and has a minority stake in the company.

The People

While the founders themselves bring considerable expertise to the operations of such a technical services business, the added depth and breadth of talent in our network of Associates means that we can address virtually any problem a customer is likely to encounter while employing Python in critical projects. For those interested in becoming an Associate of PPSI send inquires to friedrich@pythonpros.com.

These are the current founding investors in alphabetical order.

Digital Creations, LLC (Rob Page, Paul Everitt, Jim Fulton, et al)

Charlie Fly

Robin Friedrich

Jerry Gerstmann

Ken Manheimer

Ken McLay

Cathy Nelson

Greg Stein , President of PPSI

Cindy Van Epps

Guido van Rossum

Aaron Watters