From the team that built one of the world's largest casting SaaS platforms
years of great software.
Software that holds up — under change, under load, over the years.
actors in the database we built — one of the largest casting databases in the world
Fortune 100 companies used it for national ad campaigns and more
from founding Casting Frontier in 2006 to its 2020 acquisition by Talent Systems
Who we are
A small senior team that builds and fixes software once a direction is set. The name is a thesis: we build systems that last.
What we do
We change running systems without taking them down — refactoring without a rewrite, replacing a load-bearing component while everything stays up.
Why us
No account managers. You work directly with David — an experienced developer and businessperson who owns the work from problem to delivery.
David J Berube, founder
Who you'll actually talk to
Durable Programming is a microteam lead by David Berube. No middle managers - just an expert software architect running a tight local team.
My name is David Berube, and I've been writing software a long time — I sold my first piece in the early nineties. It generated homework problems to help my sister learn arithmetic. I was young at the time, not even double digits yet, but I already knew I loved writing software that solves real problems.
For the first five or six years of my career I worked as a solo freelancer. In 2006 I teamed up with talented partners on the Casting Frontier, spending a decade and a half writing software for the entertainment industry until we sold the company in 2020. I never stopped freelancing on the side.
After the acquisition I kept seeing the same pattern: companies that had grown past their tools, duct-taping SaaS products together instead of building the right thing. That's the problem I want to help you solve.
Durable Programming is a microagency — fewer than ten programmers, based in New Hampshire, about an hour north of Boston. When you call, you talk to a real human. I'm not a manager who hasn't written code since the Reagan administration; I'm a working developer who understands both the business problem and the machine that has to solve it.
- Custom Database Development | For Businesses Scaling Beyond Spreadsheets One reliable system of record, for businesses whose data outgrew spreadsheets and scattered SaaS tools
- Custom Backend Development | Data Pipelines & Integrations That Replace Manual Workflows Replacing brittle manual workflows with robust, custom-integrated data pipelines
- Frontend Development Services | Fix Performance, Modernize Legacy UI, Build to Last When your interface is the bottleneck, we fix it — or build the one that isn't
- MVP Development & Custom Product Engineering | Concept to Launch Services Build and test your product idea with a focus on long-term viability
Ruby on Rails
Stop Worrying About Your Ruby on Rails App
We can upgrade and modernize your app fast. No tests? We can fix that. No docs? We can fix that too.
Enterprise solutions
Scalable, secure, and built to stay reliable.
Create or Expand Automated Testing
Build confidence in your software releases with comprehensive automated testing that catches bugs early, enables faster iteration, and reduces the risk of production incidents.
Learn more →- Legacy Software Modernization | 30-Day System Upgrade & Performance Boost Addressing critical issues in legacy software systems through targeted upgrades, security enhancements, and performance improvements within a focused 30-day engagement.
- Software Rewrite Services | Strategic Restart for Legacy Applications Addressing accumulated technical debt often requires a strategic restart. Discover how Durable Restart helps organizations modernize critical software systems effectively.
- Stalled Software Project Recovery | Complete Your Unfinished Development Projects Resolving software projects that never quite launch
- Inventory Management Software Custom inventory software that gives you real-time stock visibility across every location, cuts entry errors, and keeps stock levels where they should be.
Get Lasting ROI From Your Software
We create custom solutions designed for stability, security, and longevity.
Built to last
- Code quality that stands the test of time.
- Architecture designed for maintainability.
Security first
- Industry best practices baked in.
- Regular security audits and updates.
- Compliance-ready solutions.
Long-term value
- Reduce technical debt.
- Lower maintenance costs over time.
Build vs. buy
- We'll tell you honestly when an existing tool is the right answer.
- When it isn't, we build the thing that is.
What clients say
David Berube is highly recommended as a programmer and developer. He single handedly saved our project from imminent ruin. He has proven most professional in his conduct. He is extremely fast and efficient. Most importantly, David really knows his code. I recommend him highly.
The folks at Durable Programming did an exceptional job recovering and updating our broken tool (coded years ago in Ruby on Rails). Throughout the process they were responsive, patient, and communicative. We also greatly appreciate their support of nonprofits. We'll definitely be a repeat customer!
Professional, efficient, and strong communicator, and fairly priced. David really helped me with some needs for my app - from refactoring old [code], to making improvements - he was terrific!
Ongoing support
Expert Support When You Need It
From emergency fixes to scheduled maintenance, we keep your systems running smoothly.
- Response time
- Rapid emergency response when something breaks.
- Cost
- Predictable monthly pricing — no surprise invoices.
Rescue Your Software Projects
Turn stalled, abandoned, or troubled projects into successful business assets.
Project recovery
- Take over troubled or abandoned projects.
- Get stalled development back on track.
Code archaeology
- Understand and document undocumented systems.
- Reverse engineer legacy applications.
- Extract business value from old code.
Fresh start
- Clear technical debt.
- Establish maintainable patterns.
Outgrowing your tools?
If your team is spending hours on workarounds your SaaS wasn't built for, that's the problem we fix.