Frequently asked questions.

We're a full-service engineering team and IT shop. We build software across the stack, integrate AI through the org, run security and compliance, and operate the day-to-day IT. Co-founder Shiraz Karmaz also takes fractional CIO, CTO, and VP of Engineering engagements through the practice.

Any org that needs engineering execution capacity. We have a strong nonprofit and B Corp practice with mission-aligned pricing on day-to-day IT operations specifically. The build, integrate, and secure work is sector-agnostic.

Foundation models are in the daily workflow of every engineer. Code generation, review, design, debugging, documentation, agent integrations. The output is software shaped to fit the problem and built to be maintained. Not a separate AI line item.

Yes. Shiraz has led SOC 2 Type I and Type II programs to passing audits multiple times, HIPAA-regulated platforms at Thrasys and UpHealth, and PCI readiness at Trove Recommerce. For senior compliance leadership specifically, the fractional CIO engagement is the right entry point.

Project, retainer, or month-to-month operations rate, shaped to your situation. Mission-driven orgs get aligned pricing on day-to-day IT operations specifically.

Same business day for active engagements. For new conversations, within a day or so.

Senior technical leadership without a full-time hire. Depending on your stage that's a fractional CIO, CTO, or VP of Engineering — the title matters less than the way the work runs. One senior person is accountable for the engagement, backed by a team that does the building.

Engagements usually run 8 to 20 hours a month on a fixed term, typically around six months, and renew as the work does.

No. Day-to-day IT operations run on a monthly rate sized to your team, month-to-month, with no long contracts. You're free to leave anytime.

Yes, on day-to-day IT operations. Mission-driven orgs get aligned pricing — the same senior people do the work, shaped to a nonprofit budget. Cost might be an advantage, but it is not the pitch. More on why we choose this work.

Managed IT if you want the day-to-day handled — onboarding, support, security and access, and the vendor stack. Fractional leadership if you need someone senior to set direction and make the hard calls. Teams often need one, not both, and we'll say which.

We build so your team can carry the work after us. We teach your team to carry the routine and write the exit into the engagement from day one. We'd rather earn the next call than keep you dependent.

GSD is based in the United States and works with organizations across the country. The work runs remotely, with same-business-day response on active engagements.

Shiraz Karmaz, co-founder and the senior technical judgment on every engagement. John Landers, Chief Enterprise Architect for healthcare systems integration, with 30+ years on enterprise healthcare integration. Chirag Patel, Head of Technical Delivery for infrastructure and security, covering Azure, IaC automation, and compliance. Meet the team.