Frequently asked questions.
What GSD does, how engagements run, what they cost, and who does the work. If you don't see what you're looking for, ask us directly.
What does GSD actually do?
We run day-to-day IT, security and compliance, and software builds across the stack, including bringing AI into the org. GSD scopes and leads every build, with its own engineers or an outside shop you contract with directly. Co-founder Shiraz Karmaz also takes fractional CIO/CTO engagements.
What kind of orgs do you work with?
Any org that needs engineering execution capacity. We have a strong nonprofit and B Corp practice, with mission-aligned pricing on every offering. The build, integrate, and secure work is sector-agnostic.
What does "AI-sensible" actually mean in practice?
Foundation models are in the daily workflow of every GSD engineer: code generation, review, design, debugging, documentation, agent integrations. The output is software shaped to fit the problem and built to be maintained, with no separate AI line item.
Do you have HIPAA / SOC 2 / PCI experience?
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, a fractional CIO/CTO engagement is the right entry point.
How is pricing structured?
Every proposal is shaped to your situation: project, retainer, or a monthly operations rate. Mission-driven orgs get aligned pricing on every offering.
How quickly do you respond?
Response times for active engagements are set in each agreement. For new conversations, within a day or so.
What is a fractional CIO/CTO?
Senior technical leadership without a full-time hire. The title matters less than the way the work runs. One senior person is accountable for the engagement, and GSD scopes and leads any build behind it. More on the fractional CIO/CTO practice.
How long is a typical fractional engagement?
Usually about six months, renewed as the work needs.
Is there a long-term contract for managed IT?
No. Managed IT runs on a monthly rate sized to your team, with no long contracts. You're free to leave anytime.
Do you offer nonprofit or B Corp pricing?
Yes, on every offering. Mission-driven orgs get aligned pricing, with the same senior people doing the work, shaped to a nonprofit budget. More on why we choose this work.
Should I start with managed IT or a fractional CIO/CTO?
Managed IT if you want the day to day handled: onboarding, support, security and access, and the software and vendors you pay for. A fractional CIO/CTO if you need someone senior to set direction and make the hard calls. Teams often need one, not both, and we'll say which.
What happens at the end of an engagement?
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.
Where is GSD based, and who do you work with geographically?
GSD is based in the United States and works with organizations across the country. The work runs remotely.
Who's on the team?
Shiraz Karmaz, Co-founder, Fractional CIO/CTO, 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.
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