The biggest problem facing Allegro Development 18 months ago was where to find qualified programmers and other personnel, says Eldon Klaassen, president and chief executive officer of the Dallas-based energy software developer.

“That’s one good effect of the slowing economy,” he says. “Eighteen months ago, the dotcoms were paying huge bonuses and hiring the brightest minds. We had a hard time finding good people. Today I have a stack of resumés on my desk of highly qualified applicants who