Software Developer?

[Dell Griffith]

I have a potentially good idea for a SAAS offering. However, I have no clue how to go about making this.

If I get in contact with a software developer and tell him what I want, can they build this SAAS tool for me? If so, how much do they charge? Just curious.

 

[OUEngineer]

That's an extremely broad question. I've known some folks who'll do work on the side, as you imply, but without knowing anything about the size/scope/nature of the work, it's hard to say whether one guy would be willing/able to do what you need or within the timeframe that you need it.

I think there are websites out there where people such as yourself can post their specific needs and independent software programmers/developers can bid on the work. The name totally escapes me at the moment.

Does someone else know the site I'm talking about?

 

[Dell Griffith]

Basically, it's going to be a web based tool where people can input all critical information. It will then store in a data base and be able to translate into reports.

Similar to a CRM or forecasting/tracking tools.

Does that help at all? Sorry if I'm being vague, but I don't want to disclose too much right off the bat.

 

[OUEngineer]

It doesn't sound too complex, but without a detailed set of requirements, I'm hesitant to put a figure on time/cost.

Honestly, you just want a souped-up website. The only sticky point I'm not real sure about is the ability to run customized reports off of the stored data. There are tools out there that do this sort of thing (i.e. Crystal Reports), but running it in a dynamic environment over the web in real-time may be difficult to implement. I believe you can embed CR into a frame, but I've not done it so I'm not going to guarantee it's possible. There are other 3rd party reporting engines (some are even freeware, I'd bet), but you won't get the bells and whistles you'd get with a big package like CR.

I will try and find that website I was talking about. In the meantime, you definitely need stuff down on paper. You need a business requirements document to outline the project (objectives, functionality, etc)

 

[zzzz]

Elance.com

RentACoder.com

Guru.com

GetAFreelancer.com

Scriptlance.com

 

[Dell Griffith]

thanks guys!

 

[OUEngineer]

Thanks, zzzz.

 

[Fried JJ Pickles]

The people on those Web sites tend to be the lowest rung developers.

Assuming you already have a thorough understanding of the software requirements and the market you will be entering, I would strongly suggest looking into a Web development agency for this and have them build a prototype.

Know that building an IT project on a shoestring budget will dramatically increase the likelihood of failure.

 

[OUEngineer]

Fried JJ Pickles, yes, all of what you say is true. My advice was based on an assumption that he only had a shoestring budget to work with.

For what he described, I'm not sure he'll need some top of the line 20-yr veteran. A simple Java webapp with a persistence layer and embedded reporting engine can be accomplished by a mid-level developer. I wouldn't want a true newbie fresh out of school to do the work, but he wouldn't need a senior-level developer, either.

I agree, though, that putting some extra money into the project and hiring a professional firm to do the work would really ensure success. I'm just doubting he's got the money to do such a thing. Maybe such work doesn't run as high as I think, though.

 

[Roy4President]

Have you checked out Basecamp or similar products from 37Signals?

I37Signals

I don't think the subscription is very expensive and it would be a lot better/easier than hiring a developer to do an app that has been "created" many times. They get very good ratings and I think have Blackberry / Iphone integration as well.