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Lupi
Joined:
17 Mar 2005
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10
Location:
Montreal
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Posted: Fri Mar 31, 2006 2:14 pm
Post subject: Outsourcing a medium-sized project
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Hi,
I'm about to outsource a project for the first time and while I'm carefully outlining my ideas and requirements, there are still a few things I'd like to know before actually posting the project on freelancing marketplaces.
I'm looking to start with getting the web development (i.e. programming) done first, and later on outsourcing the web design.
I know there might be no specific answers to some of these questions, but getting the general idea would be great!
1) Most posted projects on elance etc. only contain brief outlines of what is expected. Is this common, just providing a summary of what work needs to be done and then sending additional/more detailed information on inquiry?
2) During the development phase, am I expected to provide hosting/a server? How can I monitor the progress? Does the developer send me updates to check out offline, or does he/she host the project until completion?
3) What kind of design work can be expected? As I said earlier, the actual web design comes after the development of the site. However, I would require to have some kind of GUI: for instance, I might want to view a list of all registered users (project includes user sign-up/database). I don't want to have to create the list myself, using the database. I would simply need a basic list without any fancy formatting. Is this level of design work standard when WEB DEVELOPMENT is done?
4) I need a tool for IP location matching: ip2location seems like a good solution (not to expensive either). However, since I can accept alternatives, should I leave the choice of an appropriate tool/IP database/service to the programmer and just tell him what I need and what I am willing to pay?
Thanks for your input.
- Lupi |
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ihenman
Joined:
25 May 2004
Posts:
352
Location:
Canada
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Posted: Fri Mar 31, 2006 2:55 pm
Post subject: Re: Outsourcing a medium-sized project
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Hi Lupi,
Nice post...with some interesting questions that I am sure go through the heads of many other users I'll try to help you out..
| Lupi wrote: | | 1) Most posted projects on elance etc. only contain brief outlines of what is expected. Is this common, just providing a summary of what work needs to be done and then sending additional/more detailed information on inquiry? |
I have always found it best to have a full detailed outline available with my project posting on sites such as Scriptlance. This does 2 things.
a.) It ensures that the programers have en exact understanding of what is expected and required.
b.) If you start getting questions that are anwsered in the OUTLINE document you've provided you'll know who to scratch off the short list because they aren't taking your project seriously.
Having the outline done ahead of time also ensures that you're serious about the project, and have it planned (within reason) from beggining to end...You can focus on managing the different aspects rather then worrying about well what should come next.
| Lupi wrote: | | 2) During the development phase, am I expected to provide hosting/a server? How can I monitor the progress? Does the developer send me updates to check out offline, or does he/she host the project until completion? |
Most developers won't require you to have hosting but I normally provide it this ensures that I have control again on the current code, as well as access to check out the development at any time I wish. If you don't have a place to host it now, the developer will provide hosting during the development phase... Just make sure you get the URL where you can follow the progress.
| Lupi wrote: | | 3) What kind of design work can be expected? As I said earlier, the actual web design comes after the development of the site. However, I would require to have some kind of GUI: for instance, I might want to view a list of all registered users (project includes user sign-up/database). I don't want to have to create the list myself, using the database. I would simply need a basic list without any fancy formatting. Is this level of design work standard when WEB DEVELOPMENT is done? |
Easiest thing to do here is state what info you want to be able to get from your database etc. Possibly an ADMIN area is what is required or possibly there are some PROGRAMMING related functions you're going to want to work into the design... If this is the case then be sure to outline what it is you'll want access to. Never assume anything as I've been stung before assuming and the programmer had nothing to say but YOU NEVER SAID ANYTHING ABOUT THAT..next thing my price went up.
The level of design how ever shouldn't be expected to be much more then tables with the text and forms etc. you request to have.
| Lupi wrote: | | 4) I need a tool for IP location matching: ip2location seems like a good solution (not to expensive either). However, since I can accept alternatives, should I leave the choice of an appropriate tool/IP database/service to the programmer and just tell him what I need and what I am willing to pay? |
Funny you mention this I am looking into this type of tool for a project I'm doing right now as well. This is how I have requested it...
I'm looking for an IP to location matching tool if you have your own database for this fantastic...please work that into the price. If you don't have your own tool, but have worked with integrating one before please advise which tool you reccommend. I will take it into consideration and if your bid is selected I will purchase the IP to location too for you to integreate into the site.
With this type of toll, and it being updated quote often you're probably best to go with purchasing the tool where you have the option of updates and allowing the programmer to integrate it into your site.
Hope this helps you out with your first outsourcing project.
Cheers,
ihenman |
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Lupi
Joined:
17 Mar 2005
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10
Location:
Montreal
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Posted: Fri Mar 31, 2006 10:11 pm
Post subject:
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ihenman, thank you very much for your excellent post!
I'm sure your answers will help a lot more people than just me with outsourcing their projects!
Cheers,
Lupi |
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radicalmoses
Joined:
21 Mar 2006
Posts:
31
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Posted: Sun May 21, 2006 11:21 am
Post subject:
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Hi,
I am wondering what kind of projects you have in mind and what markets you are looking at. Elance is a marketplace for professionals and you can get good work done there. However it may mean higher costs.
I would be willing to try out a pilot project just to see if you can get your project done more cheaper. This ofcourse does not mean, cheaper quality.
Outsourcing can mean massive cut down in labour and overhead costs.
I am not sure what ELance is quoting for your projects or if I can better that, however it could be an excercise to see if you can get better value for money.
I am interested in knowing what a typical project involves and if alternatives to elance would be better choice. This could only benefit both parties, lower cost for customer and higher turnaround for the outsourced party.
IF you people are interested, give me a pm or mail me at ragokarn@gmail.com. This should be interesting.
BTW, the people I know guarantee a PR 4 or above depending on how competitive your market is. Also you get a complete control over your project and delivery is fast. I would also be personally involved if required.
Regards
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jhunt
Joined:
10 Jun 2006
Posts:
14
Location:
Portland, Oregon
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Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 2:08 am
Post subject:
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I've worked out many different arrangements with my consulting clients. Whose server the development site is hosted on, the terms and conditions, and other considerations are all items that I work out with prospective clients once the conversation has begun.
Many of my clients are often not completely sure what the specifications should look like. A good consultant will take great care in ensuring that he/she understands exactly what the client wants, and will communicate the technical details with the client in a way that he/she understands.
I've heard too many stories about companies going to RentACoder, Elance, or Scriptlance with incomplete or vague specifications and then feeling ripped off when the programmer misunderstands the client's needs. Whenever I stop by rentacoder or scriptlance to see what goes on there, I see a lot of people who allege to understand the buyer's needs but don't even demonstrate that they have this understanding. A true professional will discuss your needs with you and ask important, thought-provoking questions to make sure that everyone is on the same page. This ensures that the client gets exactly what he/she wants.
If you want to field your project to prospective bidders, I suggest that you go to the Sitepoint Forums. I've gotten a number of clients from my participation there, and there are tons of people to choose from. You're also welcome to PM me if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Jeff
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katescott
Joined:
24 Sep 2006
Posts:
1
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Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 3:38 am
Post subject: SoftwareProjects
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Check out http://www.softwareprojects.com/
I found it to be a good alternative to chasing an offshore freelancers
They're us based. You get a quote within a few hours and there are no bidding games.
[URL edited to remove suspected affiliate link. Admin.] |
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