Software Developer Looking For Partner

[software guru]

Hi

I am a highly experienced software developer, using the latest Microsoft technology including Silverlight and WPF. I am looking for a business partner to develop a leading line of business application.

The type of software I am interested in developing is something along the lines of a CRM, Stock Take Software, HR/MIS Software, ERP Sofware or maybe all in one.

What I need is someone who specialises in one of these areas (or another area I havent mentioned) and together we can provide a market leading product.

If this is of interest to you please get in touch.

Thanks.

 

[garyk]

Sorry but why do you want to re-invent the wheel?

There are hundreds of CRM offerings and an ERP system would take many man years to write.

 

[software guru]

In simple terms, some wheels are better than others. I simply want to invent a better wheel.

In more detailed terms, there has been huge developments in the software industry within the last year, particularly with Microsofts Windows Presentation Foundation and Silverlight. I have been developing with this technology since release and want to put my skills to good use.

Most of the windows desktop applications out there at the moment have been developed using Windows Forms, which not only makes them dull, bland and boring but also inflexible and outdated.

I dont simply want to replicate a current product in the market, I want to work with someone to develop a specialised product that will become a market leader.

I see have seen the same sort of response in many different scenarios from other Sage Dealers and I cant help think this is a defensive approach as they feel threatened by specialised ERP products eating up the market.

 

[monthlylocal]

I know exactly what you mean. From what I have been show of silverlight, it has huge potential.

If it were me I'd be looking at an advanced CRM system.

PM me if you want to talk further.

 

[JumpStartForBusiness]

In Terms of CRM i think you would struggle to compete with Microsoft and SalesForce in that market - are you going to develop something on the Cloud or InHouse installed?

What I would do is go after a current business problem and develop a product to solve that problem. Go Niche if you can not general - so if you really go for CRM then go after a specific business CRM.

You need to decide how your product is different to others on the market - it needs to differentiate in some way.

Don't go after cost leader - not the way to go as you need huge scale to achieve that.

 

[NCA]

In simple terms, some wheels are better than others. I simply want to invent a better wheel.

In more detailed terms, there has been huge developments in the software industry within the last year, particularly with Microsofts Windows Presentation Foundation and Silverlight. I have been developing with this technology since release and want to put my skills to good use.

Most of the windows desktop applications out there at the moment have been developed using Windows Forms, which not only makes them dull, bland and boring but also inflexible and outdated.

I totally disagree. I have been involved in developing ERP / Stock control systems etc for the last 20 years. If you look at the tasks involved in a ERP system the vast bulk of the system involves data entry. Without the data you cant do the analysis.

The key to fast and efficent data entry is to simplify the input forms as much as possible and encouraging the the user not to use a graphical inteface but to rely on the keyboard. Using the mouse is bad! It moves the attention from the keyboard. Its far slower moving the mouse pointer to click on save than pressing a function key to perform the same action.

For warehousing, stock control and manufacturing; apart from the initaial data entry and maintanance of parts and bills of materials you dont even need a keyboard. Its far better to automate these tasks using barcodes and/or RFID. These guys dont need a pretty user interface. They need large monitors and large text telling them what they need to pick next or to confirm another widget has just rolled of the line . If using PDCU's they need the minimum of buttons and the text as large as possible.

The key is to automate as many tasks as possible. Those tasks which cant be automated need to be made as simple as possible.

The only place where things like silverlight may play a part is in presenting management information. Things like progress, sales reporting, what-if analysis etc.

 

[nk400]

I have sent you a private message.

Thanks.

 

[software guru]

Some good points there and I agree data collection is vital in an ERP/Stock control environment. Although I do agree that UI is less important in this situation, it is a major component of any software product and a great looking, modern can make or break any companies decision to implement a new softwar package.

I also disagree that Silverlight and WPF is only good for management information etc, WPF is a complete new framework that provides a much improved user experience and will eventually fade out Win Forms.

I am thinking though, I will go down the CRM or OMS route and maybe target a specific sector of the market as suggested above.

 

[garyk]

Trust me trying to make a better wheel is not the way forward unless you can turn the market on its head. With ERP and to a lesser extent CRM the fundamentals will always be the same so what you will end up with is just 'another' ERP/CRM. Trust me I work in the ERP/CRM sector daily and you just wont get a look in with the big boys who will only buy from an established vendor such as SAP/Sage/Microsoft etc.

Yes I know with silverlight you can deliver a feature rich UI over the web but don't make the mistake of targetting a hugely mature and established market sector because you have 'better' technology. I work with Line 500, it runs as a huge java applet, the forms look antiquated, the schema is a complete joke (1800+ tables with no foreign keys) and it isn't fast for data entry, *but* it has been around for 20 years, is owned by Sage and has a massive support network.

 

[JonnhySocrates]

The opportunity with Silverlight and WPF is huge but I would look to niche markets and play to your strengths. CRM and ERP are huge markets so there are some very big fish in that pond, which can and will react. Like garyk said often the software from these big companies is mince but they have a grip on the clients and the market.