New Idea for Web 2.0 Start up (repost)

**closedbook** · 01-01-2008 02:46 PM

Hey All,

I posted this in the start up forums, but I'm hoping it'll get more traffic here. I'm big into web 2.0 and have a couple ideas that I am developing further to possibly turn them into web 2.0 start ups. One idea I have is a sort of text SMS reminders on demand web application. Essentially, a user signs up for the service, where they will have two columns to input information they want to remember. One column would be information such as driver's license, John Doe's home address, Jane Doe's work Phone number. On the other column there would be the actual information (12345678, 123 sesame st. new york ny 10012, (123) 4567890). They save this information, so when they forget it, all they would have to do is text on their cell phone "driver's license number" to a special number and the service would text back 12345678. Same thing for the other information.

I know there are issues such as security, remembering to input information into such a service, and actually remember what you typed in. Given these issues, what do you think about the idea in general and is there anyone doing something similar? Any feedback would be great!

**BusinessAdviser** · 01-01-2008 02:58 PM

I think that it would be a useful service. However, I think there's a problem with you asking the forum whether there is anyone doing something similar. That is the research that you should be doing on your own. The LAST thing you want to do is rely on others to tell you, "No, I don't know of anyone doing it." You would hate to pump time and money into an idea only to realize that it's already being done and that you could have found out this fact with a little research at the outset.

**closedbook** · 01-01-2008 03:02 PM

Jonathan,

Thanks again for the first response! I have been doing research, and after looking over about 20 mobile web start ups, I didn't find anyone that does things quite like I'm doing. Reason I ask is that usually when I talk to people about my ideas, they shoot back at me with, "actually, there is a company..." that really ticks me off, but it's what I need :-). Just hoping that the individuals who contribute and browse the forums would have found something too. More eyeballs the better :-).

**neemtree** · 01-01-2008 03:58 PM

Its a good idea. The security concerns should not be underestimated. But I'm not most folks, and most folks are happy to throw their private data around, so you might have a good market for this

**closedbook** · 01-01-2008 05:46 PM

neemtree,

Security, aside from delivering a great service, is my biggest priority. As for doing research to see if there is a market for this type of service, do I just simply ask people if they'll be willing to use or pay for this type of service? Should I do surveys as well?

**BusinessAdviser** · 01-01-2008 06:48 PM

A survey is a simple and easy way to do it. You'll want to really get to your target market though, which I assume would be highschool- and college-age kids. I don't think there is a market if you develop a revenue model charging for service. I think your revenue will be in ads.