[NVTimports]

Hi guys, now I'm thinking about getting into the internet business. I need some software designed, I tried to find someone in the Orlando area but the only people I find are web site designers and I can't find a programmer around here, so now I'm thinking about outsourcing to Russia.

Who do I look for? Software programmer, Software designer, Software developer or other?

How do I tell the programmer what I need done, I'm not good with computer talk.

How do I protect my software? I don't want my programmer licensing the software out to other buyers. File a patent and have the programmer sign a disclosure? but not sure how much that will help.

Thanks,
Nick

[nado]

www.rentacoder.com

Very simple, NDAs available. Just be sure to check that the person can speak english reasonably well and that they have good ratings/comments.

[NVTimports]

Originally Posted by nado

www.rentacoder.com

Very simple, NDAs available. Just be sure to check that the person can speak english reasonably well and that they have good ratings/comments.

Thanks for the link.

[GriZzly]

You can't find a single programmer in orlando? Are you only checking the bars or something?

[matthewpress]

Hi,

If you are thinking about outsorcing your project make SURE you talk to the service provider before accepting his offer. Use MSN, YAHOO MESSENGER or any other instant messaging system to talk to the service provider.

MANY service providers don't understand English and you will have a HARD time trying to explain them what you want.

When you talk to them through MSN it will be A LOT easier to make sure they understand you perfectly and you will also be able to check how fast they answer your questions.

Another thing, this is a RULE. DO NOT PAY ANYTHING before the job is done. I'm going to give you two reasons for that. Some service providers will simply run away with your money and some of them will get LAZY if you pay them half of the money in advance.

I hire people ALL the time through Elance and Getafreelancer.com, and I can tell you that if you pay half in advance it will take them much more time to deliver your project.

I hope you can make good use of this information.

Bye!

[JosiahMackenzie]

I would like to suggest you consider creating a web-based tool instead of software, if that's possible.

About a year ago I had some software created for me by a freelancer. His work was good, and the price was reasonable -- but I ran into so many problems. With PC (or Mac) based software, there are so many things that could go wrong. From installation to bugs to versions -- it's very hard to support.

With web-based software,

• licensing is easier (no customer support requests about unlocking the software, extra keys, etc)
• it runs on any computer (access from anywhere, cross-platform support)
• no installation problems
• no need to track multiple versions
• if there's a problem, you make one change and it works for everyone (no need for everyone to download an update)

It's just so much easier from the owner's point of view.

[Day2]

Your going to have an offshore developer sign a non-disclosure agreement? Good luck with that. ;-)

What you're proposing to do (being a guy who "doesn't know computer stuff") is akin to someone saying, "I need to build a house. Where can I find a carpenter?" You don't start with a carpenter when you build a house-- you start with an architect/engineer.

If you want a good product, you should find a local custom software development firm that you can sit down with and pay to write your software specifications (i.e. your blueprint).

If you go straight to a programmer, you have a pretty high chance of being disappointed with your product.

G'luck!

[Antdizzle]

Plenty of programmers can design their own software.

[Day2]

Sure programmers can design their own software. I would say 90% of 'em probably can, but only 20% of 'em are any good at it.

Plenty of carpenters can design their own houses, too.

For a guy who is "not good at computer talk" (as the original poster said), I think he'd be better off dealing with a firm whose job it is to interface with business-folks.

Note: I just sold a custom web software firm about a year and a half ago. I've hired dozens of programmers (and probably used a couple of dozen contractors). Of those, there are only a few who had the business analysis/communication skills to work directly with the client.

If the original poster had software project management experience or somesuch, I'd heartily recommend dealing directly with a programmer. As it is, I think that'd be asking for disaster (though I guess it could work out).

[Outta Hand]

Originally Posted by NVTimports

Hi guys, now I'm thinking about getting into the internet business. I need some software designed, I tried to find someone in the Orlando area but the only people I find are web site designers and I can't find a programmer around here, so now I'm thinking about outsourcing to Russia.

Who do I look for? Software programmer, Software designer, Software developer or other?

How do I tell the programmer what I need done, I'm not good with computer talk.

How do I protect my software? I don't want my programmer licensing the software out to other buyers. File a patent and have the programmer sign a disclosure? but not sure how much that will help.

Thanks,
Nick

I would have to go with most of what everyone else is saying. Hiring a developer is not the same as hiring a web designer. One is Visual and the other is really based out of logic (Sexiness comes last in th SDLC).

You'll either want to sit down and talk to a physical software firm or check out a few recommended online firms but whatever way you go you must be able to present your logic of the program or it won't matter how close they are to you, how much you spend... you'll get a piece of software that wasn't properly thought through. Hope that gives you some ideas on what you should be looking for...

[NVTimports]

Guys thanks for the help, I think it would be easier for me to speak to the programmer in person since I'm not good with computer talk, how would I find a lcoal programmer in Orlando, are their any listings for programmers.

Nick