Hi everyone.
I'm new to oDesk and have an app I want developed but I'm unsure what skill sets would be required for this concept to transition from idea to reality successfully.
I know what I envision from this app, short term and long term, but I don't have a firm grasp on the 'back end' concepts that it would best run on. I also want to make sure that I pitch the job using the right terms, ask for the right person/people and pay a realistic amount for what I want. I would be paying out of my own personal funds so obviously cheaper is better, but I also don't want 'cheap work' as this is an idea/app I'm passionate about making right and having it work now and in the long term so I do not want to pay cheap and get some quick shoddy job done.
To get a workable app (I.e the short term needs) it would have the following functions:
* Run on PC/laptop/mac
* Use tables/data/fields with editing, drop downs, manual entry
* Have local and server storage
* Be secure/encrypted as far as data entry and storage
* Have credit card/paypal etc monthly fee system in place
* Have secure personal logins / sessions
* Be able to upload and use images that are linked with certain pages containing data/fields (think of a personal profile with user image and data fields with demographics etc).
* Ability to translate fields/data/info into charts/graphics for trending/analysis
* Incorporate free (i.e google) or premium (paid) advertising into the UI space.
Further on down the line (expansion wise) I am thinking:
* News/headlines page after login, preferably that has country/user local specific features.
* Mobile compatibility with cloud syncing E.g user can login to the app on their iOS/android/windows phone or computer and use the app, with local storage for offline periods and server/cloud storage when internet access is available.
* Ability for the app to utilize data/fields and formulate a 'pedigree' (like a family history chart). Possibly export this chart via email/cloud as an image/pdf and or print.
* Messaging system between users (not chat)
* Geolocation / ability to 'find' other users
At this point I'm not sure what platform would work best. Perhaps a web based APP? Although I'm aware the offline storage capacity of this may not be suited to the functions I want. My goal is for this app to be cross platform for at least PC/MAC/LINUX and iOS/Android. Based on this I'm assuming I would need a person or small team who can:
Create graphics or develop the UI
Code and design the app (web based app designer) I.E "The front end"
Code and design the server and database (and a website? if seperate from the web based app?) I.E "The back end"
Implement advertising, monthly pay options, security etc.
So help?? Is this a one man job? Do I need a group of people to liaise? A small team already equipped for all requirements of app/web design? Anyone have any guidance on whether or not my ideas and functions are even possible?
Any help is greatly appreciated!