Business Idea.

[stevieb]

Well i currently work in a Engineering position.

Part of my job involves using other peoples software which is specialised to the field i work in. I have spotted many ways to improve this software. Both in usability and functionality.

While i will not be copying the software, i will be taking some aspects and improving them. would this be considered breach of copyright? all of the algorithms are in the public domain so in that aspect i am ok.

The question is am i ok to create another product based around another one without getting any heat form the other company.

Distribution of the software is not a problem as i have a couple of links to a reseller who can help..

Last question is, what are the going Day rates for Visual studio developers.

Thanks

STeve

[edb49]

Steve,

Usual indemnity - seek your own legal advice, this is only my opinion, etc etc. Breach of copyright is for a particular work, and producing an identical copy. So you could create an almost identical copy of Microsoft Windows if you wrote it yourself, without breaching copyright. You would need to design your own icons etc, but they could look similar. However, MS Windows does have lots of patents applicable to it, and you would almost certainly be breaching some of these.

I'd guess day rights for a MS VB developer ranging from £300 at the bottom end of the scale to £1500 for someone very good. I would budget around £600/day.

[zippy3x]

I doubt most VB developers can count to 300

I think as long as you write a spec based on your requirements yourself and write it without looking at the code, you shouldn't have any worries.

I'd be very suprised if you cant get a decent .Net developer for 300 a day in the current climate (add up to 30% if you go thru an agency)

Edited by zippy3x on Monday 9th June 13:30

[ukvoyager.info]

Sounds like a good idea. Some things to consider:

• Is the software bought with the machine? If so how would the warranty work?
• How would the software be deployed & then supported?
• Are there any patients out on the combination of things you would be offering?
• I wouldn't go daily rate unless you have a pit full of money. Write a watertight spec and get a fixed price from a decent developer.

[stevieb]

Thanks for the comments so far..

There are no patents for the software. and this is a very niche application. Curently Sells for around £3k for a single user license. Personally i feel that this is overpriced and the analysis it does is now becoming out of date.

The developer of the software is not likely to be issuing any substantial updates in the next year to 2 years.

The software is used by local authorities and also Private consultants.. so the market is small, but the requirement for a robust piece of software exists.

[jacobyte]

Stevie

Our .NET developers work with Visual Studio and we've done a lot of one-off systems for clients over the years.

PM me if you need some development and I can give you a quote (happy to sign NDA).

[stevieb]

jacobyte said:

Stevie

Our .NET developers work with Visual Studio and we've done a lot of one-off systems for clients over the years.

PM me if you need some development and I can give you a quote (happy to sign NDA).

and you local as well.. Currently writing specification so if you can send me you Email address/web address so i can some research first hand and i may be in touch..

[Horse_Apple]

stevieb said:

Well i currently work in a Engineering position.

Part of my job involves using other peoples software which is specialised to the field i work in. I have spotted many ways to improve this software. Both in usability and functionality.

While i will not be copying the software, i will be taking some aspects and improving them. would this be considered breach of copyright? all of the algorithms are in the public domain so in that aspect i am ok.

The question is am i ok to create another product based around another one without getting any heat form the other company.

Distribution of the software is not a problem as i have a couple of links to a reseller who can help..

Last question is, what are the going Day rates for Visual studio developers.

Thanks

STeve

Just a thought, and based on my desire to always take the easiest route to market and ergo, cash in wallet:

Develope the enhancements. Obtain copyright etc.

Approach owner of core software and offer them a licensing deal to take and embed your enhancements.

The key for them is that they get an upgrade and an enhanced package for all their clients, instantly, and at no capital expenditure.

The upside for you is that they have the existing client base so you'd recieve royalties instantly.

If they decline then you have the option of direct competition, with all the hassle, marketing, sales and support expenses that will incur.

[stevieb]

Horse_Apple said:

stevieb said:

Well i currently work in a Engineering position.

Part of my job involves using other peoples software which is specialised to the field i work in. I have spotted many ways to improve this software. Both in usability and functionality.

While i will not be copying the software, i will be taking some aspects and improving them. would this be considered breach of copyright? all of the algorithms are in the public domain so in that aspect i am ok.

The question is am i ok to create another product based around another one without getting any heat form the other company.

Distribution of the software is not a problem as i have a couple of links to a reseller who can help..

Last question is, what are the going Day rates for Visual studio developers.

Thanks

STeve

Just a thought, and based on my desire to always take the easiest route to market and ergo, cash in wallet:

Develope the enhancements. Obtain copyright etc.

Approach owner of core software and offer them a licensing deal to take and embed your enhancements.

The key for them is that they get an upgrade and an enhanced package for all their clients, instantly, and at no capital expenditure.

The upside for you is that they have the existing client base so you'd recieve royalties instantly.

If they decline then you have the option of direct competition, with all the hassle, marketing, sales and support expenses that will incur.

Unfortunately that will be a no go. I have been given the OK from my employers to do this. this was a very reluctant yes, as it is product that the company is likely to use in the future. I have been asked to share the idea within the comapny i work, so to increase the companies portfolio of products. But i will have little return from this approach as they have offered me zero in terms of negotiations for the idea.

I am unable to enter into any agreement with a rival company but i am able to sell the product to who i want to.

But i am open for my current company to enter into a deal where i will give them the IPR for the product in return for a fee.