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Finding the right company to develop your software can be a daunting task. My company specializes in custom web application development. We are experienced with agile development practices, and design our interfaces using the lastest in web technologies. Our website is www.metaspring.com. If you would like to know more, or get an estimate let me know.

Also if you would just like some pointers as to what you would want to look for, I would also be happy to provide that.

Good Luck

I would like to comment on two things if I may.

First, I would like to say that the type of website development you are speaking of is not going to be inexpensive. The website will utlize the use of a database, and the cost attached to this type of work is expensive. I would not be able to help you with this directly, but could assist on a project management basis, so that you might find the best developers at the best rates.

Second, I would like to comment on the work of RongDesign. When you first came to this site, I thought to myself "ya right like he know what he is doing". You stated that nobody took you seriously because of your age. I think I even went to what I thought was your website, but I believe I typed in an extra letter in the address bar. The website that came up was under construction and was lacking. Later I came back and had noticed you had posted more, and were getting a good response. Being as that you are competition, I went back to your website, this time clicking on the link in your profile. After I visited you website I thought to myself "ya right like I know what I am talking about", as you work is outstanding! I do not like to admit this as you are competition to me, but I would be a fool not to. I am sure that your business will do quite well now and in the future, and your marketing approach to prelude your work with "no one takes me seriously because I am to young" was ingenius.

Welcome to the community RongDesign and the person that posted this.

RongDesign,

Thank you for your kind words as well. I would have to say that I would much appreciate the opportunity to work with you on any project, and would feel honored as well.

Guys overall good feedback. One thing I would recommend is using Ruby on Rails to develop this app assuming you are wanting a web based app. You can go enterprise or a watered down version of itunes depending on your budget. Also, don't forget to get yourself a nice dedicated server with lots of bandwidth because you are going to need it. Another thing I would ask for is a flowchart from the developer (they will most likely charge you for the flowchart and then comp it when you sign up with them) either way it is worth it. In conjuction to the flowchart they should also give you a SWOT analysis so you know what can go happen.

In my mind here is what you need:

Interactive Web Interface
Database (mysql)
Custom Upload Tool (so that you can upload the mp3 files without using FTP client -- this is one more reason why you will need a dedicated server)
Music Management Admin (to manage uploaded files)
User Management Interface ( create, add, modify, remove, disable, allow/restrict access to certain categories)
Widget that can be embedded into a web site
Security so that your apps does not get easily hacked.

I sure there are more things you can do here.

I hope this helps.

Mike

No I don't believe the other poster was referring to using iTunes he was saying something with similar interface and functionality as iTunes. That other site you mentioned IMEEM uses a large database, XML, flash media players, and other scripting code to distribute and collect data between users and the system. Are you looking to literally clone this site for your subscriber base or was there something specific on this site that you were particularly interested in using? You mentioned music specifically so is it safe to presume you are not interested in video distribution? Are your end users the stores themselves or the shoppers at the stores? Have you developed your business plan yet as some of the information you would have written up in there would be good to know to fully scope out what your project would need and some best practices in getting the results needed.

Greetings

I would never take a project of that magnitude and bid it out on a Freelance Website. Never. The majority of projects posted on those Websites never get done right the first time. Taking something like that to the lowest bidder and assuming (evil word) that they know how to build it is a mistake that many make. A lot of people on there are trying to get paid to learn and will post experience that they simply do not have. By the time you figure all this out you will have probably paid (at least something) for it and you will end up paying for it again.

If you are serious about what you are doing then you want to find an experienced development company that you can truly rely on to do the development. Basically, what you need to do is start interviewing development companies.

Before you do that, you want to sit down and iron out all the details of the project from A to Z. Envision the home page and all the links (i.e. features) you need to have. Then describe what each section is supposed to do. Don't forget about behind the scenes things such as how you would like to manage members and your music from a private admin section.

Then you can start to approach some development firms about getting a quote. This will also help you to find someone you are comfortable working with. You also would want to find a company who has done media applications before. Although, the details right now are brief and how involved this will get is up in the air. But it sounds like it will be rather involved.

I hope you take this in to consideration and good luck with your business.

Rob

My vote also goes to Elance.com and Guru.com. There are plenty of good companies as well as freelancers waiting to make a cut for your project. But be careful at the same as finding a quality provider is important even if it costs a little more. Take a look at feedback reviews and you will know whom to trust!