WHAT I NEED:
I want to build a complete online communication application/platform for businesses and developers. The application will eventually be capable of email, voice and print delivery, but will focus initially on SMS/MMS communication. The app will be multi-language capable, but will initially be delivered in English for US-based clients. Key features include:
APPLICATION
CRM – Users can upload contacts (subscribers) and manage them. They can group contacts into lists. Contacts can opt-in via a landing page widget which can be embedded on a users’ website or social network. Contacts can opt-in by sending a text message to a keyword reserved for each client.
Templates – Users can setup text-based SMS templates with embedded user fields which are merged with data upon delivery. They can create a series of templates which are automatically sent based on time, reply received and/or specific contact data values.
Multimedia – Users can upload and store audio, video and image files to be used in MMS templates/messages.
Billing & Payment Processing – Integration with a 3rd party payment portal (Authorize.NET, PayPal or other) that manages recurring billing and communicates payment results back to the app. No credit card/EFT account info would be stored in the app.
Branding – App will be able to be branded for different partners or large enterprise level clients.
User Interface – The user interface should present data quickly with minimal data refreshing. It should be a clean design and cross browser compatible. *TBD: Writing the UI in VisualForce on the Salesforce platform.
API – The app will have a fully functioning API that will allow companies to integrate their apps with ours. Using the API a developer could directly integrate their application to use our communication engine to send messages automatically.
3rd Party Integration (TBD) – iPhone/Android apps. Integration with Salesforce, CRM and social media platforms. Integration with affiliate platforms like ClickBank and/or Commission Junction.
Technology – MySQL. Ruby on Rails, Python OR Salesforce VisualForce (TBD). Amazon cloud services.
ADMIN
An admin portal to manage clients and users, create pricing plans, manage billing, create promotions, create/manage affiliates, view/manage contacts (subscribers), manage subscriber opt-out, view message queues, etc.
MARKETING SITE
A public website that presents the app, provides pricing, allows clients/affiliates to enroll, captures prospect info, etc. Custom WordPress template preferred. SEO a priority.
WHAT I HAVE:
I have use cases for the application, a comprehensive list of features/requirements (above is a high level view), a review of competitive features/products and sample pricing packages. I have a sense of UI needs and navigation, but will need this modeled and designed as well.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
This application will involve close integration with a 3rd party text messaging platform/API to manage all message transactions (delivery, replies, billing, etc.)
SPECIFIC EXPERTISE:
Experience delivering and supporting enterprise-level solutions. Experience designing consumer oriented apps. Clean design and easy UI. Focus on app speed, data integrity, security, testing.
TIMEFRAME:
Ideally 2-3 months, but will depend on final feature set and development language selected.
