Database: to build or buy?
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Digital strategist at Memorable Marketing
01 November 2012 19:08pm
My client is setting up an organisation aiming to introduce new ventures with venture capital/business Angels to get investment for their start ups.
I’m looking to create a database search function for the website…a ‘dating agency’ for perfect matches between investors and investees.
I imagine custom-built is the way to go but maybe there’s a customisable solution in the market? There’s no website as yet so the two will be created side by side.
What we need is a database where we can easily input investor and company info and upload on the website. Variables will include:
Country/location
Interval of how much money they are looking for
Sector
Stage of investment as in early, growth, buyout etc
Any thoughts where to start looking? Is a custom-built option best?
Thanks for any help!
CEO at Econsultancy
02 November 2012 20:47pm
Hi Sophie
Sounds like custom-built would be best. Technically what you describe sounds very easy. Usually the hard part (nor costs) isn't actually in building the db it's being clear about what you want, the design, the content, the user interface etc. So ideally I'd have a product manager type person do some wireframes and a prototype first. Then getting a developer/designer to actually build the real thing should be quite fast and inexpensive.
Strategic Solutions Specialist at Infinit Outsourcing, Inc.
15 November 2012 07:44am
I would consider doing both, Sophie. If you're going to buy a database (which is actually already set up), you wouldn't have to worry much at all. However, if you're going to build, you're gonna need to opt for custom-built (which I think is better). Doing both at the same time would give you variations and all that. I've learned everything from these people: http://www.infinit-o.com/it-outsourcing/