Contracting out an API - comments on the spec, or even a bid?

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-OQrDRvoHk-fX0Yc9NJ_Os9y9wbxK_W2-jMXAKbFCRg/edit?hl=en_US

by andrewljohnson • 15 years ago

15 11 15 years ago

docs.google.com

tgrisfal• 15 years ago

* Use KML or other existing standards.

* You get what you pay for.

andrewljohnson3• 15 years ago

The track files will be stored in the flat file format we use within the app. The server won't really do anything with them besides ferry them around.

We do have client code that converts those files to GPX though, because we do data exports.

simonhamp• 15 years ago

First you have to tell us your budget! You should always have a budget. But also be prepared to stretch that budget

Otherwise, the spec is pretty well written. Some of the finer details will probably come out as the project progresses, but this is a good starting point :)

andrewljohnson3• 15 years ago

I think you should always have a budget, but that it is probably unwise to reveal that budget.

I certainly don't expect to pay a few hundred bucks for this. The spec is clear, and I'll accept a reasonable bid, either for the project or at an hourly rate with an estimate.

ErikHuisman• 15 years ago

So basically only one user can login per UUID? There are no means of unregistering the device? A user can log in on multiple devices but can't logout. Also store the APNS key @ device_register you might wan't to sent pushes in the future. Put password in basic auth and use ssl (at minumum)..

andrewljohnson3• 15 years ago

Yes, one user per UDID for now. If you want to unregister a device, you can email me, and if we get multiple requests, we'll code a solution.

Storing APNS sounds like a good idea.

As for security, I am ok that this would be susceptible to a wifi sniffer. We will note that it is insecure for users, but they won't care. If we get a bid that implements security, we'll consider it, but I'd rather have it work than be secure.

AretNCarlsen• 15 years ago

> We will note that it is insecure for users, but they won't care. ... I'd rather have it work than be secure.

I would have an easier yet more profitable life if I could manage to adopt that attitude for my projects.

wccrawford• 15 years ago

You might be better off having 2 people, one to make your web API and 1 to handle the 'backup' portion of it. One is programming and 1 is systems work, and it can be difficult to find 1 person that does both well, and it affordable.

dools2• 15 years ago

I can't find the link or remember the name of the service, but a few days ago I saw a website for a company that allows you to easily create a "cloud backend" for your mobile application.

I've tried every search term I can think of but can't find it. Maybe someone else has seen it?

bdb• 15 years ago

There have been two mentioned on HN recently: zStack and StackMob (the latter is run by a friend and former coworker of mine.)

Ironically, zStack has the OP listed as their only reference customer. Er, guess that's not working out so well?

dools2• 15 years ago

HA! Yes zStack was it. I only know now because I just received an invite to zStack (now called Parse) - then I returned here to see if I could still tell the OP about it, I guess they already know ;)

Contracting out an API - comments on the spec, or even a bid?

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