Dear Julian and MCG listers,

Whilst this sounds like a generous offer, on second reading it is really a
sales-pitch and JISCMAIL rules state that you should not use these maillists
to sell products/service.

Also, for the benefit of MCG-members, it is worth pointing out the potential
implications of these types of arrangements:

- If software is being beta tested, it probably means that it potentially
has bugs; do not underestimate the amount of testing that could be required
(i.e. consumes your time); also if it is beta-testing phase, there may well
be critical errors that could stop a system from running (on the other hand,
there may not, but you have to go into this with your eyes open);

- "There's no such thing as a free lunch"; what happens after the free trial
period, what are the on-costs? Compare these with other commercially
available arrangements - there's probably not a lot of difference in costs.

- On one hand, the mail says that the system is complete, yet it also says
that beta testing and input into product design is to take place; surely
this is a little contradictary?

- A supplier will get quite a number of benefits from such a relationship -
input into the development of the product, people to test the software and
of course a reference site at the end of it. This has tangible value and
will result in more sales for them. In the private sector, I know of
organisations that have asked for commission on future sales for such an
arrangement! Even if you don't go this far, the level of Museum, Library or
Archive involvement is a negotiating point as you are providing tangible
value.

- What standards does the software support? Is it Spectrum compliant? Is the
metadata stored in a Dublin Core format? Are NOF Digitise technical
standards applying? (the best standards for web/digitisation in place
currently)

- There are plenty of content management systems out there that do similar
things - this is not unique.

- Also, most developments need some bespoke work anyway, irrespective of
whether they use packaged software.

Please understand, I am not knocking this software and the offer - it may
well be very good value and an excellent package. However potential
customers should consider some of the above before entering into such
arrangements.

Regards

Chris Meaney
Managing Director

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Harvard Consultancy Services Ltd, Bexin House, 2/3 St. Andrews Place
Southover Road, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1UP, UK
Tel: +44 (0)870 922 0337, Fax: +44 (0)1273 471929, E-Mail:
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Registered in England & Wales no. 3766540
Registered Office: 50 Harvard Close, Malling, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2EJ,
UK.


-----Original Message-----
From: Julian Jackson [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 09 July 2003 10:50
Subject: Free website design: Pilot Project Offer to MCG subscribers


Reply to:  [log in to unmask]

Free website design: Pilot Project Offer to MCG subscribers

The Pilot Project Offer from an image management company is to create a
database-driven website *for free*.  This software is very easy to use, can
be fully user-managed, and has an innovative browsing capability.  It is in
the beta-testing stage and the software company is *looking for a partner
in the libraries, museums, and art galleries sector*.

The software company is looking for a discrete collection or part of a
collection that could be fully rendered online.   They would be responsible
for implementing software, website design, management and hosting, for
free.  The partnering library, art gallery, or museum would be responsible
for scanning the digital images, creating a catalogue, keywording and meta
data, if this was not already existent.

The software company are looking for a “complete” subject of less than 500
low-resolution images – for instance the entire work of a particular artist
or a particular local collection so the finished project would be a
complete work from the point of view of both management and aesthetics.

Obviously the software company would want to continue a relationship with a
successful project partner.  In that case there would be charges – to be
negotiated – for further additions to the website, hosting, management and
technical support but the company stresses that “We can be very flexible on
these matters and fit in with whatever level of budget will be appropriate
for the end-user, depending on what services they require. ”

Benefits:
1. The pilot website is *totally free for a 6-month evaluation period*.
This means that the client organisation will avoid development costs.
After the 6-month period, if the client were satisfied with the website,
then there would be costs involved, as above, depending on the number of
images on site.
2. As this is “beta-testing” the image management software the partnering
organisation would have a unique input into the design of the product.  If
you buy off-the-shelf software this does not happen.
3. Much shorter timescale than starting a project from scratch.  As the
software is ready, there would not be the delay and debugging from
implementing a custom-coded software design.
4. The website would be more sophisticated and scaleable, being database-
driven, than a static html site.
5. Ease of browsing and access for websurfers.
6. Ease of user-management for the partnering organisation.




Further information from digital image consultant Julian Jackson, who is a
member of the Picture Research Association and has acted as a consultant to
the British Association of Picture Libraries and Agencies (BAPLA) and the
Association of Photographers (AOP).
Tel:  020 7635 9720;  Fax: 020 7277 8122; e-mail: [log in to unmask]
website: www.julianjackson.co.uk