At first, it wasn’t in our mind to outsource our web application. But it comes to a point where outsourcing can be beneficial. For us, it can save time and money with full use of expertise around the world in the long run. Not everything should be outsourced, though. It’s too risky. In fact, to outsource is to risk-share, to lower cost, to increase localised-productivity and efficiency. This is my understanding. For us, outsourcing is a whole new field that requires just the right amount of salt. Theory without practise is nothing. When I hit the dead end (sort of) last year, I started to get out there and talk to people. Get advice, making sure that we are hitting the right track. Observe mailling lists, do readings, and ask questions. No matter how stupid it may seem to others. After all, does it really matter whether I get laughed at for my courage to seek understanding/knowledge? It doesn’t. What matters is creating a system that’s highly usable and acceptable for people. People who wish to enjoy music wherever they are and willing to share to whomever they wish.

Before embarking on the outsourcing journey, we attempt to systematically assess the risk involved, known as Application Portfolio Management/Analysis. This is something new to me, until recently, a friend advised us to stick it. After talking to my other friend near London, piecing all other advises, tips and tricks given, I am certain we are going on the right track, but in a random manner. Here there everywhere. Not as systematic as one would go for. The biggest advantage over this is to be able to see a very clear picture.

We are not entirely moving in the wrong direction in making sure the solidness and robustness of the web application. At least 70% on the right way. This is what I’m glad about. So lots of fixing and organisation needed over the weeks to come. Nevertheless, this is surprisingly good, especially coming from a person who has never studied any engineering courses or computer science related courses, but only have taken pieces here and there ever since the inception of our idea.

We are moving forward. In terms of speed, it is much slower than what a team of 2 or more people can do. I am only one person, with friends around the world to hear me out whenever possible, and the resources that Google bestowed itself with. The target is this year end, where MuSMo will illustrate the basics of our services. The main issues now are, 1) will I be able to completely design a proper, robust and flexible/scalable system that can sustain for at least 2 years? 2) will time and money be a major factor in how we proceed in our venture? 3) and lastly, will I be able to forge a group of people to make this dream come true? We know that money can solve all these problems very easily. But then I would lose the sense of achievement and knowledge through understanding.

Outsourcing a challenge to MuSMo? Sure thing. Time is against me. Finance is limited, but sufficient. So are resources to build this web application. Confidence level? Stays, 100%. Why? Time will tell.