The Numbers 

Where does the money go?

A good place to start is to reflect on the basic architecture of the solution.

Think of this as a house, with a:

You get the picture  - with our rough metaphors- all of this is to be considered in the design, and the Architect decides what goes where and then how it all hangs together. Researchers research, Developers develop....

This is where the money goes in the MVP:

Some suggestions from AI (ChatGPT - We don't know enough yet to validate all of this, and different AI systems have a different perspective (just like people!))

For a mobile app targeting a diverse global audience of entrepreneurs, I recommend the following:

1. Platform: Develop the app for both iOS and Android platforms to reach a wider user base. This ensures accessibility to users regardless of their device preferences.

2. Level of Operating System: Aim for compatibility with moderately recent versions of operating systems to balance accessibility with functionality. Supporting Android versions 6.0 (Marshmallow) and above, as well as iOS versions 11 and above, would cover a significant portion of smartphone users globally while still providing access to essential features and security updates.

3. Architecture: Opt for a scalable and flexible architecture that accommodates future growth and feature enhancements. Consider a modular architecture such as Model-View-ViewModel (MVVM) or Model-View-Controller (MVC) to separate concerns and facilitate easier maintenance and updates. Implementing a RESTful API backend allows for seamless integration with external services and future expansion.

4. Cross-Platform Development: Consider using cross-platform development frameworks like React Native or Flutter to streamline development and maintenance efforts while ensuring consistent user experience across platforms. This approach can help reduce development time and costs while maximizing code reuse.

5. Cloud-Based Infrastructure: Leverage cloud services such as AWS (Amazon Web Services) or Google Cloud Platform for hosting the backend infrastructure. Cloud-based solutions offer scalability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, ensuring optimal performance even during periods of high traffic.

6. Offline Support: Implement offline support where possible, especially for regions with unreliable internet connectivity. Utilize local caching and data synchronization mechanisms to ensure users can access essential content and features even without a stable internet connection.

7. Security and Privacy: Prioritize security measures such as data encryption, user authentication, and secure communication protocols to safeguard user data and privacy. Compliance with relevant data protection regulations such as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) is essential to earn user trust and maintain compliance.

By considering these recommendations, you can develop a robust and user-friendly mobile app that effectively serves the needs of entrepreneurs worldwide while ensuring scalability, security, and cross-platform compatibility.

Order of Magnitude Costing from Gemini AI

Here's a breakdown of the estimated costs (in USD) for Discovery, Design, Development, and Deployment of a basic Android app for small businesses in 2024, considering the functionalities mentioned:

Discovery (up to $5,000):

Design (up to $15,000):

Development (up to $50,000):

Deployment (up to $5,000):

Total Estimated Cost: $70,000 (This is a rough estimate and the actual cost can vary depending on several factors)

Factors Affecting Cost:

Tips for Managing Costs:

Remember: This is a basic estimate. For a more accurate picture, it's recommended to discuss your specific needs with a qualified app development professional.


Order of Magnitude Timeline from Gemini AI

The order of magnitude timeline for an Android app with the functionalities you described could be around 3-6 months. This is again, a rough estimate and can vary depending on the factors mentioned previously. Here's a breakdown of the timeline phases:

Remember: This timeline assumes a relatively straightforward development process with a dedicated development team. Here are some ways to potentially shorten the timeline:

Conversely, the timeline could be extended by:

By clearly defining the features, having a solid plan, and choosing the right development approach, you can optimize the timeline for your project.


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