>Hi,
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>with so many people around here who have applications for sale I thought maybe someone could give me some guidlines as to what I should expect/cater for when I start selling my vertical market application.
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>I am anticipating between 10 and 20 clients (each with 5 to 10 users) purchasing the application in the first year. I also see the first year as being one of rapid improvement of the application as the first batch of users make requests for enhancements. Generally, I think the app should be pretty stable and don't anticipate too many support requests. After the first year I intend on seriously marketing the app regionally (I am looking at the Caribbean as my first market) and then internationally. I also do ad-hoc development for a few other clients.
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>Currently I am just one developer with one administrative assistant working for me. The Admin Asst. is quite technically inclined and is currently doing CompTIA A+ and Network+, so may be able to help out with the support initially.
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>One thing I do not want to happen is that I expand so quickly that I lose control over the quality of the software being developed or the support.
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>I anticipate remaining as is initially, then adding in a marketing person prior to market the application regionally.
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>I also think that one support person per 20 customers is a safe ratio.
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>Should I look at hiring a fulltime developer to work along side me or should I look at outsourcing as needed, or maybe finding another developer like me who will work on this project along with other projects of their own?
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>How would you structure your company with these goals in mind?
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>All input/opinions welcome.
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>Thanks.

I would first try to get an estimate on the amount of work you require. Also, I think it is not worthwhile to consider a full-time employer, unless you already have the additional work you expect to have eventually.

Outsourcing, or freelance workers, if available, would leave you with less obligagions, but if you really have much work on a permanent basis, the advantages of a fixed staff would probably outweight the disadvantages - for instance, freelance workers have less obligations towards you, and may not be available at the precise moment that you need them urgently.