I need help from PHP land. I've just completed an open source work
order management system in PHP on Linux (RH9). I plan to use an Apache
license, which was recommended by a friend, so that I can make a free,
open source version, and a proprietary, charge-only version. It'll
sort of be like when you purchase Linux from a vendor that provides a
printed manual, tech support, CDRs, etc., but could just as well go to
the website to download the thing without paying.
Currently this project is PHP/MySQL based, but because of license
issues, I plan to release it as a PHP/PostgreSQL version, which I
expect will require some minor recoding before it is released.
I've picked through my project schedule and need to research the
following things. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
* Create install script(s) in Bash, Perl, or Python/GTK, to install a
PHP website and PostgreSQL database on RH8 or RH9. (1 week)
* Copyright it. (? -- 3 weeks?) I think it's as simple as filling out
the USA paperwork and sending it in, then waiting for my piece of
paper.
* Trademark the name. (? -- 3-4 weeks?) I think it's very simple
paperwork. I'm not going to use lawyers on this one, and I'm not going
to patent this software -- software patents create a non-creative work
environment and stifle programmer productivity.
* Apply for Apache license (if application is necessary). Never done
this before. (1 week?)
* Post it to SourceForge and/or Apache website. Never done this before
-- don't have a clue. (2 days?)
* Consider tech support and consulting options for commercial version.
(1 week) Initially I may do this via third-party unless this software
becomes a runaway hit.
* Get packaged product shrinkwrapped or boxed? (? don't know how long)
* Research latest affordable, easy, transaction-based eCommerce
solutions. (1 week?)
* Connect site to Google Adwords and other low-cost marketing avenues.
(3 hours)
* Call up third-party Federal contractors to see if they want to use
my product on a contract bid -- allowing me to undercut the GSA
schedule requirement for my product. (1 week?)
