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Software Eats Software Development as Andreessen Invests $10M in App Outsourcer

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Re: Software Eats Software Development as Andreessen Invests $10M in App Outsourcer

#41

Post by seren »

onewaystreet wrote: post #32

The real problems with this idea (which isn't new) come after a project has been delivered: It looks nice but you find a bug. What now? What's the turnaround time for getting that bug fixed? What's the cost? What about adding new features? What about scaling? And if you ever want to hire your own developers they have to learn a codebase that you yourself don't even understand.

It is better suited for "throw away" app, for example, something linked to an event or conference. Or maybe a brick & mortar business that wants a very basic app, e.g. a bakery wants an easy way to take cakes order. It is not targeted to people who want to build a long lasting business primarily based on the app.

Re: Software Eats Software Development as Andreessen Invests $10M in App Outsourcer

#42

Post by vvvv »

jacquesm wrote: post #26
aidos wrote: post #22

Earlier quoted context omitted.

More automation more of the time! The world needs to focus on how we collectively become more efficient while working less / relaxing more. Having said that, I think automation of software development has a long way to go before it's particularly effective. Though it's certainly going to be an interesting space to watch. It's somehow weird to imagine a future in which we disrupt ourselves.

All those working on AI are effectively working very hard to put themselves out of business, it's a funny version of poetic justice.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_series

Re: Software Eats Software Development as Andreessen Invests $10M in App Outsourcer

#43

Post by derrickdirge »

reedlaw wrote: post #33
codeshaman wrote: post #8

I'm afraid this is a glimpse into the not so distant future where software developers are next in line after taxi and truck drivers - uncertain if their skills will be required in a decade from now. That is compound by the millions of youngsters who grew up with computers, have unlimited access to unlimited teaching materials and are entering the workforce each year.. The demand for software may be growing (although…

> The company finds top-notch freelance developers, designers, and project managers with pedigrees from MIT, CalTech, Google, and Stripe, and only accepts 5% of applicants. The AI engine makes a price quote and comes up with the production schedule. Those are two things I'd gladly hand off to AI. Quality engineers will still be in demand.

It would be great if I could get it to write the specs and docs as well.

Re: Software Eats Software Development as Andreessen Invests $10M in App Outsourcer

#44

Post by joeyspn »

onewaystreet wrote: post #32

The real problems with this idea (which isn't new) come after a project has been delivered: It looks nice but you find a bug. What now? What's the turnaround time for getting that bug fixed? What's the cost? What about adding new features? What about scaling? And if you ever want to hire your own developers they have to learn a codebase that you yourself don't even understand.

Exactly what I was thinking... what happens after project delivery? I see this site suited for small apps, or as a quick funcional beta/boilerplate generator for teams, which is not bad if you just need to test some idea in the market and/or you plan to take over the development.

Re: Software Eats Software Development as Andreessen Invests $10M in App Outsourcer

#46

Post by marcosdumay »

kyllo wrote: post #27

Send Gigster your app idea and it sends you back that app. So you don't have to talk to developers and they know exactly what you want from your written description of your idea? What could possibly go wrong?

It also farms the code around a bunch of non-communicating developers. No, problems on the horizon, keep running towards that iceberg.

Re: Software Eats Software Development as Andreessen Invests $10M in App Outsourcer

#47

Post by scotty79 »

brianbreslin wrote: post #4

Can someone explain how their AI produces even remotely accurate quotes? Also what is the price range of these projects?

I can see no reason why asking developers (or whomever) would get any better estimates than AI does. Trick is that quotes are rarely ever even remotely accurate. You could probably get better estimates from written description with random number generator if tuned properly.

Re: Software Eats Software Development as Andreessen Invests $10M in App Outsourcer

#48

Post by iofj »

ianstallings wrote: post #14

If I was younger, and cheaper, I'd consider working as a freelancer with these guys. Seems like a possible way to funnel in work while offloading a lot of the PM responsibilities. I will say one thing though - fixed pricing on projects is tricky. I would be interested to see how they set and meet expectations, while also not charging for overages. It seems like the developer might have to be the one to eat the costs…

Exactly, a lot of the freelancer workplaces used to work like this. Vworker.com comes to mind, but there's a lot of others.

Arguing about work not done was a major hassle.

Re: Software Eats Software Development as Andreessen Invests $10M in App Outsourcer

#49

Post by braythwayt »

seren wrote: post #41
onewaystreet wrote: post #32

The real problems with this idea (which isn't new) come after a project has been delivered: It looks nice but you find a bug. What now? What's the turnaround time for getting that bug fixed? What's the cost? What about adding new features? What about scaling? And if you ever want to hire your own developers they have to learn a codebase that you yourself don't even understand.

It is better suited for "throw away" app, for example, something linked to an event or conference. Or maybe a brick & mortar business that wants a very basic app, e.g. a bakery wants an easy way to take cakes order. It is not targeted to people who want to build a long lasting business primarily based on the app.

> It is not targeted to people who want to build a long lasting business primarily based on the app.

This is a vast oversimplification, but the general idea in business is to _identify your core value and make that your core competency_.

Whether the rest of the business can be outsourced, or staffed by a low-paid expendable grunts, or downloaded onto your vendors, is a question of tactics.

If we buy that general idea, we buy that some businesses may have software, but its not their core value proposition, and therefore that it’s ok to outsource it.

(I once met two founders who wanted to do a daily deal type business with high-end fashion items. I know nothing about this business, but I recall they were adamant that their “secret sauce” was sourcing the product to sell, not selling it. Thus, they were talking to consultants about building their deals site for them.)

Re: Software Eats Software Development as Andreessen Invests $10M in App Outsourcer

#50

Post by bmj »

kyllo wrote: post #27

Send Gigster your app idea and it sends you back that app. So you don't have to talk to developers and they know exactly what you want from your written description of your idea? What could possibly go wrong?

Sounds like a non-technical product manager's dream....
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