The Interview – All Data & Facts
Today in an interview with the project founders of APOOS.
Quelle: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/evTiGO_eVIg?rel=0
What is or what should be APOOS?
The long-term goal is to create the first democratic fairtrade community with utility value and self-determined privacy with APOOS. APOOS starts where other projects have often reached their conceptual limits.
Use all options on APOOS with just one login!
The possibilities of APOOS include:
- Community with self-determined privacy and even across groups and divisions.
- Free basic membership – thanks to a broad concept -.
- Become a member in perhaps one of the most exclusive online communities in the world (Paid Club membership around EUR 30,000, -).
- Use sophisticated visibility.
- Introduce products, dealers and projects.
- Networks with self-determined contact paths and even offline reference.
- Know where your data stays.
- Safety through more activity.
- Set up support projects and find supporters.
- Use Cloud advantages in a targeted manner.
- Find jobs, employees and life partners.
- Plan trips & discover tours.
- Manage your own content clearly and centrally.
- Find „real“ friends and sellers.
- Special blogs for special groups.
- Publishers & Journalists can offer articles and subscriptions.
- Selling optimally and sure.
- Use synergy effects of community and marketplaces.
- Build distribution networks and manage products.
- Use information management between customers and service providers.
- Offer or book a hotel, apartment, cabin or sleeping place.
- Use fraud prevention when trading in the marketplaces.
- Create your own shopping guide (regional, according to topics or keywords).
- Use professional search functions in the marketplaces for vehicles, partner search, real estate, jobs and more.
- Reach exclusive markets and contacts at home and abroad.
- Internal mail system with auto-text function
- In conjunction with the cloud = link in the calendar to documents
- Save searches in marketplaces
- Share blog posts on other networks (if you’re sure!)
- „Buy function“, members can make limited bids.
- Device Authorization
- Identification service (possibly use later for online administrative procedures)
- Club Suplier: product configurator (subject to change)
- Club can create up to 100 private POI, projects or products. (For example, product presentations for your own group are possible.)
- Multilingual: German, English & Spanish.
- and much more.
When did you have the idea for APOOS?
The basic idea for APOOS came to me in the year 2003. In the course of two development starts and in the time after that, the project idea was developed bit by bit.
„Development starts“, what you mean by that?
I have launched two attempts to develop the concept of APOOS. The first time in the years 2008 and 2009. The second attempt lasted from 2011 to 2017. At that time the scope of the project was less extensive.
Who should implement the project then and who financed it?
At the first attempt, I had commissioned a small agency, which had its headquarters near Mannheim. In the second attempt a larger company from Ahmedabad in India. The cost I each carried himself. For the second attempt, I even sold my car and invested my savings.
Why were the first two attempts unsuccessful?
In the first attempt, the agency was overwhelmed. You could not deliver what you had previously sold full-bodied.
At the second attempt, there were a number of factors. The most important points should have been the comprehension and the mentality. But also the choice of the content management system Typo3, proved in the course of the time as less good decision.
Two attempts! Is it possible to complete APOOS?
Of course it would be nice if the project was already on the market. Imagine if we had been on the market already in 2003. However, just these two attempts have provided the basics that we need now for the successful third attempt.
All in all, I spent six years working intensively with APOOS. Especially in the second attempt, I learned a lot, what we will do better at the final start. This concerns in particular the points understanding, comprehension and the technical project basis. If these points are secured, I will take care of that, I am convinced of a successful development.
Is the APOOS concept even contemporary?
In the last 15 years, a lot has changed in terms of design and technology. With respect to these points, some optimizations have been made over time.
In 2017 I revised the whole concept again. It should now be ahead of its time again. The Internet has developed rapidly in recent years, but this development has also posed problems.
We will pick this up in the current concept. These include e.g.
– new mechanisms for networking,
– customer communication,
– Fraud prevention in online commerce or
– the fulfillment of mandatory information for members in the community area.
Who are you and what are you doing?
My name is Börge-H. Spröde, I live in Buxtehude near Hamburg in Germany and have been self-employed since 2004. The focus of my self-employment is the operation and development of internet and corporate projects. I am the founder of APOOS.
Did you have to do with the Internet even before you started your own business?
Since the mid-90s, I have been intensively involved with the Internet and even before that with the BTX system. So around 1996, I even sought a cooperation with the Apple company, Apple should provide computers and I wanted to run an online magazine. In 1997, I already sent my first applications by e-mail, unfortunately with moderate success. 97% of all companies informed me that they do not accept online applications. At the beginning of 2000 years, I created my first internet pages and gained more and more knowledge (such as HTML, CSS, SEO) in this area. In 2001, I created the first real estate exchange for a real estate agent.
What distinguishes APOOS from other community sites or marketplaces?
APOOS is not just one or the other. APOOS is a combination. So we not only offer that best of both worlds, but use synergy effects. With only one profile, members can use all areas and provide data.
So privacy is self-determined at APOOS. Say each member decides which of his data is visible. This does not just apply to one group, but to all areas. Furthermore, the link with the profile can be specified. The only exception is comments, here you stay visible.
The marketplaces of the platform are broad. In the main areas of real estate, dating, vehicles, jobs and „more“ almost everything finds its place. Buying and selling are in the foreground, whether container ship or bicycle. Search functions help with the search.
Products is another area. Here is the registration of products possible. Distributors can be linked to the product. APOOS thus becomes a useful business tool. A tool that supports and simplifies and does not steal time from the user.
The topic of communication is an essential part. So it will be possible through the app, e.g. to send status updates to customers, e.g. when the car has finished in the workshop or the ordered goods have arrived at the dealer. For this both have to be only members of APOOS.
Also POIs and projects can be created. Aid projects should also be free of charge in the „Streets of APOOS“ can be set.
There are further development steps. These include the cloud and the possibility to book accommodations. The points account, with which users can book additional services, could later serve as their own currency for the marketplaces.
A platform like APOOS will not even be completed and will stay that way for 30 years, but will change over the decades. Who could decide better about the future than the users themselves? Thus, participation should become part of APOOS in the long term.
Which user groups is APOOS aimed at?
APOOS is a broad concept and therefore appeals to many user groups. In addition to private individuals and companies, these include wealthy people.
Small and medium-sized companies would like to offer a legally compliant platform. The possibility to deposit necessary mandatory information should be a matter of course.
The issue of data protection has just been widely discussed in the press. What do you think about this discussion?
Making people aware of privacy is a good thing. The extent of this discussion amazed me. The marketing programs – such as the Post, Facebook or LinkedIn – have been on the market for years. The scope should therefore not be surprising.
Hardly anyone gives away something! For example, if a company is based in the US, it does not earn any other income and only lives on advertising. Should it surprise a user not if his data are commercially exploited.
That’s why the concept of APOOS is so broad. The concept for an internet platform is essential for the overall success. That’s why we’re proud of the club, the cloud and other additional services.
Of course it is also a question of responsibility. As a Hanseatic merchant, I think it is wrong to pass on data entrusted to me to third parties.
How important is the development of APOOS?
I’ve spent a lot of work on this concept over the past decade. Personally, I’m really looking forward to the completion.
But APOOS is much more than „just“ a platform. APOOS is important for a fair and free internet. It is important to show that it is about the users and not about making their data money. Users should have more rights in the online space and APOOS will stand for that. I therefore like to call it a Fairtrade Community with utility.
Once completed, APOOS will be an important tool for many users. A tool that should not steal time. Support the user in the tasks, that’s what it’s about.
Why fairtrade, why crowdfunding and not the classic investor search?
Fairtrade means treating the user fairly. This includes on the one hand a fair pricing. On the other hand, the self-determined privacy.
Interest rates have been less attractive in recent years. Projects from the IT sector thus receive a lot of attention. The search for investors does not pose a hurdle.
Nevertheless, we have decided against the search for investors. There are two reasons. Privacy and fair pricing. The profit maximization does not fit into the concept here.
Independence is a cornerstone of APOOS.
There should also be a club of millionaires, what is it and how does that fit in with fairtrade?
There will be two premium memberships for wealthy people, that’s right. The club membership for private members as a club member and for commercial members as a club supplier. A „Club Member“ pays around EUR 30,000, -, a „Club Supplier“ pays around EUR 15,000, -.
The club will probably be one of the most exclusive online clubs in the world. Club contributions are intended to cover operating costs. As a club member you can use a separate visibility group. Thus, the sale of expensive goods in an elite group is possible.
Fairtrade is the project because both memberships benefit. The club by a separate group. The other members through the high contributions. Search functions complete the picture for both groups.
What will membership cost APOOS?
The basic membership will be free of charge. The same applies to the setting of most contents. There will be a charge for additional services. If you book a chargeable cloud, you can partially save on additional services.
There are services which generate greater costs for the provider than others, we will try to provide these services e.g. keep it in a fair balance with the help of the cloud and the club.
How precise is the calculation of capital and the timing?
The capital calculation is based on realistic figures. The relatively high sum is due to two factors. On the one hand, we have many utilities. Another factor is the high hourly wages in the IT sector. The demand has risen sharply in recent years, the same hourly rates.
The size of the project is huge and therefore has the biggest impact on costs. That is why we will be dynamic in the development. The development can take up to 4 years. For the calculation we used the following factors:
– the years of development 2011 to 2017,
– current estimates
– Updated functionality
– Number of team members
Theoretically you could increase the number of developers significantly, but this is not recommended. Just think of the saying: „Many cooks spoil the mush.“ A systematic approach is necessary for the success of the project and this in turn requires a manageable team and time.
Wie wird APOOS später die Betriebskosten finanzieren?
The operating costs should be covered by the following services:
– Premium memberships,
– Chargeable additional services
– Cloud
The topic of advertising will at least initially play a role. However, the exclusion of advertising will be chargeable and pave the way for the future.
Is APOOS betters than Facebook?
Facebook is a community that generates profits through advertising.
APOOS offers its members a great deal of utility, e.g. through the marketplaces or the cloud. The concept with the club, the cloud and the additional services, makes us independent of advertising.
So here we are talking about different concepts.
Which does APOOS mean?
APOOS mean All People On One Site.
The P could also stand for products and projects.
What else would you like to share with our readers?
There are a variety of reasons to support this innovative and for the Internet important project. Even after about 12 years – with tears and sweat – this project is still very important to me.
Do you want to:
– show the big commercial out there, that it is better and fairer?
– self-determined privacy?
– more fraud prevention?
– a login for all possibilities on APOOS?
– create fair alternatives?
– use new premium memberships?
– support a free internet?
– better networks?
– Build distribution networks
– create new opportunities?
– and much more …
Then you support the APOOS Crowdfunding. Please share this project with all your friends, acquaintances and business contacts.
I thank all supporters!
Start No. 2 from 2011 to 2017
After failure of the first development start from 2008 – 2009, I decided in 2010 to go again on agency search. Now even more critical than before.
The search.
The search turned out – as in the past – difficult, that interest in larger contracts with agencies in Germany was very reserved. So I decided to turn my gaze abroad. Under the heading „Offshore Software Development“ I came across the company DRC Systems from Ahmedabad in India.
Software development from India
Although I had already proposed a CMS (Content Management System) in the first development start, I was advised against it in 2008. In 2011, the CMS Typo3 was on everyone’s lips and therefore it was also good that the mentioned software company was or should be a specialist for Typo3.
Credentials
The Indian agency had called me reference projects. These projects were not perfect, but they had already done a lot of work.
Team
At the time, the company probably had about 50 employees and so I was able to offer a whole team right away. These included project leaders, team leaders, senior developers, and someone who was supposed to oversee the quality. The whole thing made a professional impression until then.
Specifications booklet
At the first attempt in 2008 we had a very short specification booklet. However, this turned out later as a mistake.
In 2010, I prepared a detailed list of functions for the request. Over a period of several months, I created just over 180 pages.
The agency from India checked the function list very precisely. After that I received an offer. After examination, we concluded a 200-page contract.
Project data
Project start: 15th January 2011
Project target date: 30th August 2011
Latest target date: 30. November 2011
In about 7 months, the project was to be developed on the basis of Typo3.
Project history 2011 – 2017
When it finally started – in the second attempt – I was excited and was happy that the dream APOOS would finally be realized. Punctually and highly motivated, the developers started with the first work.
Unfortunately, it soon turned out that the concept had not been understood. So everything was implemented cheerfully, what you saw on screens. Unfortunately, this only referred to the design and not to the features. Furthermore, hardly any relation between functional description and screen was made.
After I placed the order, I thought I could focus on other things. Unfortunately, the developers from India did not work without detailed screens. The project manager hardly cared. The team leader was busy with other projects and therefore had too little time for APOOS. So I should make screens that the developers can work on.
Screens
At this time, I originally wanted to expand other projects. Now, however, screens had to be created. What you do not do everything for the fulfillment of a dream. I created more than 60 lists, all with screens and explanations. Altogether it was about 400 pages and hundreds of screens.
The work dragged on and we were fast in 2012. So we had an overview of the work progress, there were on each list fields for „done“ and „not done“.
Quality
Despite this extensive support, there were problems. So I got lists back, in which are 100% Dones stood. Initially, however, 70-90% of all „Dones“ were not done.
It’s like that the Indian developers always wrote „Done“ if they did not understand it. When I wrote back „not done“ I often heard „Not understand“ despite screens and a detailed description are there. Partly I am desperate about the poor comprehension.
The lists were sent back and forth a number of times. For a small function with two buttons, I had to write four times until the button finally had all four functional states. So even little things became a very intense work unit.
Almost finished
After two to three years, the project should finally be completed. Reason enough to test the functions on the development server. Unfortunately, I realized that many features were not working. Even the user registration was incorrect.
In the development time there were different personnel changes. So I had the hope that everything had gotten better. I asked the current team leader if everything was tested and if the registration would work. He confirmed this, although it did not work. In addition to the numerous bugs, the system had been implemented on Typo3 version 4. At this time, however, there were no more security updates and a new version was already on the market.
Again from the beginning
Unfortunately, I realized that the project was not executable. One problem was the mutual overwriting of content. The admin area was almost completely missing.
But everything should get better. All the bugs should be repaired. Typo3 be updated to the current version. This process should be completed in a few months.
After about a year, at least the upgrade to the newer Typo3 version should have been finished. The further development was continued on a Github, which I could not see. This is how progress has been made in 2016, but they have not been uploaded to the development server. I was always put off.
The End.
After several requests to deliver the project, there was no response. Finally, one developer told me that the work was discontinued in early 2017.
A sad result after spending around 4,000 to 5,000 hours of my time and the money I invested here. Since I feared this in late 2016, this result was not completely surprising, the disappointment was still great.
Start No. 1 in 2008
Expert search
Despite my experience in the internet, I wanted to be a professional for this big project. An expert who knows about big projects. However, the search in 2007/2008 was difficult, most agencies do not answer my question.
The Expert
At the end I found an agency near Mannheim in Germany. A true expert, he also had a database specialist on hand via his network. He was optimally suited for the project and otherwise he was able to sell himself excellently.
Projectstart No. 1
In April 2008, the agency manager convinced me and a contract came about. Due to my budget, not all wishes in the contract, but a good base.
Project start: April 14th, 2008
Planned completion: August 31st, 2008
The first weeks after the start of the project did not happen for a while. Always small snacks, but nothing essential. In mid-August 2008, one e-mail after another came with news.
No timely delivery
Then, however, quickly followed the information that the project could not be completed by the end of August. In October 2008 we talked about extensions. In January 2009, the database specialist came in for the first time, I doubted if it would even exist.
On 17th March 2009, the project – as of February 2009 – should now be completed. However, it was not finished again. In July 2009, finally presented a version that did not even match the contractually agreed performance. The matter dragged on for months, ultimately, the agency could not provide the agreed performance and the project was canceled.
The idea | history
On the history of the original idea of APOOS. In 2003, I was traveling more often and became more and more concerned with the subject of websites. The proportion of sophisticated websites was rather low on the market and usually limited to one topic.
The Problem
With the keyword Shopping, Dating or Community you will usually come up with a website. This website then specializes in a topic. That means for the user the more functions he would like to use on the Internet, the more accounts he must create. This has several disadvantages:
- It’s a lot of work.
- Many different providers have my data.
- Need to remember multiple passwords and logins.
- The seriousness of the providers and the quality (including security aspects) of the websites is mostly unknown to me before.
The solution
My approach is the following. On the one hand to offer all important functions on one platform. On the other hand, they also have to be combined. The whole should then be controlled with a profile. A user only needs one profile. Through the Privacy Center, the member determines in which area his data is visible. Creating this platform as a community provides additional benefits.
- A login and yet professional tools in all areas.
- Sell everything in one place, from the plane to the real estate to the bike and thus at the same time find more interested parties and achieve better prices.
- With an active social media profile, there will be less scams than with any X login.
- Providing a profile to all areas without having to re-enter their data is user-friendly.
- Comparable tools ensure a good orientation in all areas.
I am particularly proud of the idea of the „data protection center„. Here the user can determine which of his data, in which areas are visible. That is self-determined privacy pure. In addition, the linking of the profile can be saved. In addition to the areas, there are also user groups.
In „My Home„, the user should be offered the opportunity to clearly adjust all areas of the project. Personally, I find it terrible to have to search long before finding the right attitude. Here one recognizes the interest of the offerers, that users might not even find or switch off certain functions.
The Name.
Originally the project should not be called „APOOS“ but „WeOn7“. The name „Weon7“ was based on the fact that users of the platform live on 7 continents (Antarctica, North America, South America, Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia).
After the first development start, this name was replaced by APOOS.
APOOS comes from the English and stands for:
All People On One Site
People could also be replaced by Products or Projects.
The development of the concept
In addition to the marketplaces, various „books“ were in discussion at that time.
Streetbook
The streetbook should be basically a collection of house views. Each member takes a photo of his house and so you should in the Streetbook digital whole streets can watch.
Google then perfected this principle later than Google Street View and put it on the market.
Numbers-Book
The Numbers Book was once designed as a member book or business directory.
Both the Numbers Book and the Street Book have become the streets of APOOS (English: Streets of APOOS) over time. This is a more modern concept with POIs, real estate and projects pursued.
Video-Book
The video book should give users the opportunity to upload and watch videos. Since – until my second development start in 2011 – the YouTube brand has already perfected this concept and spread very quickly, I later rejected this idea.
Crime-Book
At the first attempt in 2008, I thought about creating a crime book. Crime and missing persons should be introduced in this area.
To speed up investigation work through a community, I found a good idea. I tried the police Hamburg to win for the project. Unfortunately, you did not realize the potential of a community:
„Thank you very much for your inquiry, but unfortunately I have to inform you that the Hamburg police are not interested in your offer, because we have been publishing our search requests on the Internet for years.“ Thank you very much. „(free translation!)
Difficulties in the first development start and the negative attitude of the police Hamburg. These points led to the rejection of the concept for the crime book. Instead, in the course of conception, I have put more and more emphasis on fraud prevention. Talk about ways to keep scams to a minimum.
For Weon7 and APOOS, I launched two development launches in 2008 and 2011. For details on this you in the corresponding posts in this blog. The concept was just revised again in 2017 and now takes up current problem solutions and innovations.