PROJECT PROPOSAL

For

The Website Development

For PC Competitors

2nd January 2006

Submitted by: Submitted to: Scott C. Baer (PC Competitors)

Prepared by:

1. Introduction
This proposal describes the development and deployment of an eCommerce Store for PC Competitors to facilitate sales of Hardware, Software, and other related products and/or services. A detailed description of the Requirements Specification, Development Process, Cost, and Timeline are found in this document.

2. Requirements Specification
Since the requested website is an eCommerce Store, all general web store activities apply. The graphics, images and other graphical aspects of the website should be finalized before the development is initiated. The administrator of the web-store will be able to access a secure panel for carrying out administrative tasks. The tasks involve the ability to insert, update, and delete products from the catalogue. In addition, the administrator can browse through detailed information about the visitors, their purchase details, and personal information. Moreover, reports and indication of the product performance will be provided. The visitors (potential customers) will be able to browse through the products and purchase them in a logical and sequential manner. The store will be designed with non-expert Internet users in mind. Furthermore, the shopping process will be easy to use making it an enjoyable experience for the shopper. As stated, http://www.monarchpc.com will be used as a reference. It should be noted that the referenced site would only be used as a guide. This does not mean a copy of the same website will be developed. Hence, no copyright violations will be made. However, the functions and features could closely resemble the referenced site. In addition, this project also requires a secure payment gateway, as this is an eCommerce project. This payment gateway is essential for security. There are several options in establishing the customer payment gateway. This could be obtained from the hosting company, or through various companies that offer merchant accounts for credit card processing. The costs involved in obtaining a secure payment gateway are the clients (PC Competitors) responsibility. We will provide our fullest support in this aspect.

3. Development process
Usually before starting a web development project, approval of the requirements must be established. Thereafter, the development process involves Requirements Analysis, Design (Graphics & Layout), Development, Testing, and Implementation. For this project, the requirements analysis is already established in terms of the functionality. However, approval of the layout, graphics, and design are still required. Designing involves the creation of graphics for the website along with the style and look. Development involves the actual building of the website in terms of database development, programming (script writing) and integration. An important phase of the development process is testing, where the website will be tested thoroughly. Finally, the implementation will take place. This is where the website will be moved from the development server to the clients hosting server. It is at this point the project is concluded. Throughout the development process, the website will be available for review at our development server. Here, the client can review progress and conduct tests. After the testing is complete and upon the clients satisfaction, the website will be transferred and installed on the clients server (launch).

As a value added service, we will register the website with all major search engines and directories. In addition, the website will be search engines aware allowing search engines to better access the website. This is a free service that we offer.

3.1 Timeline

Timeline The above timeline briefly describes the activities to be performed along with their duration. The time duration for each activity is approximated to the nearest day. Although the project has been estimated to consume____ days, all efforts will be made to deliver at the earliest. The usual delays arise from communication. Therefore, regular communication should be established between the developers and the clients in order to expedite the process.

4. Tools and technologies

The website will be developed with a combination of tools and technologies as listed below: HTML JavaScript CSS XML (optional) PHP MySQL

The tools used in developing this website enable the site to be hosted on any server (Windows/Linux). Therefore a low cost hosting solution can be acquired. Although the tools favor more towards a Linux hosting server, it can be hosted on a Windows server as well.

5. Costing
The development cost for this project is stated as US$ /= ( ). This includes the cost of designing and developing the website with all the above-mentioned activities.

5.1 Payment methods

Payment Option 1 (2 installments) 1st Payment: % (US$ will be initiated. ) of the total to be paid in advance. As soon as payment is received, the project

2nd Payment: Balance % (US$ ) to be paid upon completion of the project. As soon as payment is received, the site will be transferred from the development server to the actual hosting server. Payment Option 2 (3 installments) 1st Payment: % (US$ will be initiated. .00) of the total to be paid in advance. As soon as payment is received, the project

2nd Payment: % (US$ .00) to be paid after the Design phase (refer 3. Development Process). The next phase will begin only after receiving this payment. 3rd Payment: $ (US$ .00) to be paid upon completion. Once payment is received the completed website will be transferred from the development server to the actual hosting server.

6. Maintenance & Support

We also offer ______________of free maintenance and support. This includes: Changing or replacing information on existing web pages Changing or replacing images on existing web pages Maintaining HTML validity, browser compatibility, java script integrity, load time efficiency, and accessibility to those with disabilities Link and spelling validation Upon expiration of the free maintenance period, maintenance agreements can be extended for a nominal fee on a monthly basis.

7. Terms and Conditions

The service provider will meet the stipulated deadline in delivering the solution. The service will be delivered in a professional and ethical manner. The provider retains the right to receive credits for the development of the website. Ownership of all source and contents will be transferred to the service buyer. The service provider is obliged to maintain regular communication with the service buyer. The service buyer must provide all information related to the development of the website to the service provider. All information provided will be kept confidential. The service buyer must respond promptly to questions raised by the service provider. Total ownership of the website will be transferred upon receiving full payments. Maintenance fees must be paid on or before the end of every month. Failure to do so will result in maintenance services to be terminated.

8. Contact Information
________________ ( Graphics Design _________________ ( Web Developer ) )