The work in the project included the analysis of the market and competitive landscape for the ClowdFlows marketplace, acquisition of user needs, identification of likely market segments, development of product offerings tailored to the identified market segments and development of financial and business models.
In scope of market analysis we conducted studies of various resources (literature, Web, software documentation) and we analysed the feedback collected from the potential stakeholders during our public dissemination and outreach events and from dedicated interviews with the relevant representatives from the industry. This resulted in the identification of potential target customer groups, possible early adopters, market size estimations and analysis of main competitors, their products and pricing models.
We separately analysed the needs of developers of software components and the end-users of software solutions by conducting anonymous questionnaires and face-to-face interviews with end users, developers and potential clients. The resulting identification of user needs and expectations for each of the targeted user segments provided guidance for the product offerings and development of financial models.
The initial product offering specification was developed by formalization of platform components from the business aspect, identification of key features and functionalities that define each item in the product offering, followed by design of the ClowdFlows marketplace product offering that suits the needs of our target users and is in line with the business model. The business and financial models were based on the analysis of resources and information gathered throughout the project. Development of the business plan, however, required various additional activities such as a study of relevant IPR issues, identification of important legal aspects and the corresponding collection and preparation of documentation, analysis of investment strategies and establishment of presence at investment events.
We also exploited opportunities for training in commercialization of research results (e.g. FET2RIN workshops) and used several opportunities to present the project, its idea and the current product to potential partners and the general public. These included the presentations, posters, paper publications and meetings at business (e.g. the EBN Congress) and academic (e.g. the ECML PKDD conference) events.
